April 9th, 2025

Rob's Picks:

Vatican City #1
Mark Millar kicks off Vatican City with a world-ending bang and doesn’t look back. The opening salvo—vampire apocalypse, global extinction, the Vatican as humanity’s last refuge—is pure Millar spectacle, but what makes this issue stand out is how grounded it feels despite the high concept. This isn’t just blood and mayhem (though there’s plenty of both), it’s about the people left behind—priests, scholars, tourists, true believers—all thrust into a holy war they never trained for. Narwhal’s gritty, stylized art matches the tone perfectly, capturing the silence between kills just as well as the chaos of vampire carnage. With a premise this bold and an execution this sharp, Millar might just have his next big hit on his hands. If you're craving high-stakes horror with a surprising soul, don't skip this one.

Doctor Strange of Asgard #2
Magic takes a backseat to mystery in this smartly written second issue from Derek Landy, where Stephen Strange is less Sorcerer Supreme and more Asgardian sleuth. The stakes are high—a murdered god, Loki’s meddling, and a fragile political balance—but it’s the quieter moments that shine. Strange’s time in Asgard’s hospital reveals how the divine and the mortal worlds collide, and Landy uses these scenes to give real texture to Thor’s realm. Seeing Stephen rely on observation and wit instead of just spells is a fresh take, and it adds to the book’s noir-meets-Norse feel. This title ties into One World Under Doom, but it’s more than just a cog in a crossover—it’s a worthy character study all on its own.

Jumpscare #2
This series just keeps leveling up. Cullen Bunn and Danny Luckert turn the blood dial up to 11 without losing the beating heart underneath all that gore. Jumpscare #2 is as much about family dysfunction as it is about grotesque superhero horror. Our chainsaw-wielding protagonist reconnects with her judgmental, ultra-conservative parents while battling the grotesque monstrosity known as Grindhouse—a Frankenstein of filmic fear. What could be a gimmicky power set (pulling weapons from horror movies) becomes a creative sandbox for both writer and artist to play in, with Luckert’s designs continuing to dazzle in all the best, bloodiest ways. This series is a splatterfest with substance, a love letter to the genre that’s smarter than it has any right to be. Horror heads, this one’s a must.

Solomon's Picks:

Adventure Time #1
Adventure Time is back in comic form and it couldn’t feel more like home. Nick Winn and Derek Ballard drop us right into a familiar era of the show’s timeline with Best of Buds, a story bursting with classic Finn and Jake energy, irreverent humor, and surprisingly deep lore callbacks. Computer Princess is a fun new addition who connects some long-ignored dots, including that bizarre little computer inside Finn’s guts—remember that? The storytelling is loose and playful, just like the show at its best, and the art mimics the animated style so well you can almost hear the voices. Bonus points for the Tree Trunks side story, which rounds out the issue with a sweet and chaotic note. If you ever loved Adventure Time, this feels like lost footage from the golden age.

The Amazing Spider-Man #1
Joe Kelly and Pepe Larraz swing into a fresh reboot with The Amazing Spider-Man #1, and it’s a strong start that balances nostalgia with new possibilities. The tone is classic Peter—down-on-his-luck, ever-hopeful—and that “Brand New Day” vibe is undeniable in the best way. It’s comforting, but not lazy. Kelly’s writing brings a sharp voice to Peter’s inner monologue, and Larraz delivers an art clinic every single page. The dynamic panels and expressive character work are top-tier Marvel, and honestly, it might be some of the best Spidey art in years. For longtime fans or lapsed readers, this feels like a heartfelt reset. Here’s hoping the web keeps weaving something special.

Jumpscare #2
Issue #2 of Jumpscare digs deeper into the pain behind the pulp. Cullen Bunn keeps the energy chaotic and the monsters weird, but at its core, this story is about rejection, family trauma, and carving out your own identity—wrapped in a love letter to horror flicks. Our heroine’s heartbreaking confrontation with her parents adds emotional weight, just before the book unleashes its most grotesque creatures yet with the arrival of the Dismal Concordat. Danny Luckert continues to crush it on art, blending surreal horror with expressive character beats. Jumpscare could’ve easily leaned on its clever concept alone, but it’s the emotion and creativity that makes it stand out. Horror fans and superhero skeptics alike, this one’s a gem.