Rob's Picks:

DC K.O.: Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna #1
Magic meets mayhem as Zatanna and Harley Quinn go three rounds in one of DC K.O.’s most deceptively lopsided matchups, pitting a hammer-wielding clown against a master of magic. Harley’s unpredictability proves to be her greatest weapon, as she hits hard and fast with every dirty trick she knows, keeping Zatanna perpetually on the back foot. Briefly cut off from her greatest powers and far less accustomed to raw physical brutality, Zatanna struggles not just to win, but to reconcile the tournament’s “to the death” stakes with her own moral code. Leah Williams smartly plays the contrast between these two characters for both humor and tension, but her biggest narrative sleight of hand comes in the climax, revealing a surprisingly thoughtful method to Harley’s madness. While pushing a hero toward their moral breaking point isn’t a new idea, the motivation behind it here feels refreshingly sincere and highlights just how far Harley Quinn has evolved as a character. Despite their wildly different tones, both voices feel authentic, even if a few of Harley’s cheeky asides flirt with Deadpool territory. Mirka Adolpho’s art perfectly balances cartoon anarchy with mystical expressionism, making this another standout entry in an event that continues to deliver pure entertainment.

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2
With night fully fallen, vampires return to Barrow, Alaska, and Falling Sun wastes no time escalating the horror. While the first issue focused on reintroducing the town and the lingering scars left by Vicente, this chapter shifts into high gear as his brother Vladimir begins his bloody campaign of revenge, exposing the fractures within an already traumatized community. New arrival Jalen discovers the aftermath of the initial attack, and though his uncle Calvin’s warnings sound unbelievable, he accepts the truth faster than many longtime residents. Rodney Barnes uses the mounting violence to explore confrontation with the past, hinting at a tragic and emotionally complex history between Vicente and Vladimir, the latter showing an unsettling degree of remorse for a creature so inhuman. At the same time, Jalen’s own past closes in, as former criminal associates search for him, placing his family directly in harm’s way and adding yet another set of predators to Barrow’s endless night. Atmospheric, chilling, and emotionally grounded, this sequel continues to prove itself as thoughtful and compelling as the original.

Planet She-Hulk #2
Politics on Sakaar continue to spiral out of control as Jen Walters struggles to maintain order while Hulk wages war elsewhere, leaving her to wonder if he’s ever coming back. A shocking assassination sends the planet further into chaos, and the rise of Korven Blackjaw, who declares himself king through brutal retribution, forces Jen to confront how unprepared her legal background has left her for a culture that only respects strength. Being a Hulk gives her power, but it doesn’t automatically grant authority, and regaining control will require a fundamental shift in mindset. These ideas come into sharp focus during the issue’s standout scene, an extended sparring session and dialogue exchange between Jen and Juno, widow of Hiro-Kala, where philosophy, politics, and power collide. While the broader Imperial War event leans heavily into epic spectacle, Stephanie Phillips delivers a more grounded and nuanced story here, prioritizing character and cultural tension over bombast. Fans with fond memories of Planet Hulk will find plenty to enjoy, making this limited series a thoughtful return to Sakaar’s brutal hospitality.

Solo's Picks:

Marvel Rivals Ignite #1
Ignite has been reprinted in full color, and while I loved the original black-and-white release, this new printing makes it clear just how much was missing the first time around. Moments like fights, facial expressions, and character designs are far easier to read, and the added color elevates the overall presentation significantly. If you’re a fan of the game and missed this book on its initial release, this is absolutely worth picking up, as it’s a fun, energetic anthology packed with memorable and genuinely funny moments. Its only real flaw is inherent to the format: with a standard page count split across multiple stories, each one tends to end right as it feels like it’s hitting its stride. For those who already own the original, nothing changes narratively, but the color work does a tremendous amount of heavy lifting, making this reprint especially appealing for art enthusiasts.

DC KO: Harley Quinn VS Zatanna #1
Another entry in DC KO delivers an exciting — and admittedly very questionable — matchup, something Harley Quinn herself is keenly aware of throughout the fight. With Zatanna attempting to take the pacifist route, Harley chooses to motivate Earth’s most powerful magician in the most brutal way imaginable, creating a dynamic that ends up being the highlight of the issue. Harley’s ruthlessness is on full display here without reducing her to a walking punchline, and her intelligence remains intact even as the fourth-wall breaks surface in a more sporadic, unhinged way rather than feeling forced. I was particularly impressed by the voice she’s given in what could have easily been a throwaway tie-in, as it genuinely caught me off guard in a good way. The art is strong throughout, and the final page features one of my favorite Zatanna illustrations in recent memory. The outcome isn’t exactly a mystery, but the journey there is entertaining enough to make this well worth the read.

Planet She-Hulk #2
Planet She-Hulk wastes no time picking up where the first issue left off, following Jen as she struggles to establish some semblance of peace on Sakaar. This issue excels at world-building, offering multiple perspectives on the planet’s internal politics before launching into an action-heavy finale. Much of the conversation around this book has focused on the art, and for good reason, as Aaron Kuder’s linework is absolutely phenomenal and makes this one of the best-looking books Marvel is publishing right now, if not the entire industry. The confrontation between Jen and Juno is genuinely mesmerizing, and the coloring continues to impress, especially in the richly detailed environments that showcase just how much Sonia Oback brings to the table. This is a spectacular follow-up that deepens the setting while delivering stunning visuals, and it’s an easy recommendation — especially for die-hard She-Hulk fans.