Rob's Picks:

Absolute Evil #1 brings the spotlight to DC’s villains in a wickedly sharp one-shot from Al Ewing that expands the Absolute line in bold fashion. With Darkseid’s twisted universe as the backdrop, Veronica Cale convenes Ra’s al Ghul, Hector Hammond, Elanor Thawne, and Joker to debate the nature of power and evil itself, leading to chilling revelations and massive implications for the Absolute timeline. Ewing nails each villain’s voice, with Joker stealing the issue through a haunting meditation on evil as a force of nature, while the clash of egos nearly derails their uneasy alliance. The arrival of Brainiac and a shocking pair of cameos raise the stakes even higher, ensuring this book is both a gripping standalone and essential reading for what comes next in Absolute Green Arrow.

Ghost Rider: Spirits of Violence #1 delivers pure horror-fueled spectacle as Sabir Pirzada and Paul Davidson unleash Danny Ketch against the terrifying Spirit of Violence, now possessing his sister Barbara, and her undead army known as the Decayed. The story wastes no time, plunging Ghost Rider into a hellish war that even Johnny Blaze knows can only be won with unlikely allies like Fantasma and Hellverine. Davidson’s art channels a vintage Creepshow aesthetic with a modern polish, especially in the grotesque design of the Decayed, while the script barrels forward with outrageous action sequences like warrior nuns battling electrified skeletons. It’s an over-the-top, fast-moving ride that’s exactly what Ghost Rider fans crave.

The Umbrella Academy: Plan B #3 shifts gears to focus on quieter, more personal moments while the Umbrellas regroup in the shadow of the ruthless Sparrows. With villains hiding under Kraken’s protection, Five pushing himself to the brink with one last scheme, and other team members seeking solace in their own ways, Gerard Way grounds the chaos in raw emotion and fractured family dynamics. Reginald Hargreeves, riddled with regret over unleashing the Sparrows, seeks an unlikely partnership to find his children, while the ever-complex Mom races against him in secret. Gabriel Bá’s art balances the slower pace with wild visual flourishes, particularly in Kraken’s underground prison, making even downtime feel vibrant and strange. This issue may be more introspective, but it proves why Umbrella Academy remains so compelling.

Solo's Picks:

Batman #2 continues Matt Fraction’s record-breaking take on the Dark Knight with a gripping follow-up that grounds Gotham’s chaos in raw humanity. Opening with a flashback of Tim Drake learning to drive, the issue reframes the end of the first installment through his perspective, culminating in a shocking sequence where crooked cops kill a suspect and Robin takes a bullet. Fraction and the art team remind us that, beneath the gadgets and training, Batman and Robin are still vulnerable people, which heightens the tension at every turn. The real magic comes when the masks come off, as Bruce and his family share moments that feel genuinely warm and human. By leaning into family dynamics as much as crime fighting, this run is shaping up to be one of the most heartfelt Bat-stories in years.

X-Men Age of Revelation: Overture #1 is a thrilling chapter in the current event, pushing the stakes higher while delivering the strongest entry yet. Cyclops wakes in a bleak future demanding answers, setting the stage for exposition and context before shifting focus to Revelation and his legion as they prepare their strike. Through multiple perspectives, the book reveals who has been pulling the strings and how Revelation’s plans are even darker than imagined. The “Angel of Death” reveal is easily the standout moment, one destined to linger with readers. Ryan Stegman and JP Mayer’s art elevates the tension with striking designs and grim, visceral environments that make the mutating planet itself feel like a threat. This is event storytelling firing on all cylinders, and if the rest of the series maintains this quality, it could go down as a modern X-Men classic.

Adventure Time: The Bubbline College Special #1 is a joyful, hilarious, and heartfelt celebration of Ooo from lifelong fan Caroline Cash. The story begins with Prismo showing Jake and the Cosmic Owl an alternate universe where Bubblegum and Marceline enroll at “Ooo University.” What could have been a lighthearted gimmick quickly blossoms into something that captures the spirit of the show, balancing cliches with genuine character moments. Bubblegum’s attempt to experience life as a normal young adult resonates, while the humor, easter eggs, and deep-cut fandom references feel like they were pulled straight from the writers’ room. Cash’s love for Adventure Time radiates from every page, making this an essential pick-up for Bubbline fans and a perfect way to revisit the world of Ooo ahead of Fionna and Cake’s return.