Rob's Picks:

Absolute Catwoman #1 Selina Kyle finally gets the spotlight in the Absolute Universe, and the result is a debut that confidently establishes its own identity rather than simply existing as an extension of Absolute Batman. While Gotham’s reimagined rogues have largely been transformed into grotesque victims of Ark-M’s experiments, Catwoman stands apart as one of the few characters to emerge from this world largely intact and thriving. That success, however, makes her desire to leave the criminal life behind feel all the more precarious. The story embraces the classic “one last job” setup, but Che Grayson and Scott Snyder elevate the familiar premise by shifting genres entirely. Instead of leaning into the body horror and psychological dread that define much of the Absolute line, this book operates as a sleek espionage thriller packed with covert operations, double-crosses, and expertly staged action. Bengal’s artwork is a perfect match for that tone, bringing fluid movement and remarkable clarity to every fight and chase sequence. Most importantly, the issue allows Selina to exist on her own terms. By largely removing Batman and Gotham from the equation, it focuses entirely on what makes Catwoman compelling as a character, proving she can carry an ongoing series without relying on anyone else’s mythology.

M.A.S.K. #1 Skybound’s expansion of the Energon Universe takes another unexpected turn with the arrival of M.A.S.K., and the creative team wisely leans into everything that made the original property memorable rather than attempting a complete modernization. Dan Watters embraces the franchise’s unapologetically eighties DNA, delivering a story filled with military intrigue, high-tech vehicles, and larger-than-life heroes and villains. The conflict between Matt Trakker and Miles Mayhem immediately provides a strong emotional backbone, turning what could have been a straightforward good-versus-evil narrative into a story rooted in betrayal and competing visions for humanity’s future. Simon Parr’s artwork further strengthens the book by fully embracing the toy-inspired aesthetic that defined the original series. The vehicles, armor, and gadgets all look like they belong on a store shelf in the best possible way, preserving the property’s identity while still feeling fresh. Unlike some of the larger Energon titles, M.A.S.K. benefits from a tighter scope and a more straightforward premise, allowing the action to take center stage. If future issues maintain this balance of pulpy adventure and character-driven conflict, this could become one of the line’s most entertaining books.

Daredevil #3 Stephanie Phillips continues to deliver one of Marvel’s strongest street-level books, deepening both the mystery surrounding Omen and Matt Murdock’s ongoing crisis of confidence. After suffering multiple defeats at the hands of an enemy his senses cannot properly track, Matt finds himself in unfamiliar territory: needing help. The issue smartly uses Spider-Man as more than a simple guest star, giving Peter Parker an important role as both mentor and friend. Their conversations highlight the similarities between two heroes burdened by extraordinary abilities, and Phillips captures Peter’s voice perfectly, balancing humor, optimism, and emotional intelligence. The larger mystery continues to evolve as Omen’s murders draw increasing attention from law enforcement, placing pressure on both Daredevil and Matt Murdoch simultaneously. Ben Urich’s appearance further reinforces the issue’s central theme, which increasingly seems to revolve around learning when to rely on others rather than carrying every burden alone. Lee Garbett’s artwork remains excellent throughout, particularly during the quieter moments where facial expressions and body language communicate just as much as the dialogue. Three issues in, this run continues to succeed by focusing on character, mystery, and grounded stakes instead of recycling familiar elements from Daredevil’s extensive mythology.

Solo's Picks:

Skate Ali #1 From the minds of Sam Humphries and Natacha Bustos comes Skate Ali, a ridiculously fun, visually stunning debut set in a society where skateboarding has been outlawed. Ali is a loner by circumstance, living in a world where skating crews are routinely infiltrated and broken up by the authorities. At home, her father has seemingly withdrawn from reality following a tragedy involving her mother, leaving Ali to navigate the city on her own. While heading out to skate her favorite spot and challenge the legendary “Big Red,” she crosses paths with a local skate gang that initiates her into their ranks through an augmented game of tag that serves as a rite of passage. Without giving too much away, the book immediately reminded me of Shaun White Skateboarding, the 2010 video game that featured a surprisingly similar premise involving a powerful organization controlling society and suppressing creativity. Here, skaters use supernatural abilities to reshape the world around them, making every page feel energetic, rebellious, and imaginative. Bustos’ artwork perfectly captures the story’s wild spirit, while Humphries delivers a premise that is equal parts heartfelt and outrageous. If you enjoyed Grommets or have fond memories of Shaun White Skateboarding, this is an easy recommendation.

Avengers Armageddon #1 Chip Zdarsky, Delio Diaz, and Frank Alpizar launch Marvel’s big summer event with a thrilling first chapter that immediately establishes massive stakes for the Marvel Universe. Set in the aftermath of One World Under Doom, the story sees Earth’s heroes forced into conflict with General Ross and the United Nations as Ross pursues ambitions that extend far beyond global domination. Naturally, that means plenty of powerhouse characters appear throughout the issue, as nearly every major hero stationed on Earth recognizes the danger he poses. One standout is David Colton, who has shut down the super-soldier program responsible for his powers and now finds himself on a reluctant redemption tour with the Avengers after receiving upgrades from Tony Stark. While the premise is compelling on its own, the artwork is what truly elevates the book. Diaz and Alpizar create a cinematic scale that makes every page feel important, ensuring the action remains exciting even during exposition-heavy moments. With strong character work, impressive visuals, and the promise of universe-shaking consequences, Avengers Armageddon gets off to an excellent start and has all the makings of a must-read Marvel event.

Ben 10 #2 Ben Tennyson returns for another fantastic issue that manages to improve upon an already strong debut. Much like the first installment, this issue continues to reimagine the original television series with a darker, more mature tone, but it feels even more engaging thanks to the number of threats Ben has to juggle simultaneously. The familiar story beats are still present, yet the creative team continues expanding and recontextualizing them in ways that make the narrative feel larger and more ambitious than the source material. My favorite sequence comes when Ben transforms back into a human after using the Omnitrix. Rather than treating the process as a simple visual effect, the book leans heavily into body horror, depicting his DNA and physical form violently restructuring themselves. The uncomfortable, gruesome imagery helps communicate why Ben is far more unsettled by his new powers than he was in the original series, adding a layer of realism and consequence that fits this reinterpretation perfectly. The horror elements remain one of the book’s greatest strengths, and I hope future issues continue exploring them. Overall, this is another excellent installment, and if you still haven’t picked up this series, now is the perfect time to jump aboard.