Rob's Picks:

Star Wars #1 – Luke, Leia, and Han are back in action in this new post-Return of the Jedi adventure from writer Alex Segura (The Question: All Along the Watchtower, Dick Tracy). As Leia pursues a diplomatic mission in the volatile Fenril sector, Luke faces down the pirates that plague the region. The New Republic hopes to sway these lawless worlds into alliance, but meets stiff resistance, especially from the calculating Prime Minister Almovar, who proves a tough match for Leia’s efforts. Meanwhile, Luke’s mission turns disastrous as he and his X-Wing squadron fly right into a pirate ambush. Over on the seedier side of the galaxy, Han Solo crosses paths with Beilert Valance, the fan-favorite cyborg bounty hunter, leading to a firefight with ex-stormtroopers and an uneasy alliance to track a ruthless gang. Artist Phil Noto (Poe Dameron) brings his cinematic style and fine detail to every panel, helping this series feel like a seamless continuation of the film saga. With a tone that balances thrilling adventure, character-driven drama, and rich world-building, Star Wars #1 captures everything fans loved about Marvel’s classic SW comics.

Los Monstruos #1 – Being a private eye in a city of monsters isn’t easy, but werewolf detective Peter Curry makes it look cool in this stylish new noir from writer James Robinson (Starman). Set in a 1950s-inspired metropolis where every resident is a classic horror creature, Los Monstruos blends pulp detective tropes with Universal Monsters flair. Curry’s latest case involves an elderly man’s search for his long-lost vampire lover, a trail that leads Curry deep into the criminal underworld and reveals more about the city’s dark and mysterious past. Flashbacks hint at Curry’s troubled history as a disgraced cop, and a favor from a former partner adds layers to both character and setting. Artist Jesús Merino (The Joker: A Puzzle Box) nails the noir atmosphere with moody shadows, period detail, and expressive monster designs that make the world feel eerily alive. Fans of Blacksad or Calavera, PI will feel right at home in this gorgeously creepy detective tale.

Heavy Metal #1 – The return of Heavy Metal is here, and it’s everything longtime fans could have hoped for. After several false starts and failed crowdfunding efforts, the legendary sci-fi/fantasy anthology rises from the grave with a massive 230-page launch issue packed with genre-defining stories. Enki Bilal delivers a standout chapter with Bug, a haunting sci-fi mystery about a lone astronaut’s return and a devastating digital catastrophe that’s wiped Earth's data clean. Bilal’s eerie, shaded visuals match the paranoia and tension perfectly. The Mercenary by Vicente Segrelles offers a gorgeously painted fantasy tale about a knight battling intelligent insects, delivering that signature Heavy Metal mix of mythic beauty and unsettling surrealism. Fan-favorite heroine Taarna also returns in Taarna, The Last Taarakian: Rebirth, by writers John Reppion and Leah Moore and artist Anna Morozova, continuing her brutal saga against mutant raiders and monstrous threats. If you’ve ever loved Heavy Metal—for its provocative visuals, its dark imagination, or its fearless storytelling—this revival is a must-read celebration of all that made the magazine a legend.

Solo's Picks:

Blood & Thunder #1 – A fantastic debut from beloved creators Benito Cereno and E.J. Su! Blood & Thunder is a traditional sci-fi story set in a world where humans and Exos (any sapient, non-human beings) coexist on the asteroid city Metroid 1. Our main character, the gun-toting badass Akeldama—aka Blood—is a bounty hunter and the Metroid Police Force’s bridge between Exos and humans. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means murder. Unfortunately for her, her AI-powered gun and partner, Thunder, serves as a secondary consciousness and frequently blocks her more impulsive decisions. The art in this book is phenomenal—each character boasts bold design work, and with such a dense population of alien species, it’s impressive how seamlessly they fit into the world, with not a single detail of anatomy overlooked. The underlying tension between humans and Exos adds depth, particularly as humans are clearly depicted as the oppressors. If you’re a fan of sci-fi detective stories, this one should be on your radar.

Lady Baltimore: Daughters of Medusa #1 – A new chapter in Lady Baltimore’s tale arrives, and it’s nothing short of excellent! Set during WWII, the story begins in Paris, where a grotesque murder has occurred—one man beheaded, another frozen in stone as though Medusa herself had looked upon him. With no conventional explanation, investigators reach out to the only person who might understand: Lady Baltimore. She discovers the stoned man was a French spy infiltrating the Nazis, sparking fears that the Germans have enlisted Gorgons or other supernatural creatures. The investigation leads to Medusa’s former sanctuary—and Marie Antoinette’s—as the team faces off in a bloody battle. The standout element of this book is the dialogue: every character has a distinct voice, and their interactions are genuinely engaging. Though I’m not well-versed in Mignola’s “Outerverse,” this entry has me eager to dive deeper. If you’re a fan of historical occult adventures or just great character writing, this book will leave you satisfied.

Absolute Green Lantern #2 – A fantastic follow-up to the first issue, Absolute Green Lantern is quickly establishing itself as a standout in DC’s Absolute line. Picking up right where we left off, we witness the devastating event that left many injured and Sojourner augmented. Towering above Earth, Abin Sur passes terrifying judgment on humanity, delivering a cosmic horror experience that grips the reader with every page. The suspense in these scenes is palpable, especially as the police attempt—and fail—to deescalate the crisis. The tension never lets up, and that unsettling atmosphere is proving to be this series’ greatest strength. The artwork continues to dazzle, with stunning linework and color choices that enhance every emotional beat. Whether it’s the visual storytelling or the heavy themes, this book demands attention. Don’t sleep on this series—it’s shaping up to be one of the best in the Absolute lineup.