NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (01/01/25)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Superman # 3
Avengers # 22
Batman # 156
Daredevil # 17
DC Comics Presents # 26 (Facsimile Edition)
Deadpool/Wolverine # 1
JSA # 3
Justice League: The Atom Project # 1
Miles Morales: Spider-Man # 28
Saga # 71
Sam Wilson: Captain America # 1
Shazam! # 19
Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider # 9
Spectacular Spider-Men # 11
The Ultimates # 8
What If…?: Galactus Transformed The Hulk # 1
Absolute Superman #3 – This issue of “Absolute Superman” fills in the gaps regarding Kal-El’s time on Krypton while introducing a new aspect to his arrival on Earth that is both refreshing and intriguing (**NO SPOILERS**). It provides a clear picture of Superman’s origins, and the characterization of both Jor-El and Lara is magnificent, thanks in part to Jason Aaron’s writing, which enhances their personalities. At the same time, it puts a unique spin on Superman’s story that fans will undoubtedly enjoy, especially when they reach the last page (**NO SPOILERS**). This issue departs significantly from the regular narrative. Still, this deep dive into the final days of Krypton serves as a fascinating character study that contributes to the coherence of this arc as we await the next installment.
Deadpool/Wolverine #1 – Following last year’s box-office success with “Deadpool & Wolverine,” it was inevitable that Marvel would launch an ongoing series. From the very start, we are treated to the usual chaotic and entertaining mayhem that ensues when these two characters collide. Although the team-up sticks to the familiar formula, it introduces some refreshing twists, offering readers something new instead of relying on the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Benjamin Percy, who consistently brings his A-game to writing, excels at showcasing the brutal and quintessential traits of Wolverine without rendering him repetitive. Meanwhile, Deadpool experiences a shift in his personality that may not sit well with all fans, but it’s a positive change that never feels forced; rather, it enriches the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine, moving away from the image of Deadpool as a motormouth buffoon 24/7 (I’m pretty sure Percy will revert him to his old self in upcoming issues). Yes, this series doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking to the team-up concept. Still, it incorporates elements that are enjoyable from all perspectives, ensuring that fans will keep coming back for more.
Sam Wilson: Captain America # 1 – One month before “Captain America: Brave New World” comes out, this title is without a doubt captivating on the upcoming success of that movie. Right away, we get an even larger insight into Sam’s life, such as the introduction of his cousin Billie (Whose personality is very larger-than-life) as well as Dennis Harmon, the villain of this arc, who feels very much like a James Bond villain but proves that he can give Sam plenty of grief as the series progresses especially since he possesses Wakanda technology that can prove fatal. I can not forget that this series launches with such great action scenes as well as some touching moments like the birthday of Isaiah Bradley, but let’s not forget the Red Hulk, who makes his return in a somewhat interesting way (**NO SPOILERS**) that looks captivating but hopefully will pay off down the road. Sam Wilson gets an iconic reintroduction that looks promising but hopefully won’t falter with the next few issues.
What If…? Galactus Transformed The Hulk # 1– The Incredible Hulk, a herald of Galactus? It’s an interesting concept, to say the least, and what makes it intriguing is how this one-shot captures the Avenger’s treatment of the Hulk to where they will send him off the earth while Bruce Banner’s self-doubt is explored to great heights to where he can be taken advantage of, but for the most part, this one-shot never manages to go further into the plot but sets it up to where Bruce becomes a herald while being the Hulk when it’s needed, but it also leaves the readers with plenty of questions to ponder but since this is a “What If..?” story, you have to take the good with the bad, but there are some entertaining elements that makes this one-shot from being a total write-off, but since the plot could be fleshed out more, it’s a fun read overall.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around, and I look forward to seeing you all next time.