Batman, Amazing Spider-Man, and FML were three of the best comic books to kick off 2026. This week, Marvel, DC, and Image Comics all returned with issues that showed that this will be an amazing year for comic book fans.
This week, we have a new group of ten must-read issues from the second week of January. Let’s begin with my favorite comic book of the week - which was also one of the best comic book series of 2025.
Uncanny X-Men No. 22
- Writer: Gail Simone
- Artist: David Marquez
- Colors: Matt Wilson
Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men was one of the best comic books of 2025 for many reasons. Among them was the way in which she created new characters full of depth. The Outliers are only some of the characters full of potential. What she did for Mutina in this issue was brilliant. Here’s hoping we see more of her in the future, and there’s a redemption arc.
DC K.O. No. 3
- Writers: Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson
- Artists: Xermánico and Javier Fernández
- Colors: Alejandro Sánchez
DC K.O. may be a comic book event full of fights, but that hasn’t stopped it from being a must-read crossover. For example, in this issue, the writers and artists showed the creativity it takes to survive a death tournament. The best part is that everyone involved has done something to prove their worth as a planner and fighter.
Knull No. 1
- Writer: Al Ewing and Tom Waltz
- Artist: Juanan Ramirez
I love it when a writer gives a powerful character a weakness and, within that weakness, shows strength through creativity. Knull, the former King in Black, had to show that while imprisoned by Hela, the new Queen in Black.
Knull No. 1 began perfectly. Not only do readers get to see how well Knull understands his powers, but this issue also serves as a reminder that there aren’t many people in comics as ruthless as him.
Ultimates No. 20
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Phil Noto
- Colors: Edgar Delgado
It seems impossible to read Ultimates by Deniz Camp and not get goosebumps. The story is told in such a way that it should make readers believe that rising against tyranny is possible. Even when things seem like they’re at their bleakest, you can always fight back.
G.I. Joe No. 17
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Tom Reilly
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
G.I. Joe Dreadnok War was heavily promoted, and better than anyone could have hoped for. Joshua Williamson started this series, giving readers a story that seemed like an action movie with two characters who’d eventually find common ground. In the end, you’re left with Conrad realizing he doesn’t know what’s going on in his own house. Sadly, the last page shows that he doesn’t know the half of it.
Black Cat 6
- Writer: G. Willow Wilson
- Artist: Andrés Genolet
- Colors: Brian Reber
Whether it was Felicia Hardy (Black Cat) getting caught in a lie or the vampire magistrates continuously saying “The penalty is death,” you’ll find it difficult not to laugh reading this one. If this trend continues, this could be one of the most entertaining comic books of 2026.
Every issue of G. Willow Wilson’s Black Cat has been fun for a variety of reasons. As I pointed out, this issue was no different. It’s great that this series is still going. Here’s hoping that Back Cat gets extended like G. Willow Wilson’s other series Poison Ivy.
Supergirl
- Writer: Sophie Campbell
- Artist: Joe Quinones
Kara Zor-El took in Lesla-Lar as her ward and also took the job very seriously. This issue of Supergirl shows that Kara, despite her godly powers, still has very human emotions. It’s sad that she’s being hard on herself for failing, but it will lead to another amazing issue of Supergirl next month.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 14
- Writer: Gene Luen Yang
- Artist: Freddie E. Williams II
- Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
The action and dialogue with the Ninja Turtles was fantastic, but what set this above other comics this week was the internal monologue of Leonardo. It was enjoyable reading how he feels about the situations he and his brothers were in and how he evaluates everything. It was a reminder of how much he loves and understands his brothers.
Space Ghost (volume 2) No. 7
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Jonathan Lau
- Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
David Pepose begins the year with something that we don’t normally see from his epic run of Space Ghost. He started 2026 with a story that wasn’t a one-shot. With this comic having a huge emotional storyline, it makes sense that this wouldn’t be a one-and-done. Don’t be shocked if the conclusion puts a wedge between Space Ghost and his wards, Jan and Jace.
Doctor Strange No. 2
- Writer: Derek Landy
- Artist: Ivan Fiorelli
- Colors: Dono Sanchez-Almara
Doctor Strange and Angela failed to protect some of the most important angels in Heven. It wasn’t just a failure. The scene was a bloody massacre that left Strange questioning how he’s doing things. In a world of magic, second-guessing yourself can get people killed.
Derek Landy did a fantastic job writing Doctor Strange in his mini-series. Now he’s back and adding Angela to the list of characters he’s writing well. Hopefully, this is only the second of a long series of issues with her and Asgard’s Sorcerer Supreme. There is a lot of potential here.