Rob's Reviews:

The Umbrella Academy: Plan B #1 – Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá finally return to The Umbrella Academy, and the long wait since Hotel Oblivion pays off right away. We’re thrown headfirst into the fallout from the reveal of the Sparrows, the secret counterpart team to the Hargreeves kids. This issue doesn’t answer everything, but it does sharply define the Sparrows both as individuals and as thematic foils. Their unity and discipline make them more competent than the Umbrellas, but no less dysfunctional—a testament to Sir Reginald’s unique brand of toxic parenting. Flashbacks to their covert training offer new insight into their twisted relationship with the old man, deepening the lore without slowing the pace. Way and Bá slide effortlessly back into their signature blend of pulpy super-science and raw emotional storytelling, making this new chapter feel like a true continuation—not just a comeback.

One World Under Doom #5 – Doom versus Dormammu escalates into full-scale war as the world’s heroes finally return to the fold. Sorcerer Supreme Doom is throwing everything he has at Dormammu, but it’s going to take the Avengers, X-Men, and everyone in between to finish this fight. While teamwork is nothing new for these heroes, the moral calculus of fighting for Doom, even temporarily, is beginning to weigh heavily—especially for Tony Stark, who sees the long game Doom is playing. Writer Ryan North continues to use this mega-event to raise sharp questions about power, complicity, and the price of resistance, giving the book a cerebral edge. Artist R.B. Silva manages to keep the massive cast and explosive action readable and rich with detail. As we march toward the final act, this issue feels like a pivot point, setting the stage for a climax that could redefine what “saving the world” actually means.

Death of the Silver Surfer #1 – Greg Pak delivers a meditative, visually stunning return to Marvel’s most cosmic philosopher in Death of the Silver Surfer #1. From page one, Pak embraces everything that makes the Surfer compelling: his detachment, his cosmic guilt, and his quiet yearning for meaning. As Norin Radd grapples with the nature of death—personal, planetary, metaphysical—his presence on Earth triggers alarm bells at the Bureau of Alien Naturalization, who dispatch their top agent with one impossible order: kill the Silver Surfer. Pak perfectly captures the character’s voice, asking not “How can I save the world?” but “Should I?” It’s a bold, existential take that fans of the character will appreciate. Sumit Kumar’s art meets the moment, especially when visualizing the surreal and unknowable. If you're into cosmic Marvel with brains behind the beauty, this one is absolutely worth the ride.

Solo's Reviews:

Marvel Rivals: Ignite #1 – An excellent collection of short stories centered around Marvel’s ever-popular online game, Marvel Rivals: Ignite delivers high-energy fun with a distinct manga flair. The creative roster is stacked, opening with Peach Momoko (whose story loosely ties into her Demon Days universe), followed by Hell’s Paradise creator Yuji Kaku, and closing with a wild entry from Promare writer Mitsuyasu Sakai and artist Ryusei Yamada. Unlike the first Rivals special, which focused more on in-game objectives, this issue fleshes out character "skins" with inventive backstories. The standout across all stories is the kinetic, expressive art, although each creative team could’ve benefitted from a few more pages to fully land their stories. Still, fans of the game or any of the featured creators will find this one-shot a vibrant and worthwhile read.

The New Avengers #1 – Sam Humphries, Ton Lima, and Rain Beredo kick off a refreshingly strong new run of The New Avengers, gathering a scrappy, covert team to investigate grotesque human experiments deep in Russia. The new lineup is cobbled together by Bucky Barnes, who insists this isn’t a “team,” though the dynamic says otherwise. What makes this debut shine is its balance: every character gets a moment to breathe and impress without slowing the pace. The standout is the unsettling creature design—disturbing enough to linger in your memory—backed by relentless, stylish action beats every few pages. For a book juggling plot setup, character intros, and visceral thrills, it sticks the landing with confidence. If you’re into fast-paced, high-stakes ensemble books, grab this before it sells out.

Batman & Robin: Jason Todd #1 – This powerful entry in the Batman & Robin series zeroes in on the turbulent chapter of Jason Todd’s time as the Boy Wonder. Far from glossing over his controversial legacy, this issue leans in, showing a reckless and impulsive Jason framed not just by angst, but by unresolved grief. The emotional depth is elevated by poignant dream sequences and raw dialogue that illustrate how much Jason struggles under the weight of Bruce’s expectations and his own trauma. Dustin Nguyen’s gritty, expressive art matches the tone perfectly, giving the story a tactile edge. The drama, action, and psychological insight make this a gripping and emotionally resonant read—absolutely not one to skip.