October 2nd, 2024

Rob's Picks:

DC All-In Special #1
Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder waste no time launching DC's Absolute Universe in this oversized, action-packed one-shot. The special is split into two stories: “Alpha,” which follows Booster Gold, and “Omega,” featuring Darkseid's rise to ultimate power. The Alpha storyline gives us a Booster Gold who’s matured over the years, transitioning from a clout-chasing celebrity to a true hero, earning him a spot on a newly reformed Justice League of America. Things seem to be heading in the right direction until Darkseid crashes the scene, wielding a terrifying new power. “Omega” then dives into Darkseid’s transformation, exploring how he gained his newfound strength by accessing secret, ancient knowledge. The contrast between the bright, polished artwork by Mora and Sampere in “Alpha” and the darker, Kirby-esque style of Wes Craig in “Omega” adds depth to the storytelling, making this feel like two excellent stories in one. Whether you're a fan of DC's classic heroes or eager to explore the Absolute Universe, this is a thrilling read that sets up what's to come in spectacular fashion.

Storm #1
Ororo Monroe is back in a big way, and Murewa Ayodele and Lucas Werneck take the weather goddess into new, compelling territory. Building on the powerful legacy established in the Krakoan era, this new Storm series explores the weight of Ororo's responsibilities as a leader, not just to the mutant community but to the world at large. After preventing a man-made disaster, Storm learns the truth: a newly manifested mutant caused the calamity. Now, she must choose whether to keep this secret to protect mutants or reveal the truth and risk backlash. Ayodele brilliantly captures the complexity of Storm’s position and her moral dilemma, making the internal conflict just as riveting as any physical battle. With Werneck’s stunning art elevating the narrative, this issue is not only visually stunning but also thematically rich, keeping you engaged long after you’ve turned the last page. This is one of the best X-Men titles in recent memory, and it's a must-read.

Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #2
The second issue of Conan: Battle of the Black Stone raises the stakes and delivers intense action across multiple eras of Robert E. Howard’s legendary universe. The story brings together heroes from different times—Conan from the Hyborian age, Solomon Kane from the 16th century, and James Allison from the 1930s—who must unite to fight against an eldritch horror summoned by the mysterious Black Stone. The interactions between these strong-willed heroes, especially Conan and Solomon Kane, create fascinating tension, but when the monsters arrive, the action is non-stop and gloriously brutal. Jim Zub is masterfully weaving together Howard’s various mythologies, bringing depth to the overarching story while maintaining the gritty, pulse-pounding excitement fans expect from Conan. With stunning, dynamic art and a story that feels epic in every sense, this issue continues to raise the bar for the franchise. Fans of pulp fantasy and action-packed storytelling need to get their hands on this one.

Solomon's Picks:

Storm #1
Murewa Ayodele and Lucas Werneck deliver an absolute stunner in Storm #1, making a powerful entrance into the X-Men’s newest chapter. Right from the start, this book is accessible to both long-time fans and newcomers. For those unfamiliar with Storm, key moments from her life are woven into the narrative, while seasoned readers will find a refreshing take that feels true to her core. Ayodele’s writing perfectly captures the strength, grace, and complexity of Ororo, while Werneck’s art is nothing short of breathtaking. Each panel is a visual treat, with vivid character designs that bring Storm’s world to life. This series already feels like a love letter to the character, and it’s shaping up to be a must-read for X-Men fans.

Creeping Below #1
Brian Azzarello, Vanesa Del Rey, and Hilary Jenkins have crafted a creepy, atmospheric horror tale with Creeping Below #1. The story begins with a stranded photographer who, after an ill-fated gig, finds herself joining a group of artists deep in a seemingly cursed forest. The issue unfolds with a slow burn that feels like the setup of a classic slasher film, leading to a spine-chilling conclusion that promises darker things to come. Del Rey’s art captures the eerie, unsettling vibe, while Jenkins' colors amplify the horror aesthetic. If you enjoy campy, tension-filled horror, this is a perfect new title to add to your Halloween reading list!

DC: All-In Special #1
The long-awaited DC: All-In Special #1 finally drops, and it’s an exciting launch pad for DC’s new universe initiative. The first half of the book, surprisingly centered on Booster Gold, sets the tone for the ambitious new storyline, and it’s a welcome surprise. Fans of Booster Gold will be thrilled to see him take a prominent role, while the looming presence of Darkseid brings a major threat that promises epic stakes for the entire DCU. The second half delves into the origins of the Absolute-Universe, giving readers a taste of what’s to come with Absolute Batman set to launch next week. With its oversized format and compelling mix of established heroes and new concepts, this special feels like DC may have finally found their next big hit. Definitely grab this if you’re curious about where the DC universe is headed next!