Recommended Comics 09/09/26

 Now for the next round of comics on the week of September 9th! One comic from Marvel, DC, Image, IDW, and a bonus publisher! Let's get into it!

1. Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man #1 (Marvel)

A comic detailing the early days of Peter Parker's career where he meets his greatest challenge yet... Doctor Doom! There actually was an early comic of Spider-Man where he faced off against Doctor Doom. I am curious if this is a retelling of this or if there was a round 2 since it is mentioned that this is an untold tale. Either way, it is something to look forward to especially with Doomsday only a few months away.

2. Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #3 (DC)

This is close to being the halfway point of this miniseries. But there isn't a lot of good jumping on points, at least not from series I am following and so would know if it is worth or not, but this is a good miniseries about Basil learning there is an imposter out there and needing to fix that. While proving he is the real Clayface (If you are wondering why can't he prove it with his powers, there are literally 8 different Clayfaces, his power isn't unique)! Not to mention that the Clayface movie is coming out next month, so good time to hop in and learn why they focused a theatrical release on him before Batman.

3. Spawn '77 #1 (Image)

You ever heard of Spawn? The most infamous 90s anti-hero who is still around to this day and is on the road to having 400 issues? Current record holder of longest running independent comic? A literal hellspawn who has decided to use his unholy powers to protect the innocent? Want to know what his creator's original plans for Spawn was before fine tuning it? That is this comic right here, a what if look at the rough drafts of Spawn for the modern day.

4. Sonic the Hedgehog #89 (IDW)

We are on the road to #100! The biggest milestone of the IDW era! And this is a good point to jump on as we start a team up story between Blaze and Silver. The IDW era is definitely a must read for Sonic fans and I say it is a good spot to try for those curious about why he and his friends are so popular.

5. Tarzan Beyond #3 (Alien Books)

I already recommended Hellraiser last week, so take that as my recommendation for the entire month since we are getting a new one shot every week. But for a series to recommend beside that? I say Tarzan in the modern era. Still in the jungle and still being the lord of the jungle. He's a classic for a reason, people!

REVIEW DAY 09/02/26

Review time! For comics coming out September 2nd 2026! As mentioned in Recommended, there isn't really any IDW comics out this week. So I am doing two bonus publishers instead.

1. Black Panther/Namor: Doomed #1

Written by Ethan S. Parker & Griffin Sheridan

Drawn by Stefano Desi

Black Panther and Namor are doomed.

A lot of this is just set up for the main plot. With a lot of establishing of the current status quo and as someone who has fallen behind on Black Panther and Namor from the past five years, it is welcomed. And it is interesting set up seeing how while T'Challa is trying to return to the status quo, there is still consequences for everything that happened in the 2021 run. Plus Namor still caring for his people even though apparently isn't a king anymore. Then the denizens of Hell attacking forcing these classic rivals to team up. And while I am sure it is explained in One Nation Under Doom and Avengers: Armageddon, I am curious to learn what is Doom's connection here.

In the end I give 7.5 cool light absorbing capes out of 10 since it is just set up but still pretty good set up.

2. Supergirl: Survive #4 (DC)

Written by Ethan S. Parker & Griffin Sheridan

Drawn by Rod Res

I swear, I didn't know the writers for Black Panther/Namor and this book are the same. That is just a coincidence. Either way, the story of Kara Zor-El and Kal-El journey to a safe place continues! For those who don't know what this book is, it is an Elseworld (Think Marvel's What-If) story of Kara managing to get into the rocket with baby Kal-El and protecting him as the final survivors of Krypton.

This continues the cliffhanger of last issue where they finally get a nice break and explore their new world. Though obviously things don't always last as everything has its problems. But a new ally could prove to be the saving grace they need. Though their plan to get Kara and Kal to safety is... a bit insane. But lets of nice character moments and explorations of what this duo can finally do. I am also curious about the backstory of this new ally who definitely has a different story from his mainline counterpart.

I give this 8 storm of the galaxy out of 10. It is nice for these two to have their break even if it is only a small one after all the horrible stuff they went through in the past three issues.

3. Rogue Sun #35 (Image)

Written by Ryan Parrott & Nick Cotton

Drawn by Abel

End of story arc.

