March 5th, 2025

Rob's Picks:

Doctor Strange of Asgard #1
Derek Landy (All-Out Avengers) delivers a fascinating new direction for Stephen Strange in Doctor Strange of Asgard #1, an essential tie-in to One World Under Doom. Stripped of his title as Sorcerer Supreme, Strange seeks purpose beyond Earth and finds himself in Asgard, a realm that doesn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for a mortal magician. With Loki’s recent banishment (as seen in Immortal Thor), there may be room for Strange’s talents—if he can win the blessing of Hulda, the goddess of magic. Landy takes an unexpected approach, crafting a story that feels more like a grounded western than a typical Asgardian epic, with Strange stepping into the role of a new "sheriff" in a land unfamiliar with his ways. His interactions with everyday Asgardians make this issue stand out, offering a fresh and compelling take on both the character and the setting. The cliffhanger ending ensures this book will be essential reading moving forward.

Secret Six #1
Nicole Maines (Suicide Squad: Dream Team) delivers a gripping follow-up to Absolute Power with Secret Six #1, exploring the lingering scars left by Amanda Waller’s devastating assault on the superhero community. Jon Kent, still haunted by being used as a weapon by the Brainiac Queen, struggles to control his inner turmoil, a conflict that erupts in his brutal fight against a cybernetically enhanced Bizarro. Meanwhile, Jay Nakamura (Gossamer) and others realize the past isn’t quite done with them when Dreamer arrives with disturbing news: Waller has escaped prison. Tension between Jay and Dreamer adds a compelling personal conflict to the larger mystery, forcing Jon into the impossible role of mediator as the team infiltrates Belle Reve. Maines brilliantly weaves together superhero intrigue and political thriller elements, forcing heroes and villains—including Black Alice and Deadshot—into an uneasy alliance. If you're a fan of the mystery-driven All-In titles like The Question, this book is a must-read.

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1
Marc Guggenheim (X-Men: Gold) and Madibek Musabekov (Realmwalkers) craft an exhilarating new Jedi adventure in Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1, a series set in the years leading up to the prequel trilogy. This issue brings Star Wars back to its core themes—diplomacy, war, and the complex moral dilemmas facing the Jedi. As two warring worlds threaten to destabilize the Galactic Republic, an elite team of Jedi is sent to intervene. While Yoda and Mace Windu command the battlefield, Qui-Gon Jinn takes a more measured approach, attempting to untangle centuries of conflict. However, their mission becomes infinitely more complicated when they uncover a hidden force manipulating both sides from the shadows. With stunning visuals and pulse-pounding action, this issue perfectly captures the Star Wars essence, making it a must-read for anyone craving classic Jedi storytelling. If you’ve been underwhelmed by recent Star Wars content, this book will reignite your love for the galaxy far, far away.

Solomon's Picks:

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1
Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly continue their strong work in One World Under Doom with Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1, featuring stunning artwork by Tommaso Bianchi and Yen Nitro. This issue perfectly encapsulates the looming threat of Doctor Doom’s rule, as Bucky, Black Widow, and Songbird make a daring move against the new Sorcerer Supreme—only to realize Doom has anticipated their every step. The creative team does an excellent job of portraying Doom as an omnipotent force, making every act of resistance feel almost futile. While this issue ties directly into One World Under Doom, it also serves as an excellent introduction to the Thunderbolts, especially with the upcoming movie bringing fresh attention to the team. Between the gripping storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and a shocking ending that spells trouble for Bucky, this book is a must-read for Marvel fans.

Secret Six #1
Nicole Maines delivers an exciting new Secret Six run, kicking things off with an action-packed opener. The issue begins with Jon Kent taking down Bizarro before shifting focus to his personal life with Jay—a rare moment of quiet before the chaos. When Nia arrives requesting help in tracking down Amanda Waller, the trio’s dynamic immediately becomes strained, with Jay’s visible frustration adding tension to the mission. His decision-making becomes more reckless, hinting at a character arc that could have major consequences down the line. Artist Stephen Segovia, paired with colorist Rain Beredo, brings a dramatic, moody aesthetic to the book, making every scene visually compelling. Between the strong character work and the intriguing hints of a larger story unfolding, Secret Six #1 is a fantastic start to what promises to be a memorable series.

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1
Marc Guggenheim, Madibek Musabekov, and Luis Guerrero deliver an exhilarating first issue in Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1, capturing the essence of what makes Jedi stories so compelling. The book balances diplomacy and action, with Jedi such as Qui-Gon Jinn, Adi Gallia, and Seera Longa tackling peace negotiations while also discovering the dark reality of prison camps on Syrinx Prime. The moral dilemmas and strategic decisions make for a gripping read, while Musabekov’s breathtaking artwork gives every lightsaber duel and planetary vista an epic, cinematic feel. The issue ends with a mysterious vision from Obi-Wan, leaving plenty of intrigue for the next installment. Fans of classic Star Wars storytelling—where Jedi navigate both the battlefield and the political arena—will absolutely love this. A must-read for any Star Wars enthusiast!