Rob's Picks:

X-Men #3
The third issue of Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman’s X-Men is everything a quintessential X-Men book should be. The inevitable fallout from the last issue’s mission to San Francisco arrives at the Factory, leading to a tense confrontation between the X-Men and the U.S. government. Cyclops truly shines in this issue as he faces off with Agent Lundqvist of the O.N.E., showcasing some of Scott Summers’ most compelling dialogue post-Krakoa. The action is perfectly paced and exhilarating, with heavy hitters Magik and Juggernaut emerging as one of the most dynamic duos in comics today. Their banter-to-action ratio is spot-on, ensuring that their scenes never overstay their welcome. The issue also gives plenty of other mutants their time in the spotlight. A particularly powerful scene between Magneto and Temper delves into the complicated relationship mutantkind has with its outcasts and outlaws—those left behind in the wake of Krakoa’s utopia. If you’re still skeptical about the new X-Men titles, this issue will change your mind.

Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1
Universal Studios’ classic monster movies have been getting stellar comic adaptations, and Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #1 is no exception. Following Snyder’s visually stunning Dracula and Ram V’s pulpy Creature from the Black Lagoon, writer Michael Walsh (The Silver Coin) brings a fresh take on Frankenstein. The story begins with a grieving young man witnessing the desecration of his father’s grave, a crime that leads him to Victor Frankenstein’s ominous castle laboratory. While the story of the obsessed doctor playing god is well-known, it’s the added pathos of the young protagonist and the unique presentation that make this book stand out. Artist Toni-Marie Griffin captures the eerie black-and-white aesthetics of James Whale’s original film, with a touch of Mignola in how color emerges from the shadows. Unlike the avant-garde approach of the Dracula team, Walsh and Griffin embrace a more traditional gothic horror style, and it works beautifully.

BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1
Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt deliver another knockout one-shot with BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1, hot on the heels of Faceful of Bullets. This time, we’re taken to the court of Genghis Khan, where the Great Khan’s conquests are halted by a single unstoppable warrior. A man who claims to know the secrets of this undying fighter offers his knowledge—for a price. Ron Garney’s artwork is as gnarly and visceral as ever, making the sprawling scenes of carnage a visual feast. Kindt takes a more lyrical, less plot-driven approach than Jason Aaron did with Faceful, giving this one-shot a distinct tone that sets it apart. These one-shots are a perfect entry point for anyone who hasn’t yet explored BRZRKR, and they’re a must-read for fans of action-packed storytelling in any medium.

Solomon's Picks:

Aliens vs. Avengers #1
Jonathan Hickman brings his legendary storytelling to Aliens vs. Avengers, and it’s an epic start. The book immediately sets a dark tone with cruel experiments on a Kree refuge, before shifting focus to a group of Wakandan soldiers who encounter Xenomorphs. This feels more like an apocalyptic narrative (the genre, not the character, though he’s in it too!) than a typical superhero story. A significant twist in this event is that the iconic heroes we know and love are a bit older, now doing their best to survive as the world crumbles around them. Apocalypse’s inclusion in this issue is a standout, with his pages being the highlight of the book for me. The direction this story is headed in is thrilling, and I’m confident you’ll love it too.

Chasm: Curse of Kaine #1
The Spider-Clone saga continues with Chasm: Curse of Kaine, a new story focused on Ben Reilly in his new identity as Chasm. Anticipation has been building since Web of Spider-Man a few months back, and this issue does not disappoint. The story kicks off with Chasm and Hallows Eve terrorizing a group of college students, only to be ambushed by vermin in NYC’s sewers. We then switch to Kaine, who is hunting for his “brother” in hopes of redeeming him. Ben’s new direction is intriguing; instead of being purely “evil,” he retains some of Peter Parker’s reluctance and desire for a normal life. This issue serves as a bit of a “catch-up” for readers, but the story remains engaging, and the art is absolutely stunning. I have high hopes for this storyline, and any big Spider-Man fans should definitely give it a try!

Eye Lie PopEye #1
Eye Lie PopEye caught me completely off guard, but who doesn’t love Popeye? The art, story, humor, and dialogue in this book are all excellent. The plot is so wacky and packed with important beats right from the start that I don’t want to spoil too much. Imagine a hilarious blend of an old Saturday morning cartoon and an action-heavy shonen anime. Marcus Williams, the artist behind this book, has a knack for making everything feel dynamic. If you haven’t picked up this book yet, you’re missing out—grab it today!