For those who never heard about this before, Rogue Sun is a superhero who can transform using a magical stone known as the Sun Stone. Becoming a flying armored superhero with fire based capabilities. And the main hero is the son of the previous Rogue Sun... who also abandoned said son when he was a kid. Our MC never hearing from his dad until he was granted the Sun Stone to become the new Rogue Sun.

This arc's conclusion was delayed by quite a few months and I kinda forgot the exact details of what happened before. But it is a devastating conclusion with a side character getting a big revelation and the main character, Dylan, suffering the worst possible loss. Leading him to making a deal with someone that is almost as bad as the devil. Fun fact, the overall big bad of this book is someone that inspired the very myth of the devil. 

This issue is mainly all focused on Dylan and the others are here mainly to help. But the set up and conclusion to this story arc is very well done and sets up for the next big arc in one fell swoop. I give this 8 Sun Stones out of 10, Rogue Sun still manages to stay fresh and interesting even 35 issues in.

4. Ben 10 #5 (Dynamite)

Story developed by Man of Action

Written by Steven T. Seagle

Drawn by Robert Carey

The Ben 10 reboot concludes another story arc. I got to say, I am not a big fan of the art. The perspectives for Ben and Gwen always looked weird making them seem abnormal. I think the artist just struggles with kids though because I don't see this problem with the adults.  And the aliens designs are great especially since we got another classic alien in here. But yeah, Ben and Gwen look off at times and they are the main focus of this issue.

As for the plot, it feels standard. Zombozo doesn't get to show off his abilities he had in the original cartoon. If he even has them, a lot of his focus is ordering his clown minions who do keep their weird powers. And the hypnotizing machine which set up the main conflict. But still a nice lesson about not relying on overwhelming strength to win the day.

I give Ben 10 seven Grey Matters out of ten. I think the show's version of the Zombozo plot was done way better and I loved Ghostfreak in that episode. But this is still decent.

5. No Gods, No Masters #1 (BOOM! Studios)

Written by Julio Anta

Drawn by Jacoby Salcedo

What is this? Never heard of this before, I just chose it at random. But apparently it is about the end of the world thanks to Kaijus and three teenagers must do what they can to survive them.

Okay it doesn't seem to be the actual end, just localized to one area. But the small scope doesn't change how dangerous and post-apocalyptic the landscape looks. We only get major focus one of the three teens, but it is enough to show his deal and why we should care. And despite the more cartoony art style, the series is brutal. Showing kaiju deaths and human deaths without shying away from the violence. It is great and brilliant and this is probably my favorite book this week.

Though what does the phrase No Gods, No Masters even mean anyway?

I give this 8.5 flying window shards out of 10, I really need to expand what titles I read because I am clearly missing out on gems like this if not for this blog site.

Recommended Comics 09/02/26

 Here are my recommended comics to read tomorrow on September 2nd 2026! One from Marvel, DC, Image, and two bonus publishers! Because apparently IDW didn't have a series coming out this week, I did not see that coming at all.

1. Marvel Zombies: War Zone #1 (Marvel)

I am a big zombie fan, so while most people are tired of Marvel Zombies, I can't help but keep looking at a new entry. And this promises to be a large fun time with Frank Castle taking the lead role against the endless horde.

2. Superman: The Stranger #1 (DC)

An elseworlds story depicting the first adventures of Superman Golden Age style? I think this is gonna be an interesting series, especially this is a Black Label book meaning they are allowed to get away with a lot more stuff than they would in the mainline. Curious what Superman's solution is gonna be to save the downtrodden in a series free from constraints.

3. Crowbound #1 (Image)

A woman named Rose is a typical worker in an atypical place called the Factory which is apparently so long it cuts the world in half. One day her daughter is taken away just a year before she is supposed to join the work force leading Rose to go beyond the Factory's walls and meeting a figure known as the Scarecrow Queen who offers Rose a chance to save her daughter in exchange for her soul. Yeah, that condensed version of the actual synopsis has me sold, I am planning to check this book out when it hit the shelves and I recommened you do too. Also, it is by Jeff Lemire, ever since his New 52 Animal Man run I am sold on anything he writes.

