Rob's Picks:

Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1 — We’ve barely had time to process the shocking history of the Joker (aka Jack Grimm) revealed in Absolute Batman #15, and Scott Snyder is already back with another dense and rewarding infusion of lore. This chilling one-shot explores the origins of Ark M—formerly Arkham Asylum—through the journals of its founder, Dr. Amadeus Arkham, a man who believed in the late 1800s that no mind was beyond saving. Though less violent in method than Batman, Arkham’s mission to heal Gotham is born from a similar wellspring of tragedy, as he too is shaped by an act of violence that leaves him an orphan. Snyder pushes the parallels between Amadeus and Bruce Wayne even further as Arkham encounters two figures who will define his legacy: a lost young boy who becomes his ward, and a criminal so gleefully cruel that he tests the absolute limits of the doctor’s altruism. When the narrative catches up to the present, Grimm is preparing his next move against Batman, offering a first glimpse at some of Ark M’s unsettling residents and creations. New additions to the rogues gallery are sure to spark conversation, but the Absolute reimagining of one major Batman antagonist in particular is destined to send hype for the next arc soaring. With its epistolary structure, gothic setting, and pitch-black twists, the Ark M Special channels classic horror literature while deepening the mythos in meaningful ways. Between this and the Joker origin, Snyder has proven he can deliver long-awaited answers without sacrificing the power of a stand-alone story.

DC K.O.: Knightfight #3 — The strongest title in the DC K.O. lineup once again punches its way to the top. After being taken out of the tournament by a cheap shot in the first round, Batman barely escaped with his life, but in a contest meant to end in death, the Heart of Apokolips has declared foul. Trapped in a cosmic penalty box, Bruce must fight his way through a series of constructed dimensions where he faces former Robins, beginning with the continuation of his surreal bout against Jason Todd—a battle that took an especially strange turn when Batman exploited the instability of the world to briefly become Clayface. The Heart seeks to punish him for cheating, but Batman has so far outsmarted every consequence by refusing the terms of each fight and finding another way through. Fed up, the Heart issues a new ultimatum: the remaining trials will test his mind and heart as much as his body, and if he survives them all, he’ll earn a return to the tournament and a rematch with the Joker. Acting as a pseudo-Elseworlds, Knightfight shows how different Robins might wear the cowl, and after wrapping Jason’s chapter, this issue spends most of its time with Tim Drake. Williamson smartly shifts tone here, crafting a less grim world that highlights Tim’s strengths as the most observant and street-smart of Batman’s protégés, emphasizing detective work over brute force. After two brawl-heavy issues, the more cerebral approach feels refreshing and necessary. Dan Mora and colorist Tríona Farrell continue to elevate the book visually, using starkly distinct palettes to define each reality, with Tim’s world proving that no shadow is deep enough to hide the truth.

Carmen Redclaw: Belly of the Beast #1 — A new Western set in the world of Hellboy rides onto the scene with grit and supernatural menace. In a land full of hired guns, Carmen Redclaw is the one you call when the threat isn’t human. A descendant of the legendary pirate El Bogavante, Carmen has survived a lifetime of horrors—both man-made and monstrous—becoming a hardened fighter and a deadly expert on killing supernatural creatures. Mysterious cattle mutilations bring Carmen and her wisecracking lizard companion Yargoss to New Mexico at the behest of desperate ranchers, and while she sets out expecting a confrontation with the Chupacabra, what she uncovers is something far more personal and unsettling. The story intercuts between the present-day investigation and Carmen’s youth, when her first encounters with monsters and magic shaped the woman she would become. Beneath the pulpy, two-fisted action lies a thoughtful exploration of identity and exclusion, as Carmen is treated as an outsider by settlers due to her mixed Spanish and Native heritage—until they suddenly need her skills. Mike Mignola teams with newcomer writer/artist Rae Allen, whose fresh voice and slightly lighter tone give the book a distinct identity within the Mignolaverse, resulting in a supernatural Western that feels accessible, character-driven, and imbued with YA appeal without losing its bite.

Solo's Picks:

Absolute Batman: Ark M #1 — Scott Snyder, Frank Cieri, and Joshua Hixson deliver one of the most compelling stories in the Absolute Universe to date, offering a chilling new origin for Arkham Asylum alongside an even deeper examination of the monster that is Jack Doe. Framed entirely as an entry from Dr. Arkham’s personal journal, the issue recounts his troubled past, his most disturbing patient, and a young man he once took under his wing, gradually revealing the pain and obsession that drove him to create the infamous institution. Each page adds clarity to Arkham’s motivations while building toward a devastating gut punch capped by a sinister final twist. The rough, sketch-like art style enhances the characters’ expressions and perfectly complements the dark, intimate tone of the story. This was an unexpected but deeply appreciated entry, and the creative team deserves credit for continually finding new ways to push the Absolute Universe forward. With more than fifty years of lore attached to Arkham Asylum, it’s genuinely impressive that Snyder and Cieri found a way to make its origin feel fresh, haunting, and essential.

Arcadia #2 — Arcadia returns to shelves with what may be the strongest issue of the week, building beautifully on an already impressive debut. While the first chapter established a somber tone, this issue leans into world-building, exploring the growing relationship between Halu and Fix, how their motivations intertwine, and offering a bittersweet glimpse of where this story may ultimately lead. With every page turn, the pieces fall into place for a sweeping adventure, and the inclusion of QR codes on select double-page spreads only heightens that sense of discovery. We see Weedy’s descent into madness deepen, a development that in turn ignites Halu’s resolve, pushing the narrative forward with emotional weight. The world of Arcadia feels richer and more alive here, and the long-teased Baker City looms as a destination that promises major revelations. This series is already shaping up to be something special, and now is the perfect time to jump in.

Batman #5 — Five issues into Matt Fraction’s run, Batman has quickly cemented itself as one of the strongest mainline takes on the character in decades, balancing modern sensibilities with a tone reminiscent of classic ’90s and early-2000s stories. This issue centers on Bruce Wayne and breakout character Dr. Zeller’s painfully awkward “totally-not-a-date,” which quickly spirals into chaos when ninjas flood the streets of Gotham with swords drawn and Zeller as their target. The result is a sharp, hilarious, and action-packed chapter that perfectly captures the episodic storytelling Fraction has championed, making it easy for new readers to jump in without feeling lost. Bruce’s traditionally suave, James Bond-like demeanor is replaced here with something far more human, and the chemistry between him and Zeller makes their disastrous night out endlessly entertaining. Watching them navigate this escalating nightmare adds humor and heart to the mayhem, making Batman #5 an easy recommendation and one of the most enjoyable issues of the run so far.