Rob's Picks:

Lobo #2 “Lobo’s gonna Lobo!” and this issue proves it in the most gloriously unhinged way possible. Skottie Young doubles down on the absurd premise of turning the Main Man into a corporate-controlled reality TV star, complete with a rebranded look and a robot cameraman capturing every “sponsor-friendly” moment. Of course, that clashes hard with Lobo’s natural instincts—namely excessive violence and even more excessive profanity—creating a constant tug-of-war between raw chaos and corporate censorship. The satire of media and branding hits even harder this time around, especially as the suits scramble to fix Lobo’s plummeting ratings with yet another rebrand. The highlight is his showdown with Emperor Aquaman, a perfectly ridiculous clash that lets Jorge Corona unleash his exaggerated, kinetic art style to full effect. The blend of sharp satire and unapologetically lowbrow humor remains the book’s biggest strength, making this one of the most purely entertaining reads on the shelf right now.

Batwoman #2 This issue leans heavily into momentum, throwing Kate Kane into a relentless fight across the streets of Petalon as she takes the offensive against a new faction of the Religion of Crime. Greg Rucka crafts the story with an expectation that readers already know Kate’s history, choosing implication over exposition, which adds to the sense of disorientation and tension. The action is nearly nonstop, beginning with a rooftop ambush and evolving into a prolonged chase that tests Kate’s limits—both physically and mentally. Still reeling from past trauma and now facing interference from her father, Jacob, Kate is pushed into increasingly extreme decisions, reinforcing the idea that she’s willing to go further than most heroes in pursuit of justice. The issue also peels back more layers of the Religion of Crime, giving readers insight into their motives even as Kate remains in the dark. Paired with moody, atmospheric art that amplifies the brutality of the conflict, this chapter delivers both progression and intensity in equal measure.

End of Life #3 Kyle Starks and Steve Pugh hit a new high point with this issue, blending their signature irreverent humor with a surprising amount of emotional depth. Eddie Stallion’s attempt to lay low continues to fall apart as his past catches up with him, this time in the form of a new Menagerie assassin sent by the delightfully petty crime boss Richard Smiley. The standout addition is the hulking, chicken-masked enforcer who brings both absurdity and genuine threat, pushing Eddie into one of his toughest fights yet. The action remains as sharp and entertaining as ever, but what really elevates this issue is the growing emotional core. Eddie’s strained relationship with his dying father adds weight to the chaos, softening his edge and revealing a more vulnerable side beneath the sarcasm. Even his interactions with supporting characters carry a bit more sincerity, giving the story a balance that feels earned rather than forced. It’s a perfect example of a comic that hooks you with humor and action before landing something more meaningful underneath.

Solo's Picks:

The Hab #1 A bleak and unsettling debut, The Hab throws readers into a post-apocalyptic scenario where survival is less about hope and more about enduring the consequences of past sins. Joshua Dysart and company construct a deeply uncomfortable narrative centered on Tuttle, the man responsible for the world’s end, and the small group he’s chosen to preserve humanity underground. What initially feels like a story about one madman quickly evolves into something more disturbing, as it becomes clear that no one in this bunker is truly innocent. The tone sits somewhere between The Nice House on the Lake and Don’t Look Up, blending social commentary with a cast of morally compromised characters who often seem disturbingly unfazed by their reality. Once the central conflict emerges—poisoned water leading to hallucinations and escalating violence—the book shifts into a relentless spiral of paranoia, brutality, and revelation. It takes a bit to fully click into place, but when it does, it becomes a gripping and grotesque horror experience that’s hard to look away from.

X-Men United #2 This issue leans heavily into character dynamics, using a relatively straightforward premise to explore the ideological divide within the team. Opening with a chaotic action sequence that quickly gives way to quieter, more personal moments, the story finds its footing in the moral debate sparked by Captain America’s request for help. The mission—locating survivors of Super-Soldier experiments tied to Isaiah Bradley—carries emotional weight, particularly through Steve Rogers’ sense of responsibility, but the real focus is on how the X-Men respond. The familiar tension between protecting mutantkind and engaging with broader human issues is front and center, and while it’s a well-worn theme, it’s handled effectively here. If anything, this issue feels more like the true starting point of the series, making the previous installment seem like a prologue in retrospect. Even so, it’s an engaging read that should resonate with fans who enjoy the team’s internal conflicts as much as their external battles.

Batwoman #2 Picking up immediately from the first issue, this installment dives headfirst into chaos as Kate Kane prepares for a confrontation that feels as inevitable as it is unwinnable. The book thrives on its intensity, cutting between Batwoman’s mission and the Bat-family’s desperate attempts to reach her, creating a sense of urgency that carries through every page. What really sets this issue apart is its visual storytelling—irregular linework and smeared, almost frantic coloring mirror Kate’s unraveling mental state, amplifying the emotional weight of her decisions. As her plan spirals out of control, the consequences hit hard, putting those closest to her in danger and pushing her further into a violent, reactive mindset. The climax is brutal and deliberately uncomfortable, highlighting just how far she’s willing to go and sparking the kind of divisive reaction that feels intentional. It’s a bold, tonally distinct chapter that fully commits to portraying a hero on the edge, for better or worse.