4. Supernatural Special: Wayward #1 (Dynamite)

I hate it when the Winchesters split up, I have been binging the show the past few months and it feels like in the later seasons they spend more time apart than together. Well they are actually together on screen a lot of the time, but I am tired of the constant splitting up to justify the 23-24 episode season runtime. But this is a series set in the early days when they still have the full baggage of being apart in the first place. So I suppose it is more understandable for the split to happens, but I am curious what that split is and the fact we are getting two Supernatural books out of this mitigates things.

5. Hellraiser: Resurrections - New Wounds #1 (Boom Studios)

It's Hellraiser. It's a series of Hellraiser one shots starring our lovely Cenobites. It's all setting up a brand new Hellraiser ongoing series later this winter. Demons to some, angels to others. Do you not want to explore what divine pleasures they have to show you? Come. Solve this puzzle box and experience true pleasure.

REVIEW DAY 08/26/26

 Review time! And for the comics that came out this week, a lot of them are series I never actually followed before. Had to do that some time, but these comics should be good jumping on points so that I won't be immediately lost. Not to mention I will probably have a lot of bias if I only review series I am currently following.

1. Black Cat #13 (Marvel)

Written by G. Willow Wilson

Drawn by Andres Genolet

And I am immediately hit with Felicia and Frank staring down a giant eyeball monster. I usually prefer to try avoid any and all spoilers, maybe even going too far on the vagueness, but it is hard to not talk about that especially since I haven't read the previous issues. But fortunately Black Cat and the Punisher seemed just as confused and surprised as I am, so I don't feel too much left out of the loop. Their reactions also suggest that context will not help, the last issue probably ended with this thing interrupting whatever they were doing in a very abrupt manner.

All in all, this was mostly focus on the two teaming up against the monster. Mostly action and fighting with the last pages explaining what was that thing anyway (With the cameo appearance of a lesser known Marvel character that I wasn't even sure if they were still around because of how long it has been since I last saw them) and then Black Cat and Punisher settling their beef from the previous issue. The art being pretty good, I like the style of it.

Overall, a nice quick fun team up before Black Cat goes into crossover mode with the Queen in Black event next month. It doesn't have me wanting to check out what came before or after, but to be fair this is clearly not meant to be tied into any larger storylines. I give this 7 giant void rats out of 10.

2. Flash #36 (DC)

Written by Ryan North

Drawn by Gavin Guidry

Okay I assumed this was a standalone issue because of the solicitations, but this is apparently part six of an arc. Which had me nervous immediately especially since there was no recap page. But... it turns out this story actually is pretty standalone. It seems the arc is all about Wally trying out new powers allowing him to save people before they are even in danger.

It is a pleasant ride focusing on Wally trying to pitch his idea to other heroes while showing him teaming up with Superman. The Jon Kent version since this takes place before the Reign of Superboys storylines and thus before we saw Clark's return in the main Superman books. And of course we see people questioning Wally's new approach with a cliffhanger showing... well obviously can't say without spoilers but there is consequences to Wally trying to solve everything by himself and before they become problems.

Side note: Apparently the current Batman: Bad Seeds every take place at this point of time yet Reing of Superboys haven't happened yet either. Are the Superman books taking place in the future? Also art is good, I like it but having nothing else to add.

I'll give Flash 8 Lex sipping coffees out of 10, it does have me wondering what happened in the past five issues and wanting to see what happens next.

3. Void Rivals #33 (Image)

Written by Robert Kirkman

Drawn by Conor Hughes

ROOOMMMM!!! Is that a spoiler? I don't think it is, he is on the cover and the solicitations outside of the Image website reveals his name. Plus he appears at the end of the last issue. Sorry, I like Rom the Space Knight. He's cool and I hope he gets his own solo series now he is part of the Energon Universe.

And this was a fun issue, mostly Rom focused with a bit of attention given to the main cast and one of the supporting characters. The plot hasn't progressed much as it is mostly focused on introducing Rom and his pal Carpet into the group. But it is still an entertaining read and the art is great as always. I love this book's take on Rom who is clearly a bit out of it due to his endless war with his classic enemies the Dire Wraiths.

I give this 8 Weird Aliens Growths out of 10, it is still exciting even if not much story is happening right now. But I am sure this will change next issue, we should only be at the midway point of the arc.

4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures #40 (IDW)

Written by Erik Burnham

Drawn by Dan Schoening

If you are looking for some classic 1980s cartoon TMNT action, this is the book for you. It mimics the art style of that series pretty well and it has that silly Saturday Morning cartoon vibe as to be expected. But while the story is pretty one and done, it has a beginning and ending that indicates more going on. It is a fun slightly dumb but still great ride. Along with a fourth wall break that really got me, the biggest laugh I had the entire issue. I wouldn't mind more honestly.

...

What do you mean next issue is the series finale?!

8 purple Metalheads out of 10. I wasn't sure I would it enjoy so much, but the ending section really made me smile.

5. Vampirella #5 (Dynamite)

Written by Christopher Priest

Drawn by Davis Gotten

Full disclosure. I have never read a Vampirella book before. Even though apparently we nearly had 700 issues of them before? I know of the character, I read issues where she crossed over with others before. But I don't know much else about her. But hey, the writer is Christopher Priest and he does great work, so who knows maybe this will be a great introduction?

No not really, I felt confused on who everyone is. This book clearly assumes you read the first arc and have a basic understanding of who everyone is. Also side note, I forgot that Vanpirella is actually an alien. It is a bit of a plot point with this arc. Which doesn't actually establish what the plot of this arc is? It seems the ending is hinting towards why this is considered the first part of a story arc.

But... I didn't hate it. While it doesn't spell out what is happening, there is enough context clues that helps it from going completely off the rails. And editorial notes help make it clear what is meant to be established stuff and where to find the larger context. Vampirella also has a far different outfit than what she normally wears which is funny since that outfit is front and center of the covers.

While this is not first reader friendly and I would recommend looking up a guide to other Vampirella books. I am pretty sure those that are following would like this book and be interested in the next step in the ongoing story. I am definitely intrigued enough wanting to go back and check what I have been missing out.

I give Vampirella 7.5 sunglasses wearing Draculas out of 10. Christopher Priest is a great writer and it seems like this is all just set up for the overarching arc anyway.

Recommended Comics 08/26/26

 Time for my recommendation of comics coming out tomorrow on August 26th. No time for me this week to post the covers of each issue. But as before, I am grabbing a series from Marvel, DC, Image, IDW, and a bonus series.

1. Gambit: Wanted #2 (Marvel)

Lots of X-Men titles out this week. Unfortunately I am very far behind on my X-Men reading. But this has been an enjoyable read so far. Written by comic legend Chris Claremont, this miniseries follows Gambit on one last mission before he officially joins the X-Men. As a result, you don't need to know a lot going in. Well knowing the events of issue 1 would probably help, but the recap page should handle that.

2. Absolute Wonder Woman #23 (DC)

There are quite a few contenders at DC to be given recommendations for. But I am going with Absolute Wonder Woman. The Absolute series have been a blast so far with Wonder Woman being up there. And this is the start of a new arc where Wonder Woman has to face the newest and biggest threat she ever face. The Absolute version of Ares. If you heard all the talk about how messed up Absolute villains have been, I am here to say a good amount of what you heard is probably true and so expect Ares to be a true menace.

3. Hammerfist #1 (Image)

There are a lot of great titles coming out this week from Image. But not many would be a good time to just jump right in. Hammerfist being a literal start to the series sounds like an exact good time. Written by Rick Remender, one of the best writers in the industry, this follows a hit man who must fight Lovecrafterian horrors using what I presume is a gauntlet that is extremely blunted at the end. It sounds like it is gonna be high octane action while the main character works to save his daughter from a force that threatens everyone.

4. Operation: Iron Coffin #2 (IDW)

I haven't been following this series because to be honest I read a lot of comics in the first place. But this is essentially Dracula fighting in WWII. Who wouldn't want to check a book with a premise like that. I'll probably try to add it to my list if I am able to spare everything to do so.

5. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #3 (Boom Studios)

Taking place in a time where the Power Rangers reunite after a decade to face a threat looks remarkably similar to Rita Repulsa- wait. Wasn't this the plot to the Power Rangers: Once and Always special? Kinda but it is a different enough take with the main villain having different motivations than the robotic Rita in that special. And things aren't as dour here but the Rangers are still facing bumps as they try to adjust reuniting but they managed to get the hang of it in the previous issue. It is still nice to see the original Rangers get back together and this is actually an earlier point in their lives than what was depicted in the Once and Always special. So even their dynamics are slightly different enough to make this series worth checking out even if the general plot feels familiar.

REVIEW DAY! 08/19/26

 REVIEW DAY! The week of 08/19/26 to be exact.

As said before, we will be doing one book from Marvel, DC, Image, and IDW with a bonus 5th publisher. All at random except I excluded most series I am not following as it wouldn't be fair to review something I hadn't touched when it is in the middle of an arc or at its conclusion.

1. Alien: King Killer #5 (Marvel)

Written by Saladin Ahmed

Drawn by Carlos Nieto

I had a problem with this series and that is the fact it feels like a completely different series that just had Alien slapped on it. The Xenomorphs are barely a factor with only one big moment that could have been fulfilled by any dangerous animal species (It didn't even use any of the unique features of Xenomorphs). But if you ignore the fact that it is barely an Alien story, it's an action packed revenge story featuring super soldiers, it is... okay. Feels a bit generic, but things aren't so simple as we saw the main character, Idris face how his siblings (Aka fellow super soldiers bred to fight the Xenomorphs) aren't completely vile tyrants and facing the true threat behind everything. It is handled well enough, but it certainly doesn't feel unique enough to stand on its own and it barely connecting to the Alien franchise beyond turning Xenomorphs into fodder for the main character and his siblings (Again, beyond one big moment) doesn't help. But the art is great, Carlos does his part perfectly in that regard.

In the end, I will give Alien King Killer finale 7 flailing Xenomrophs out of 10. It is still a decently written story after all with great art.

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2. Absolute Green Arrow #4 (DC)

Written by Pornsk Pichetshote

Drawn by Rafael Albuquerque

This issue deals with Dinah Lance as she deals with the monstrous Solomon Grundy who is definitely given the Absolute treatment. Managing to be more monstrous and terrifying than Grundy normally is, and Grundy is already pretty terrifying. We also get some more answers, including dashing any hopes about a certain Absolute hero still being around. We also got great action as again Grundy shows how horrifying and dangerous he is along with the Absolute Green Arrow aka the Longbow Killer. There is also more insight on Oliver Queen via flashback, which is nice since well... If you didn't know he is dead, then sorry to spoil it but his death is a large point of this series and happened a long time ago. But yeah, glad we learned more about Queen despite being long gone. The art of course is absolutely fantastic, Albuquerque is a great artist.

This gets 8.5 shock arrows out of 10 from me, Green Arrow is great and I look forward to more every month. The fact it got an extension to 12 issues instead of the original 6 is exciting but hopefully the creative team has a way to expand the story naturally. I think they do, but always something to consider whenever a mini series gets an extension like this.

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3. The Darkness #7 (Image)

Written by Marc Silvestri

Drawn by Raymond Gay

This issue deals with the immediate fallout of the previous one. So again hard to talk about the plot without spoilers, but it gets into the action really quickly and spectacularly. We then get a quick tender moment from Jackie (Our main character who on his 21st birthday inhereited the power of a supernatural force called the Darkness for those unfamiliar with this story) as he deals with the consequences of his actions. Before continuing the plot where Jackie moves to rid himself of his curse and get one over the Angelus (Think the exact opposite of the Darkness though doesn't mean it is good or kind) before ending on a cliffhanger that will have one wondering how things will go from here. The art is great, I am not the kind of guy that can really give criticisms on art but I do know it looks and feels amazing.

8 giant explosions of light out of 10, The Darkness is an unique tale on a gangster given powers and learning what to do with something inherently dark and this chapter keeps things going as Jackie struggles with that fact.

