December 4th, 2024

Rob's Picks:

Deadpool/Wolverine: Weapon X-Traction #1
Take a wild, violent, and hilarious trip through the multiverse with two of Marvel’s most unkillable heroes. In Deadpool/Wolverine: Weapon X-Traction #1, written by Ryan North (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) and illustrated by Javier Garrón (Miles Morales: Spider-Man), Wolverine and Deadpool find themselves reluctantly teaming up yet again. Wolverine tries to ditch Deadpool, but fate has other plans as the duo gets tossed from one dimension to the next, battling each other and anyone else unfortunate enough to cross their paths. The comedic chemistry between the two is turned up to 11, with Deadpool's irreverent chatter contrasting sharply with Wolverine's gruff exasperation. North’s writing feels fresh, especially for Deadpool, despite the character's frequent appearances, and Garrón’s dynamic art perfectly captures the gory slapstick of their multiversal mayhem. With the main X-titles leaning heavily into serious storytelling, this one-shot offers a much-needed dose of chaotic fun.

Two-Face #1
Harvey Dent returns to Gotham in Two-Face #1, and this time, the former District Attorney is taking his legal expertise to the underworld. Written by Christian Ward (Batman: City of Madness), this debut issue reimagines Two-Face as the defense attorney for criminals judged by their peers in the White Church, a shadowy court for Gotham’s worst. The story follows Dent as he takes on the impossible case of defending Victor Zsasz, a serial killer despised and feared by everyone—even the city’s organized crime syndicates. Ward masterfully explores the duality of Dent’s character, showing him struggling to suppress his monstrous alter ego while strategically using Two-Face’s reputation to navigate the dark politics of Gotham’s underbelly. The issue blends courtroom drama with psychological tension, offering a fresh and compelling take on the character. If the momentum of this first issue continues, Two-Face could join the ranks of successful solo series like Poison Ivy.

Absolute Superman #2
The second issue of Absolute Superman raises the stakes in Kal-El’s battle against the Peacemakers of Lazarus Corp, with Agent Lois Lane caught in the thick of the action. Writer Rafa Sandoval dives deeper into this Superman’s ideology and emotional core as he fights to save civilians while shackled—literally—to a hostile Lane. Refusing to flee while lives are at stake, Superman’s unwavering commitment to justice is evident, even as his Kryptonian suit advises retreat. Through the action, we get a closer look at Superman’s view of humanity, which he compares to Krypton: a society where the many work to sustain the few, ultimately leading to destruction. This issue also showcases Lois’s shifting perspective on her alien adversary as she observes him in action, revealing the tension and moral complexity driving their dynamic. Sandoval’s unique take on Superman’s iconic look, particularly his cape, enhances the story's visual appeal, delivering a fresh yet respectful nod to the character's legacy.

Solomon's Picks:

All-New Venom #1
All-New Venom #1, from Al Ewing and Carlos Gomez, delivers a fresh, action-packed take on Marvel's iconic symbiote. The story introduces a new Venom host, whose identity remains a tantalizing mystery. It kicks off with a courtroom recap of the events from Gang War and Venom War before pivoting to the central plot: determining Madame Masque's punishment for her crimes in NYC. Ewing leans heavily into the secret identity angle, giving this Venom story a distinct Spider-Man vibe. This unique approach is likely to resonate with fans, especially as the epilogue drops intriguing hints about the story’s direction. The art and colors are stunning, with the action scenes particularly standing out as beautifully detailed and dynamic. For longtime symbiote fans or those craving something fresh in the Venom mythos, this issue is a must-read.

Welcome to The Maynard #1
James Robinson, J. Bone, and Ian Herring present Welcome to The Maynard, a vibrant, high-energy comic that feels like a love letter to Saturday-morning cartoons. The story follows Pip, a spirited young woman who takes on the role of bellhop at a magical hotel, the Maynard. Pip's chaotic new life becomes even more complicated as she uncovers a conspiracy involving a thief stealing enchanted items from the hotel's colorful array of guests. While light on plot, the book excels in charm, humor, and character design, with every individual bursting with personality. The art is smooth and vibrant, perfectly complementing the story’s whimsical tone. If you’re looking for something fun, heartwarming, and delightfully quirky, Welcome to The Maynard is a delightful pick.

Batgirl #2
Following the strong debut issue, Batgirl #2 elevates the stakes as Cassandra Cain grapples with her mother’s return to Gotham, pursued by a gang of assassins. This issue dives deeper into the gritty action and complex relationships teased in the first installment. The creative team weaves in references to past runs, making it a treat for longtime fans, while reintroducing characters who’ve been absent for years. The pacing is tight, and the action ramps up immediately, leading to a thrilling showdown that stands out as a highlight of the series so far. The conclusion teases exciting developments for the next issue, leaving readers eager for more. If you’re a fan of Cassandra Cain or Batgirl’s legacy, this series continues to impress and is well worth picking up.