The top 5 new must-read comic books of the week

Every new comic book this writer read this week was perfect. David Pepose's Space Ghost No. 6 continued the development of our heroes while maintaining the action that the fans love. Matthew Rosenberg's DC vs Vampires: World War V ended with a cliffhanger and explained who the miracle vampire baby’s mother may be.

Sadly, because the standard of comics this week were so high, not all of them could make the Top 5 best of the week. Here they are starting with the best. 

Exceptional X-Men No. 2

• Writer: Eve Ewing
• Artist: Carmen Carnero

Kitty Pryde continues to be put in situations to help mutants. She may not want to be a hero, teacher, or role model for the next generation of mutants, but she can’t leave them in their time of need. In Exceptional X-Men No. 2, she meets two Children of the Atom in need while on a date. This leads to the young mutants nominating Kitty as their mentor. Kitty may be forced to help after someone else takes it upon themselves to be their teacher.

This has been the year of X-Women. Storm, Rogue in Uncanny X-Men, Kamala Khan in NYX, and Stephanie Phillips' Jean Grey are top-tier. Kitty Pryde’s Exceptional X-Men is right there with them. Eve Ewing is the perfect person to write this and I can’t wait to see more.

Ultimates No. 5

• Writer: Deniz Camp
• Artist: Juan Frigeri

The point of the Ultimate Universe is to be different from Earth-616. Writer Deniz Camp has done that to perfection with this story, which also features a non-binary, Indigenous Hawkeye.

The best part is how the story features real Indigenous people (Oglala Lakota), showcasing real research before creating Ultimate Hawkeye that allows for an authentic portrayal. They’re also skilled enough to take on Captain America. You’ll want to watch Hawkeye. They’re going to be a great character.

Fantastic Four No. 26

• Writer: Ryan North
• Artist: Ivan Fiorelli

This issue of Fantastic Four needs to be adapted into an animated short. Johnny Storm and Reed Richards are left alone while the rest of the family are trick-or-treating in New York (the benefit of having a teleporter). After learning something supernatural is in their basement, Johnny talks Reed into investigating. You’d think Reed would know better, but Johnny’s enthusiasm triggers Reed’s need to learn. This leads to ghost dinosaurs, a giant hole in their house, and a skull that vomits blood forever. 

This is easily the most fun comic book issue of the year.

Scarlett No. 5

• Writer: Kelly Thompson
• Artist: Marco Ferrari

There hasn’t been a spy comic book this good in years. Each issue of Scarlett leaves this writer anticipating the next. You think everything will work out for Scarlett, but the deeper she goes, the worse things can get.

As much as I don’t want this to end, I can’t wait to see the conclusion. Will Scarlett and her best friend Jinx make it out alive and is Jinx working for the enemy? If so, what does Scarlett do next?

Transformers No. 13

• Writer: Danial Warren Johnson
• Artist: Jason Howard

I assumed Starscream was dead when Soundwave fought him for leadership of the Decepticons (Transformers No. 7). Shockingly, he survived the brutal beating and the fall off the cliff. However, he's in bad shape.

While Starscream was slowly dying, he was thinking of the moments that led to him becoming a Decepticon. Not only do you see that story, but you learn the origin of his name and that he was once kind. I won’t spoil it. You have to read the comic.

What comic books did you read this week? Are there any you would recommend? Let us know on Bam Smack Pow's Instagram and Twitter.