August 27th, 2025

Rob's Picks:

Universal Monsters: The Invisible Man #1 – Skybound continues its winning streak of reimagining classic Universal Monsters by enlisting top-tier creators, and James Tynion IV follows his stylish Dracula series with an equally chilling take on The Invisible Man. Drawing from both the iconic film and H.G. Wells’ novel, Tynion explores Jack Griffin not as a tragic figure but as a monster born from arrogance, obsession, and unchecked ambition. His jealousy and megalomania drive him toward invisibility long before the serum does, and his cruel internal monologue makes it clear he views himself as above his peers. Artist Dani (Coffin Bound) captures Griffin’s descent masterfully, using shadow and absence to render him a ghost in London society, visible only when plotting revenge, while surreal visuals reflect his dangerous fantasies. By framing Jack as all too human from the start, this debut delivers a frightening, layered character study and proves once again that Skybound’s monster line is one of the most exciting horror projects in comics.

Immortal Legend Batman #1 – DC launches a bold new Elseworlds vision with this anime-inspired Batman saga, fusing space opera and tokusatsu spectacle into a gripping debut. In a future where humanity’s use of Dark Matter unleashes monstrous Shadows, three heroes known as the Immortal Legends rise to defend civilization—the greatest among them being Batman. The story begins with the Dark Knight tracking a smuggler whose trail leads to Bruce Wayne, now sheriff of a remote mining colony plagued by brutal murders. Suspicion falls on Shadows, but Wayne himself becomes the prime suspect, forcing a collision between past and present identities. Writers Mat Groom (Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse) and Kyle Higgins (Radiant Black) craft a fast-moving tale filled with battles, mysteries, and worldbuilding that feels both fresh and accessible. Dan Mora (Once & Future) and Erica D’Urso (Inferno Girl Red) deliver dynamic designs that merge manga flair with tokusatsu energy, leaving readers eager to see their reimagined rogues gallery. A must-read for fans of Batman Beyond or Power Rangers-style reinventions.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 – Patrick Horvath returns with a hauntingly effective sequel that slows the pace to heighten suspense and deepen character. Time has shifted the small town of Woodbrook since Sam’s first killing spree—stores close, faces change, and the shadow of unsolved murders lingers in the air. Sam remains cautious but restless, pushing her hunting ground beyond town and taking greater risks as true-crime enthusiasts and media attention hover nearby. The arrival of dial-up internet introduces her to online communities dissecting her crimes, but instead of fearing exposure, Sam finds herself obsessively engaged, weaving her next trap with Monica the duck in her sights. Horvath’s lyrical storytelling captures both the banality and menace of small-town change, while the deceptively charming visuals maintain their unsettling contrast with Sam’s murderous compulsions. Though more reflective than explosive, this first issue is an unnerving return that builds tension for what’s to come. With the original series now in trade, there’s no reason not to catch up on one of the most original and disturbing comics running.

Solo's Picks:

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #2 – This series continues to deliver some of the most unsettling and fascinating storytelling on shelves, and the latest chapter is both harrowing and deeply intriguing. Instead of pushing the central plot forward in obvious ways, this issue dives into Sam’s twisted psyche, exploring her early internet use and the rationalizations behind her murders. The killing of a bear becomes the spark that reignites her desire to leave clues and torment the families of her victims, all framed through her disturbingly skewed logic. Once again, the art elevates the material, with smooth inks that enhance the storybook aesthetic while clashing beautifully with the book’s dark, violent core. It’s hard to overstate how consistently excellent this title has been—if it’s still not on your pull list, you’re missing out on what is shaping up to be one of the year’s very best.

Immortal Legend Batman #1 – DC’s Elseworlds line kicks off another bold experiment with Immortal Legend Batman, and the debut issue is a visual and narrative stunner. Borrowing heavily from manga influences while leaning into a futuristic aesthetic, the series may invite comparisons to Batman Beyond, but the tone and execution are uniquely its own. Beneath the vibrant colors lies a story that is darker, more unsettling, and filled with fascinating twists on the Batman mythos, including a reimagined “Batfamily” that feels fresh and compelling. The worldbuilding is sharp, the design work is gorgeous, and the new origins for Gotham’s protector make for a story that feels both accessible and wholly original. This is exactly the kind of inventive Elseworld tale that justifies DC’s multiverse experimentation—one that Bat-fans should be adding to their pull list immediately.

News From the Fallout #3 – Chris Condon and Jeffrey Alan Love’s atomic horror series continues to impress with another tense and emotional entry. Opening with a touching flashback between Nancy and Charlie before the bombs fell, the issue quickly contrasts that tenderness with the tragic present, where Charlie finds himself forced into a deadly standoff with a former friend. The tension is palpable, the arguments raw, and the fallout leaves the crew shaken and desperate to move on from the diner. While the artwork remains a major strength, a double-page spread early in the issue suffers from unclear sequencing, momentarily disrupting the flow before snapping back into clarity on the following pages. Despite that minor misstep, the visuals still carry immense weight, and the writing remains sharp as ever. With the cast finally leaving the diner behind, the next chapter promises to expand the scope and show us more of the irradiated horrors outside. This series continues to prove itself as one of the most gripping indie books of the year.