November 6th, 2024
Rob's Picks:
Absolute Superman #1
The Man of Steel makes his highly anticipated debut in the Absolute Universe! As with Absolute Batman and Wonder Woman, Superman’s origin story is familiar yet significantly reimagined, casting the hero with a much harder edge. Writer Jason Aaron starts us back on the doomed planet Krypton, but here, Kryptonian society has a pronounced class divide. The Science League lives in a utopian splendor, while the working class labors tirelessly to support them. Kal-El, born into this underclass, arrives on Earth to find a similarly unjust world. This Superman retains his empathy but replaces his usual boundless optimism with a fierce righteous anger. New factions like the Lazarus Corp and the Peacemakers make intriguing additions, as do hints about a revamped source for Superman’s powers. The journey through gritty favelas, sunlit farms, and gleaming skyscrapers is masterfully brought to life by Rafa Sandoval, whose art aligns seamlessly with the other Absolute titles, giving this refreshed take a cohesive feel. DC’s Absolute series continues to offer a captivatingly modernized perspective on these classic characters, and Superman’s entrance is as impactful as hoped.
Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #3
Jim Zub’s epic Conan event continues in its third installment, where worlds collide and the adventure ramps up. With Solomon Kane and other famous adventurers now at his side, Conan continues his relentless pursuit of the ominous Beast of the Black Stone. Zub pairs characters for fascinating dialogues that deepen their connections and provide fresh insights into each. The issue’s first half explores these dynamics, giving focus to lesser-known characters, while the second half plunges into a visceral battle with Lovecraftian horrors. Artist Jonas Scharf deftly balances gritty realism with supernatural madness, delivering some shocking twists in the climactic fight. As it charges toward its final issue, Battle of the Black Stone promises an epic, unpredictable conclusion that’s sure to resonate with fans of both Conan and high-fantasy horror.
Negasonic Teenage Warhead #1
Ellie Phimister, a.k.a. Negasonic Teenage Warhead, returns in this action-packed one-shot, which collects her six-part run from Marvel’s Voices Infinity webcomic alongside a fresh new story. Ellie finds herself hunted by the Time Variance Authority, accused of a universe-ending crime she hasn’t committed—yet. With only an hour to uncover how and why she might destroy the universe, Ellie is in a race against time, assisted by Deadpool, who’s there to… well, mostly crack jokes and wreak havoc. The story is packed with humor, action, and surprising depth, making this one-shot a perfect showcase for this fan-favorite character. Ellie’s punk, irreverent vibe breathes fresh life into the Marvel universe, delivering just the right dose of X-Men fun without the heavy themes typically associated with the franchise.
Solomon's Picks:
JSA #1
The Justice Society of America returns in this stellar debut by Jeff Lemire, Diego Olortegui, and Luis Guerrero. DC shows it’s paying attention to fan feedback, delivering one of the year’s standout titles. This issue captivates by honing in on the interpersonal conflicts and dramas among team members—an approach that’s often overlooked in superhero books today. The JSA may be back, but tension brews on every page as we witness siblings at odds over team leadership, lovers fractured by past battles, and members struggling with losses of family and friends. For readers wary of complex team dynamics, don’t worry—anything missed in previous events is clearly explained here, so you can dive right in. The issue’s twist ending only adds to the excitement. Grab this one today, especially if DC’s All-In Initiative has been on your radar!
Batgirl #1
Cassandra Cain’s Batgirl has returned with an explosive start from Tate Brombal, Takeshi Miyazawa, and Mike Spicer. The action kicks off as her mother, Lady Shiva, arrives in Gotham with an ultimatum: Cass must go into hiding or face “The Unburied,” an ancient order of warriors dead set on Lady Shiva’s demise. This issue nails Cassandra’s character, with a rich exploration of her complex relationship with her mother. Though Cass is known for her reserved nature, she’s given plenty of impactful moments and quotes here. The creative team isn’t redefining Cass; instead, they’re skillfully showcasing what makes her special. If you’re a Cassandra Cain fan, this is a must-read, delivering exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Absolutely pick it up if you haven’t already!
FML #1
A refreshing debut full of personality and sharp illustrations, FML #1 by Kelly Sue Deconnick, David Lopez, and Cris Peter is a wildly entertaining mix of paranormal horror and satirical social commentary. We follow Riley, a teenager in a garage band with a penchant for dabbling in the supernatural, who is also the child of a retired punk rocker mom with an intriguing past involving otherworldly deities. The group, made up of teenagers, isn’t shy about voicing their (often humorous and sometimes cynical) takes on society, from serial killers to systemic oppression. But the true depth of the story lies within the clever dialogue on TVs, radios, phones, and articles, offering poignant worldbuilding and commentary. If you’re after something original with layered storytelling, this is the book for you!