Ultimates, The Power Fantasy, Spider-Man, and the best comic books of the past week

Marvel’s Amazing Spider-Man, Image Comics’ The Power Fantasy, DC Comics’ Nightwing, and the other must-read new comic books from last week.
Terminator Zero - Photo Credits: Netflix Media Center
Terminator Zero - Photo Credits: Netflix Media Center

Last week, Ultimate Wolverine No. 11 took the top spot as the best comic book pick of the week. The recent batch of new comics published were so good that it made it difficult to pick a list and move on. But difficult doesn’t mean impossible.

With that in mind, here are all of the must-read comic books from last week.

Unbreakable X-Men

  • Writer: Gail Simone
  • Artists: Mario Santoro and C.F. Villa
  • Colors: Espen Grundetjern

The future of the X-Men may look bleak in Age of Revelation, but Gail Simone shows that, even in darkness, the X-Men will shine.

The Outliers are the future of Marvel Comics and will one day be as popular as newcomers like Miles Morales and Kamala Khan. Sure, that’s bold considering this story is in an alternate reality. However, I think seeing them in the worst possible situation proves that they’ll always be great.

The Power Fantasy No. 13

  • Writer: Kieron Gillen
  • Artist: Caspar Wijngaard

In this issue of The Power Fantasy, Kieron Gillen wrote a story about the consequences of actions that can help or hurt humanity. And despite having the power to be unstoppable, a character gave everyone a chance to prevent what he thought would be a utopia. The result was something that no one could have seen coming.

This was vague, but for a reason. Saying too much about this story will lead to spoilers. Granted, it’s so good that knowing what happens wouldn’t ruin the issue. Nevertheless, read the issue and see why this became a late contender for the best single issue of 2026.

Nightwing No. 132

  • Writer: Dan Watters
  • Artist: Dexter Soy
  • Colors: Veronica Gandini

Dan Watters’ writing put this issue of Nightwing among Dick Grayson’s darkest stories, while the fantastic art of Dexter Soy and Veronica Gandini made Nightwing's embrace of anger intense. It's not something comic book fans see often, and it was pulled off perfectly.

This is easily one of the best issues of Dan Watters’ Nightwing, and this is only in chapter 2 of the “Cirque du Sin” storyline. I can't wait to see what he does next. It will definitely be unforgettable.

One World Under Doom No. 9

  • Writers: Ryan North and Steve Orlando
  • Artists: R.B. Silva and Bernard Chang
  • Colors: David Curiel and Ruth Redmond

The creative team of One World Under Doom should be commended for telling one of the best comic book crossovers ever. People finally got their wish of Victor Von Doom ruling the world, and learned that it wouldn’t be all sunshine and rainbows. And while Doom did a lot of good, he left the world worse off. Not just because of the division his rule caused, but it also took away rights that people desperately needed.

Ultimates No. 18

  • Writer: Deniz Camp
  • Artist: Juan Frigeri
  • Colors: Federico Blee

Sometimes the phrase, “We are all (add team here)” can be overused. That isn’t the case here. Deniz Camp didn’t just spark a revolution within Ultimates No. 18. I’d bet that people read this and understood how it relates to things in the real world. Fantastic work and an amazing lead into the events coming in 2026.

The Terminator: Metal

  • Writers: Declan Shalvey and Rory McConville  
  • Artist: Eoin Marron
  • Colors: Colin Craker

While the main character and the escape were the heart of the story, the most intriguing part of this issue of The Terminator: Metal was how the Terminators acted very human on the last page. It makes you wonder if they'll start betraying each other. Treachery is a very human thing.

The Amazing Spider-Man No. 16

  • Writer: Joe Kelly
  • Artist: John Romita Jr.
  • Colors: Marte Gracia

Joe Kelly’s story jumps from Peter Parker in space to Norman Osborn as Spider-Man on Earth, and both have been good for different reasons. In this issue, we’re seeing Norman be more honest with himself than ever. He initially says that he’s become Spidey to uphold Peter’s dream, but, in a moment of truth, he admits it’s something that he needs. 

Powers 25 No. 3

  • Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
  • Artists: Michael Avon Oeming
  • Colors: Nick Filardi

Brian Michael Bendis introduced a new character in the previous issue of Powers 25 and explained his backstory in this one. Within the history of this new detective (Moebius Moon), readers see that he was destined for big things despite his tragic past. The best part is that his inspiration comes from Deena Pilgrim, who is the heart of the Powers franchise.

Wonder Woman No. 27

  • Writer: Tom King
  • Artist: Daniel Sampere
  • Colors: Tomeu Morey

I'll be honest. I wasn’t a fan of “The Island of Mice and Men” story arc when it started. But issues No. 26 and No. 27 made everything worth reading. It's not just because of the action (though it was superb); what made this special was seeing Wonder Woman be funny and vicious at once. And, when the issue ends, Diana admits that something in her has changed. I can’t wait to see what that means.

All-New Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider No. 4

  • Writer: Stephanie Phillips
  • Artist: Paolo Villanelli
  • Colors: Matt Milla

The action and art of this issue of All-New Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider were amazing as always. But the part that puts this on the list is how it explores the topic of anger. Stephanie Phillips has Gwen Stacy speak the truth about anger in many ways. It may have hit harder because Spider-Gwen is talking about it and having to face it in real time. It was dope.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones No. 2

  • Writer: Alex Paknadel
  • Artist: Amancay Nahuelpan
  • Colors: Luis Antonio Delgado

The second issue continues to act as a great introduction for people like me who don’t know a lot about Casey Jones. And, if you’re an informed fan, you’re probably enjoying Casey Jones being himself.

Readers are seeing the stubbornness in Casey, but also his determination to help people in need. There’s also a good look into the Mutant Town and how things can be just as ruthless and vile as other “normal” places.

Best of the week by category:

  1. Comic book pick of the week: Nightwing No. 32
  2. Heroes of the week: Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace (Space Ghost 2  No. 5)
  3. Villains of the week: The Zanni (Nightwing No. 32)
  4. Fight of the week: David Colton vs Steve Rogers (Captain America No. 5)
  5. Team of the week: The Ultimates (Ultimates No. 18)
  6. Moment of the week: Heavy’s decision (The Power Fantasy No. 13)
  7. Writer of the week: Dan Watters for Nightwing No. 32
  8. Artist of the week: Caspar Wijngaard for The Power Fantasy No. 13
  9. Cover of the week: Alessandro Cappuccio for Nova: Centurion No. 1
  10. Funny moment of the week: The “I’m the cure” conversation (All-New Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider No. 4)
  11. Underrated comic book of the week: Nova: Centurion No. 1

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow’s social media pages on Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more comic book, TV, and movie news, opinions, and rumors as they come out.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations