In the previous Bam Smack Pow must-read comic books article, X-Men: Hellfire Murder reminded comic book fans that Logan is more than claws, hair, and good looks, and Powers 25 No. 11 revealed the person killing people across the city. There was also the 300th issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and another amazing issue of Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man.
This week, we have another great group of comics. Let’s start with a deep issue from Jed MacKay starring the best comic book villain turned hero.
X-Men No. 34 (Marvel)
- Writer: Jed MacKay
- Penciler: Greg Land
- Inker: Jay Leisten
- Colors: Fernando Sifuentes
Cain Marko (Juggernaut) has mentioned his insecurities and needing the X-Men since this run started. Seeing it further play out here this way was exactly what readers needed. It showed that Cyclops trusts him and Magik loves him like a brother. It seemed like something Cain had to hear to keep him going as a hero. However, who knows if that will change in DNX.
Justice League: Knight Vision Special No. 1 (DC)
- Writers: Mark Waid and Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Miguel Mendonça
- Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Thanks to the team-up of Batman and Lex Luthor, Justice League: Knight Vision Special was the perfect combination of entertaining and important. What's funny about this issue is it shows how similar they are and that they work well together. And at the end, you see that this won't be the last time they'll be forced to collaborate.
Land of Never No. 2 (Mad Cave)
- Writer: Steve Orlando
- Artist: Miguel Mora
- Colors: Fares Maese
The mystery of the Floating Man continues on two fronts. James Hoke and Casey Smith come one step closer to finding their kids after learning that someone else’s child was almost kidnapped. Meanwhile, Wendy learns more about her capture (Peter, the Floating Man), which leads to readers understanding why the kids are being taken.
During my interview with writer Steve Orlando, he said, “"We dig deep into the horror of the Floating Man’s abductions—and how even being a near-miss target of Peter’s can be traumatizing." That moment came into play in issue No. 2, and he was 100% right about trauma.
Mortal Thor No. 13 (Marvel)
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Juann Cabal
- Colors: Matt Milla
Enchantress has spent eons trying to rule Asgard, and she finally accomplished that goal in a devious way. She did it by killing her son after he lived forever and a day. Now she has the All-Power and authority over the Ten Realms. But there’s good news. Sigurd Jarlson will be starting his journey to bring Thor back from the Void.
Geiger No. 24 (Image)
- Writer: Geoff Johns
- Artist: Gary Frank
- Colors: Brad Anderson
Tariq Geiger is in one of the most dire situations ever, but that is only part of the story. But while he is being held captive, Andrei Molotov and Nuclear Knight discuss what makes a good person as Junkyard Joe searches for Tariq. For me, that’s what made this a must-read.
The idea of what makes a person good can be complex, but one thing is certain. Trying to be better helps your cause, and all of our heroes seem to be making a legitimate effort to make the world a better place.
Queen in Black No. 1 (Marvel)
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artists: Iban Coello and Zé Carlos
- Colors: Guru-eFX
Writer Al Ewing did an amazing job of making Knull (King in White) and Hela (the Queen in Black) look strong without taking anything away from the heroes. In fact, Wanda Maximoff, Vision, and Cable appeared and reminded people why they’re elite. It was a great start for Spider-Man/Venom’s most recent event.
Ghost Pepper No. 13 (Image)
- Writer and artist: Ludo Lullabi
- Colors: Adriano Lucas
Just when you think that Ash is the strongest being in the world, a new player enters the arena. But that was only part of the beauty of this issue. Writer and artist Ludo Lullabi hinted that there’s more to Loloi’s food and her character than we know. I can’t wait to find out what that is.
Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2026 Annual No. 1 (DC)
- Writers: Tyrone Finch, Mark Russell, and Mark Waid
- Artists: Clayton Henry and Pat Boutin
- Colors: Pedro Estouco
Just like Justice League: Knight Vision Special No. 1, this was a team-up comic book fans needed. Seeing Pa Kent and Alfred celebrate Father’s Day was amazing. It was an issue full of laughter and heartwarming moments, and they saved their sons. It was also a reminder not to mess with Jonathan Kent or Alfred Pennyworth.
Generation X-23 No. 6 (Marvel)
- Writer: Jody Houser
- Artist: Emilio Laiso
- Colors: Erick Arciniega
This book was a lesson on growth. Not just for the kids Wolverine (Laura) took in. Laura was learning, too. This issue of Generation X-23 showed her maturing into a leader and becoming a big sister to a bunch of kids she just met. But the good thing is that the role suits her. I can’t wait to see what she and the kids do next.
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