Rob's Picks:

Absolute Superman #4
The hunt for Superman intensifies as Lois Lane’s superiors grow impatient, a new faction joins the chase, and another of DC’s mainstay characters makes their first Absolute appearance. Rather than answering more questions about Kal-El, Jason Aaron (TMNT, Southern Bastards) focuses this issue on what Superman represents to the people of Earth. To those he has saved, he is a savior, an avenger of the dispossessed. To Lazarus Corp and the Peacekeepers, he is a threat to order and authority. To the underground movement called the Omega Men, he is a fellow enemy of the system—one with the power and motivation to bring it all down. A shared trail of clues leads to a showdown with Agent Lane, whose personal vendetta against the Omega Men is pushing tensions to the brink. Meanwhile, the Peacekeepers aren’t taking their defeats well, and their escalating brutality might just push Kal-El to new extremes. While issue #3 showcased the sci-fi aesthetics of Krypton, this week’s return to the gritty, grimy world of Absolute Earth gives artist Rafa Sandoval a chance to flex his incredible range. His take on Superman—his physical bearing, the way his suit merges with the manifestation of his powers—makes him feel more angelic than alien, a true force of nature standing apart from the world around him.

Two-Face #3
The White Church takes a recess as Harvey Dent investigates the theft of Gotham’s most infamous ventriloquist dummy—Scarface. The culprit? The Shadow Hand, a group seemingly dedicated to destroying the fragile peace Dent has brokered between Gotham’s gangs. With his assistant Lake Cantwell, Dent follows the clues to an unlikely suspect—but is this person a true member of the Hand, or just a pawn? Detective work isn’t the only thing this issue delivers. Writer Christian Ward (Blood Stained Teeth) takes us deeper into Dent’s fractured psyche, where his “worse half” remains locked away. But Two-Face isn’t taking his imprisonment lightly, and he pushes the limits of Dent’s mental defenses in a desperate jailbreak attempt. As the struggle for control intensifies, Cantwell begins to worry her boss is losing the battle. Artist Fábio Veras deserves serious recognition—his surreal, almost psychedelic depiction of Harvey’s mind is one of the book’s greatest strengths, making every internal struggle as visually compelling as the external conflicts.

Cruel Kingdom #2
The second issue of EC’s dark sword-and-sorcery anthology brings three excellently twisted tales to the table, showcasing some top-tier creative talent. A Rare Immunity, from Chris Condon (The Enfield Gang Massacre) and P.J. Holden (DC Horror Presents: Soul Plumber), follows a warrior who acquires a magic blade promising immunity from death. But as the battles mount, he learns that sometimes a blessing can become a curse. This story delivers plenty of gore, with Condon leaning into the self-serious cheesiness of grimdark fantasy for a few dark laughs. Hammer of Witches, written by Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) and brought to life by Andrea Mutti (Maniac of New York), stands out as the best-looking story in the issue. It’s a haunting cautionary tale about the dangers of finding exactly what you were searching for. Finally, Seat of Power from David Lapham (Stray Bullets) and Cameron Chittock tells the story of two brothers locked in a deadly struggle for their father’s throne. Cruel Kingdom is quickly finding its stride, and in a crowded field of anthology comics, it’s already carving out a unique niche as the go-to for dark fantasy fans.

Solomon's Picks:

Legacy of Vader: Reign of Kylo Ren #1
Charles Soule, Luke Ross, and Nolan Woodard set a strong foundation for Legacy of Vader, crafting a compelling story that instantly draws readers in. Kylo Ren is making strides toward becoming an all-powerful Sith Lord, yet he struggles with the weight of his past. To sever these lingering ties, he embarks on a journey to planets that played a significant role in his grandfather’s legacy—seeking new wisdom and greater power. As someone who isn’t the biggest Kylo fan, I was hesitant going in, but the creative team did a phenomenal job pulling me in right away. Clever nods to the prequel films and deep-cut references to older Star Wars novels make this an engaging read, but even those unfamiliar with the extended lore will find Kylo’s character captivating. His short fuse, introduced in The Force Awakens, is on full display, and the exploration of his inner turmoil is both engaging and well-executed. Luke Ross’ artwork is stunning, as always, with incredible detail and masterful paneling. One standout moment comes midway through the issue—a breathtaking splash page intertwined with clever paneling, perfectly visualizing Kylo’s guilt and shame.

Batgirl #4
This Batgirl run just keeps getting better, and issue #4 might be the most satisfying one yet! Since the series' start, Shiva has been persistently—though unsuccessfully—trying to convince Cass to join her, and with the League of Shadows’ involvement now confirmed, Cass has officially reached her breaking point. Just as the mother-daughter conflict reaches a boiling point, The Unburied arrives, instantly shifting the book’s tone by blowing up the train. One of my favorite aspects of The Unburied is how they waste no time explaining themselves; whenever they show up, they’re immediately on the attack. The art continues to improve with every issue, which is impressive considering how stunning each installment has already been. The tension between Shiva and Cass has been executed beautifully, and Tate Brombal has done an outstanding job crafting their dynamic. When I reviewed the first issue, I thought this series might only appeal to die-hard Cassandra Cain fans. Four issues in, I can confidently say this is an enjoyable story for any reader, regardless of prior knowledge. If you haven’t been following along, now is the time to catch up!

Robot Tod #1
Farel Dal delivers a uniquely gorgeous sci-fi fantasy with Robot Tod! The story begins with a wicked witch-esque character experimenting on our robotic protagonist, Tod. Moments later, he reboots, regains basic functions, and makes a daring escape—literally launching himself thousands of feet through the sky before crash-landing somewhere unknown. From there, he simply wanders. The world is eerie and desolate, yet somehow still vibrant, featuring stunning backdrops and rich colors. If you’re familiar with Adventure Time, this book evokes a similar vibe—colorful, intriguing characters placed within a bleak world ravaged by nuclear war. The exact cause of the world’s ruin isn’t clear yet, but subtle clues suggest that a massive war took place, even down to the nature of Tod’s power source. If you’re someone who prioritizes gripping narratives above all else, this might not be for you. However, if you’re someone who deeply appreciates unique art and bold stylistic choices, this is a must-read. Fans of Farel Dal’s work know that his stories often shine best in trade format, and Robot Tod feels like it will be no exception. That said, I highly recommend picking up the singles to support this stunning passion project!