Skip to main content

X-Men United, Absolute Batman, Transformers, and the must-read comic books of the past week

Absolute Green Lantern No. 12 has a defining issue, X-Men United’s debut issue comes in hot, Transformers  No. 30 has a surprising ending, and more of the must-read new comic books from March 9-13.
Bleeding Hearts | Interview with Deniz Camp & Stipan Morian | DC Vertigo
Bleeding Hearts | Interview with Deniz Camp & Stipan Morian | DC Vertigo | DC

Previously, Batman No. 7 led the way with one of the best comic books of the year thanks to brilliant storytelling by Matt Fraction and art by Jorge Jiménez and Tomeu Morey. There were also incredible stories from Absolute Superman No. 17 by Jason Aaron (which has defining moments for Kal-El and Lex Luthor), David Pepose’s Speed Racer No. 6, and the debut issue of Moonstar by Ashley Allen.

Last week, it was difficult to pick a top ten. It was difficult not to add comic books like Green Lantern Corps No. 14, Sirens: Love Hurts No. 2, and Imperial Guardians’ first issue to the list, despite all of them being great issues. Nevertheless, here are the top ten must-read comics from March 9-13, 2026.

X-Men United No. 1

  • Writer: Eve L. Ewing
  • Artist: Tiago Palma
  • Colors: Brian Reber

The X-Men having a school for young mutants just feels right. Not only was this refreshing, but the issue also has Cyclops acting weird, stubborn, and kind of evil. However, we don’t know exactly what is going on or if his worries are justified. Regardless, everything about this issue will keep readers engaged for the entire series.

Blood and Thunder No. 11

  • Writer: Benito Cereno
  • Artists: E. J. Su
  • Colors: Michele Assarasakorn

The more Blood and Thunder continues, the more it relates to real life. For example, in this issue, Akeldama learns why books are so valuable, why they’ve been hoarded by the rich and powerful, and the truth about what Earth cops are like (abusers, pillagers, and more). And, in the end, it’s a lesson that will eventually be the catalyst for her becoming a freedom fighter.

Absolute Green Lantern No. 12

  • Writer: Al Ewing
  • Artists: Sid Kotian, Prasad Rao Jahnoy, Jahnoy Lindsay 
  • Colors: Jahnoy Lindsay

As much as I’ve enjoyed this series, Absolute Green Lantern No. 12 felt like the issue comic book fans have been waiting for. It wasn’t just the action (which was superb). There seemed to be something moving the story and Lantern Lore along. For example, readers are getting a glimpse of the spectrum and why certain people were chosen.

I truly believe this is the beginning of this series’ momentum to become a top-tier series. Especially with Hal Jordan's upgrade and the surprise appearance on the final page.

Transformers No. 30

  • Writer: Robert Kirkman
  • Artist: Dan Mora 
  • Colors: Mike Spicer

In a series full of shocking moments, this issue of Transformers may have been the most jaw-dropping of them all. Optimus Prime does something that changed the way everyone will look at the franchise, whether it’s the comic books, any of the animated series, or the movies. Standing ovation for the creative team for how they put this together.

Absolute Batman No. 18

  • Writer: Scott Snyder
  • Artist: Eric Canete
  • Colors: Frank Martin

Batman can be overly physical, but what he did to Poison Ivy was cruel. He took the last thing that connected Ivy to her mother, despite her doing what was asked. It shows that Bruce Wayne can fall farther and harder than he has, and he hasn’t even fought Joker yet. Who knows what kind of pain and misery that will bring into his life?

Bleeding Hearts No. 2

  • Writer: Deniz Camp
  • Artist: Stipan Morian
  • Colors: Matt Hollingsworth

Only someone as talented as Deniz Camp can make a story about the pain of losing someone to a zombie horde sound poetic. It’s a style that I’ve come to appreciate, and it's the reason it was clear that Bleeding Hearts would be a must-read. And the series is just getting started. There’s no doubt that more beauty from carnage and ferocity is on its way.

Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant No. 2

  • Writer: Murewa Ayodele
  • Artist: Federica Mancin
  • Colors: Javier Tartaglia

Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant No. 2 starts with the Sorcerer Supreme, Wanda Maximoff, giving Storm the harsh truths about all magic wielders. She says they’re all tricksters, while Wanda knows that Storm is straightforward. This was a message to Ororo that dipping her toes into magic may not have been a good idea. However, it may be the only way to stop the upcoming threats to Earth. With that in mind, it makes you wonder what the repercussions will be at the end of this mini-series. 

Doctor Strange No. 4

  • Writer: Derek Landy
  • Artist: Ivan Fiorelli
  • Colors: Dono Sánchez-Almara

I’m continuously impressed by the creative team on this series. Writer Derek Landy is adding more depth to Angela by displaying her wisdom, showing Stephen Strange the truth about where his focus should be. Meanwhile, the artist and colorist create beauty within brutal worlds.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 16 creative team

  • Writer: Gene Luen Yang
  • Artists: Freddie E. Williams II and Fero Pe
  • Colors: Andrew Dalhouse and Luis Antonio Delgado

Everything you could have wanted from a comic book was here. There was intense action, emotional drama, and a lot of family love. Despite all of that, the best part may have been how writer Gene Luen Yang showed that Michelangelo isn’t just the cute, popular one. There’s a lot of strength and savviness within him that’s rarely seen.

Venom No. 255

  • Writer: Al Ewing
  • Artist: Carlos Gómez
  • Colors: Frank D'Armata

Al Ewing packed a lot of emotion into this issue, starting with a hilarious moment between the best comedy duo in comics, Carnage and Eddie Brock. Then, readers are reminded that Spider-Man respects villains like Shocker, who don’t kill or do creepy things. Seeing Peter mourn one of his oldest foes is on brand and proves that the creative team understands the character.

Space Ghost No 9 (Volume 2)

  • Writer: David Pepse
  • Artist: Jonathan Lau
  • Colorist: Andrew Dalhous

There is a lot to say about this issue, but the first thing that comes to mind is family. Jan, Jace, Blip, and Space Ghost aren’t just a superhero group. Each lost someone close to them, but they’ve found a home within each other. And, at the end of the issue, readers are reminded that they’re the best thing for each other.

Narco No. 1 (BONUS PICK)

  • Writer: Doug Wagner
  • Artist: Daniel Hillyard
  • Colors: Dave Stewart

The first issue of Image Comics' Narco was released last week, but I missed it, and it deserves to be recognized because the story rocked. There's an interesting lead character (Marcus Wesphal) with a rare form of narcolepsy that kicks in when he gets too excited. He also has an obsession with serial killers, which may have led one to his door.

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