NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (02/26/25)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Wonder Woman # 5
Amazing Spider-Man # 68.DEATHS
Captain America & Volstagg # 1
Detective Comics # 1094
Gatchaman # 7
Green Arrow # 21
Red Hulk # 1
Superman # 23
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles # 7
Ultimate Spider-Man # 14
Ultimate X-Men # 12
Ultraman x Avengers # 4
X-Men # 12
Absolute Wonder Woman #5 – This series continues to offer readers a remarkable take on WW, brilliantly blending intense action with mythological elements, such as the reimagined Lasso of Truth. This dark yet compelling twist is definitely worth seeing and will undoubtedly leave anyone in awe, especially with the exploration of the Lasso’s origin (**NO SPOILERS**). This issue also marks the conclusion of the first arc, packed with action where the pacing remains consistent, ensuring that everything leading up to this issue pays off perfectly while providing a monumental cliffhanger that demands attention and sets the stage for the next arc. With excellent character development and an insightful look into Diana’s battle against the Kaiju monsters threatening Gateway City, Absolute Wonder Woman continues to be a magnificent breath of fresh air, offering readers a fantastic reexamination of a comic book icon infused with greatness.
Amazing Spider-Man #68: DEATHS – Following the events of issue #68, this tie-in features the X-Men confronting the Scions of Cyttorak. However, it’s The Juggernaut who steals the spotlight, primarily due to his connection with Cyttorak, the fast-paced action on display, and the stunning artwork by Mark Buckingham (he needs an X-title ASAP!). Additionally, the gripping narrative by Christos Gage makes this tie-in one of the most entertaining stories to emerge from the “Eight Deaths of Spider-Man” arc. While Spider-Man himself is largely absent and the arc takes its time reaching the conclusion, this is an issue that should not be missed. Let’s hope the X-Men will step back to allow for a satisfying resolution to this arc.
Captain America & Volstagg #1 – J. Michael Straczynski pairs Captain America with one-third of the Warriors Three, the jolly Volstagg, for an out-of-this-world adventure. However, JMS’ greatest strength in this one-shot is providing a more in-depth look at Volstagg, revealing his heroic side. The main drawback is that Cap is relegated to a sidekick role, which is disappointing, particularly since JMS has had a strong run with the Sentinel of Liberty in his latest series. Here, Cap only makes two significant impacts: at the beginning and during the climax. Since this is a team-up story, the pairing feels off, and any excitement around it fades quickly. While Bernard Chang’s art remains top-notch, this particular collaboration will delight Thor fans, but Cap fans may feel left out in the cold.
Red Hulk #1 – Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross returns as the Red Hulk, touchingly revisiting the “One World Under Doom” crossover while introducing characters freshly and boldly. It opens with arguably one of the most extreme scenes in a comic book (Ross transforms into Red Hulk on a plane) before being captured by Doctor Doom. In prison, Ross teams up with a ragtag group of fellow inmates to plan an escape. Thanks to writer Benjamin Percy, the focus remains on Red Hulk throughout the series. Percy excels at delving into Ross’ mind, providing an intriguing look at his militaristic mindset while keeping readers informed about his Red Hulk days. What sets this series apart from any Hulk story is the prison break concept, utilizing drama and intensity without resorting to old clichés from prison break narratives. This concept may not appeal to everyone; however, it is undeniably a Red Hulk story sure to ignite chaos with its immediate escape, showcasing the character in a manner the MCU has never accomplished.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around and I look forward to seeing you next time.