Rob's Picks:

Absolute Martian Manhunter #2 – Issue #1 set this book apart as the Absolute line’s biggest departure from the norm, a mind-bending mix of psychedelic art and psychological procedural. We return to the story of Agent John Jones, still coping with the revelation of his new partner/possessor/alien/self. As the voice in his head keeps talking and the multicolored thought-smoke continues to pour from human minds, Jones’ disbelief begins to falter—especially when the Martian puts him back on the trail of Trigger, the lone terrorist that got away in #1. With more lives at stake, our hero will need to use his new abilities, whether he understands them or not. Follow Jones as he enters the mind of Trigger and uncovers the first hints of a new extraterrestrial threat. Deniz Camp continues to expand our understanding of the Martian, its purpose, and just what it and Jones are trying to protect mankind from. The heady and thought-provoking sci-fi is brought to vivid life by artist Javier Rodríguez, freely blending a hard-lined reality with an abstract mindscape.

Bug Wars #3 – Jason Aaron packs the third installment of Bug Wars with a ton of bug-splattering action. In the arena of the Beetle Clans, young Slade fights for his life against Myte warriors. Even with the help of allies like Augustfall the warrior ant and Wysta the web witch, the boy doesn’t stand a chance—until he unlocks the true power of his father’s amulet, becoming an unstoppable warrior of earth-shaking might. Slade may have finally caught his first break since shrinking to the size of a bug, but his journey home only grows more complicated as a result. Every faction in the yard craves the power of the Worldstomper and will use any means, from intrigue to all-out war, to claim it. This mashup of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Conan the Barbarian is a seriously compelling fantasy adventure. Aaron knows how to play it straight, giving this story the same tone and depth of lore you’d expect from any gritty Robert E. Howard-inspired fantasy. Artist Mahmud Asrar is also nailing it on execution for similar reasons, giving the insect world a unique look with some clear nods to classic sword and sorcery comics. There are pages in this book that would feel at home in any issue of Savage Sword. This is hands down the most fun book in the current crop of indies.

Predator Versus Spider-Man #1 – The Predator returns to the Marvel Universe, hitting the streets of New York City. While the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is up to business as usual—slinging webs and busting crimes—a new killer stalks the night. The grisly trophies left in their wake suggest a serial killer, but this one’s victims are themselves very dangerous men. Like the previous Predator Versus books, this one comes from writer Benjamin Percy, who hasn’t missed a step, crafting another story with the high level of action and extraterrestrial horror we expect from a Predator movie while still feeling perfectly at home in the world of Marvel Comics. It’s a fine line to walk with a character like Spider-Man, but Percy keeps the character true to his quippy self amidst the violence. It’s rare to get a crossover that's actually worthy of two franchises, so if you enjoyed Predator Versus Wolverine or any of the classic Predator comics of the '90s, check this book out.

Solo's Picks:

Spider-Man Vs Predator #1 – A heat wave overwhelms New York City as the Predator begins his gruesome hunt! Delivered by legendary writer Benjamin Percy with art from superstars Marcelo Ferreira and Jay Leisten, the latest Predator crossover is spectacular. It begins like any other Spider-Man comic, but something quickly feels off. While investigating a brutal crime scene, the detectives—and our friendly neighborhood hero—realize a new threat has arrived, after discovering horrifying, dismembered corpses hanging from the ceiling like trophies. The highlight of the issue is absolutely the reveal of the Predator, showcasing all the gnarly trophies he’s collected during his short time in NYC. The drama spikes midway through when the heat knocks out the city's power grid, giving the Predator an edge and leaving citizens terrified. I’ve yet to read a bad Predator crossover, and with a certain hunter joining the book on the final page, I’m hyped for what’s next. If you’ve enjoyed these collaborations so far, this one is a must-read.

The Amazing Spider-Man #2 – Joe Kelly and Pepe Larraz are doing a fantastic job handling this reboot. In this issue, Peter is losing control of his cognitive functions and seems to be skipping large portions of his day—an odd side effect from his recent encounter with his rogue’s gallery. After alarming just about everyone around him, it’s Norman Osborn, of all people, who steps in to help Peter figure out what’s going on following a bizarre rampage the hero doesn’t even remember. Larraz’s art shines, especially in a panel where Peter hallucinates Norman’s face as the Green Goblin—it’s incredibly creative. There’s also a striking page early in the issue showing Peter’s childhood mischief with a long-lost friend, which gets shattered—literally—by a dumpster crashing through the panel, symbolizing the end of his innocence. These first two issues show a ton of promise, so if you’re not already on board this hype train, now’s the time to hop on.

Absolute Martian Manhunter #2 – The trippiest book in the Absolute universe returns, and this issue does not disappoint. As John Jones makes his way through the streets, we’re treated to stunning, eye-catching panels that almost distract from the story’s darker undertones. Emphasis on almost, because writer Deniz Camp does an excellent job holding a mirror to the world we live in—examining thoughts we hope never surface, and how constant panic can lead us to dark places. John’s new extraterrestrial companion continues expanding his mind, unearthing buried memories and visions of possible futures. This issue delivers on every level, and I’m especially intrigued by the new foe who shares a worrying number of similarities with the Martian himself. Pick this one up and enjoy the trip.