Rob's Picks:

Absolute Flash #1
With Absolute Flash #1, Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles bring a fresh, emotional take on Wally West that hits all the right notes. Centering on a teenage Wally, Lemire crafts a story that blends emotional drama with the fantastical, showcasing Wally as a lonely, unsettled teenager caught in a military research facility under the control of his father, Colonel Rudy West. The story’s nonlinear structure jumps between family drama, Wally’s transformation into a speedster, and a desperate race for survival against superpowered trackers. Robles' art, paired with Adriano Lucas’ vibrant coloring, amplifies the emotional and heightened moments—cool tones reflect the ordinary, while warm flashes of reds and yellows highlight the speedster's extraordinary abilities. This installment of the Absolute Universe is a powerful and innovative take, making familiar ground feel entirely new.

One World Under Doom #2
One World Under Doom #2 continues to explore the massive consequences of Doom's reign. The Fantastic Four, ever defiant of Doom's tyrannical rule, take a bold move by crashing a world leaders' meeting rather than confronting Doom directly in Latveria. One member of the Richards family, however, dares to stand before Doom himself: Valeria. Doom allows her to question his methods, and as expected, he has a well-crafted monologue justifying his actions. The issue takes a darker turn for Reed and the family, as the consequences of their resistance to Doom may result in a transformation for one of Marvel’s first family. Meanwhile, the Avengers are on a mission to find new allies, even among old enemies, in preparation for the ultimate battle. Ryan North’s script delivers a stirring Doom monologue, giving the villain an imposing, philosophical weight in this saga. This issue has the right balance of political intrigue and action-packed stakes, setting the stage for something massive.

Zatanna #2
Issue #2 of Zatanna kicks things up a notch following Zatanna’s battle with the White Lady. Having been cursed and left powerless by a mystical sword, Zatanna faces a daunting challenge as she races against time to heal her metaphysical wounds and save her friend Adam from the Lady’s clutches. With her powers stripped away, she turns to old allies—such as Blue Devil and Detective Chimp—for help. The mystery behind the White Lady's vendetta against Zatanna is tied to her past, but the answers may stretch back even further. Jamal Campbell shines as both writer and artist, offering a beautifully stylized world of magic that’s visually breathtaking. This issue allows the art to speak more than the dialogue, making for an immersive and dynamic read. Fans of Zatanna, or anyone who loves a well-crafted magic-driven story, shouldn’t miss this series. DC is finally giving her the spotlight she deserves.

Solomon's Picks:

The Last Boy #1
Dan Panosian, Alessio Avallone, and Valentina Pinto offer a fresh, melancholic continuation of Peter Pan with The Last Boy. This story finds an older Wendy trying to carve out a life in London while Peter remains frozen in time, still lost in his childhood antics. But as Neverland changes around him—former allies taking on responsibilities and even old enemies evolving—Peter becomes more of an outdated relic than a beloved hero. The last page hints at a major turning point, underscoring just how much the world has moved on without him. While stories about Peter struggling with eternal youth aren’t new, this one executes the concept beautifully. Avallone’s art, with its storybook-like quality, adds an ethereal touch that enhances the book’s nostalgic, yet haunting, atmosphere.

Absolute Flash #1
Wally West takes center stage in Absolute Flash #1, and Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles, and Adriano Lucas set him on a path unlike any he’s traveled before. This isn’t just another speedster adventure—it’s a deeply personal and emotionally charged take on the character. Wally is dealing with a fractured family, isolation, and, most shockingly, the guilt of having accidentally killed one of DC’s most beloved heroes. The narrative focuses less on heroism and more on his internal struggles, setting up a darker, more introspective tone than previous Absolute books. The art team masterfully visualizes Wally’s mental anguish, using bold compositions and striking colors to make his emotional pain feel almost tangible. While this issue is a slower burn compared to the previous Absolute titles, it lays a compelling foundation for a unique and deeply personal Flash story. With the changes already introduced to Wally’s history, this series is poised to take him and his rogues gallery in exciting new directions.

Zatanna #2
Zatanna’s latest issue wastes no time diving back into the action, opening with a chaotic regrouping after the intense events of issue #1. After recovering from her latest ordeal, Zatanna and Blue Devil visit Adam’s home to uncover why he turned on her. This investigation leads her right back into the White Lady’s mirror dimension—where she unexpectedly encounters Bruce Wayne. The pacing in this series continues to be excellent, with every panel contributing to the unfolding mystery. Magic is on full display in this issue, delivering the kind of dazzling and surreal sequences you’d expect from a Zatanna book. Jamal Campbell’s art is absolutely breathtaking, with splash panels that let readers soak in the rich, detailed visuals. This book proves why fans have been clamoring for more solo Zatanna stories—first with last year’s Bring Down the House and now with this spellbinding series. If you’re a fan of DC’s premier magician, this is a must-buy!