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4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #11 (IDW)

Written by Dan Watters

Drawn by Giona Zefiro

A tale of the Shredder as he gets captured and reveals that is not as simple as it seems. It is hard to talk about this issue without going into spoilers. But essentially, the entire tale is told from the perspective of the EPF (Earth Protection Force for those unfamiliar with TMNT lore) director as he recounts the Shredder's capture and everything that happened after. Showing how everything went down and why which was discovered after the fact. Then ending with a cliffhanger that sets up the finale to this arc which comes out next month. Giona's art is also striking and wonderful, got very little to complain about here.

8 vivisection tools out of 10, it is pretty predictable due to how the series portrays Shredder as someone who can predict everyone's move, but it is still all very entertaining and I am curious how this will all end.

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5. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures - Pathfinders #4 (Dark Horse)

Written by George Mann\

Drawn by Caio Filipe

The Jedi are sent to search for the source of a new weapon that can kill through a transmission that stops the heart and brains of any who hear it. Accompanied by the titular Pathfinders whose job is to map out the Outer Rim of course. A lot of the issue is the group trying to get into the Listening Outpost where the sonic weapon is suspected to be at and the many challenges they run into. Ending with a mysterious figure revealed whose connection to all this is not made clear because there is a cliffhanger that places our heroes in immediate danger. It is a simple story in this part of the miniseries, but it has nice action and an interesting solution to one of the security measures. Along with good character beats to keep the pace going than pure action. Caio's art style is very stylized following the distinct look the Star Wars Adventures section of the franchise boasts.

7.5 radar dishes out of 10, simple story (Especially compared to the previous issue's murder mystery plot) but again done very well that I would still recommend.

Recommended Comics 08/19/26

 Here are this week's comics to check on the 19th of August!

1. Spider-Man/Hulk: Fire and Brimstone #1 (Marvel)

This comic is a team up between the Friendly Neighborhood Hero and the Green Goliath written by Kevin Smith (Either you heard of him or you haven't) The plot isn't really known yet except that it is apparently dealing with the exorcism of... Bruce Banner?! Spidey and Hulk have done team ups before and this looks like it could be a very fun adventure this time around.

2. Dark Knights of Steel II #2 (DC)

Honestly, a lot of the titles this week are either endings to arcs or the middle of one. But I think I will go with Dark Knights of Steel II, which is a sequel miniseries. This takes place in an alternate world where the DC heroes are members of a meieval fantasy setting. Mixed with sci-fi because aliens exist! As shown when the entire El family came to Earth and not just Superman. It is a very interesting and fun setting where the heroes are recognizable but their roles are altered to make things unpredictable. This is the best way to do What If/Elseworld story. Since this is the second part of the current mini, it might be recommended to look up what happened in the first issue but I am sure the recap page will help you catch up. The art is beautiful and the writing really is top notch.

3. Bug Wars: The Coming of the Wardoomed #1 (Image)

What is Bug Wars? It is the story of a kid who found an amulet that shrinks him to the size of a bug and learning there are humanoid creatures that controls the bugs (Also having their own bug like features) in several factions looking to conquer the lands that makes up the backyard. The first mini is a violent blast as Slade, our MC, learns about these factions and tries to survive. This sequel continues the adventures as Slade works out the history of his father with this hidden world and the arrival of a new threat coming from the woods beyond the family's home.

4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #21 (IDW)

It was a bit hard to pick with IDW this week since all of the books this week are a bit, or a lot, into their story. But everyone knows the TMNT. This is just another part of their story. The twist being this arc is all about what happens when the veil between the dead and the living no longer exists. There is probably gonna be quite a bit of confusion since there was a massive plot twist a few issues ago I don't want to spoil. But it is simple enough that you just need to accept it is a thing and follow the Turtles as they explore a world being dead has no meaning.

5. Zorro's Legacy #2 (Alien Books)

This is about Zorro, the famous superhero (Sort of, definitely a masked vigilante type) as his legacy is explored in the modern day. With his descendants taking up his name to stop modern gangsters and crime lords. The first issue is a heavy focus on the origins of this new Zorro. Recommended to pick it up if you can, but otherwise just know that we got a new Zorro ready to take on the modern challenges of crime with a rapier and a caape. It's fun and my only regret is because it this is from a small time publisher then this series is most likely gonna be short.