Rob's Picks:

Superman: Kryptonite Spectrum #2 – The creative team behind Ice Cream Man goes bigger than ever—literally—in the second issue of this inventive Superman miniseries. When Superman and Batman experiment with Cobalt K, Kal-El begins to grow at an exponential rate, transforming into a kaiju-sized version of himself that unsettles even the citizens of Metropolis. While Lois Lane works damage control, Lex Luthor seizes the opportunity to introduce Red Kryptonite, turning Superman from oversized guardian into towering menace. The Justice League intervenes just as Lex unleashes Chemo, the radioactive giant, forcing a desperate countermeasure that sets the stage for the next chapter. Writer W. Maxwell Prince and artist Martín Morazzo trade in their usual horror sensibilities for Silver Age whimsy, delivering a story brimming with humor, imagination, and heart.

Punisher: Red Band #1 – Marvel’s Red Band imprint continues to deliver blood-soaked spectacle, and Frank Castle is the latest character to get the polybag treatment. Opening with a massacre aboard a gangster’s ship off the coast of New York, the Punisher wages war with his usual brutal efficiency until his own blood loss drags him overboard and out of commission. Meanwhile, Wilson Fisk emerges as a shadowy enforcer of “justice,” dismantling criminal threats to New York while consolidating his own power. When Frank resurfaces with gaps in his memory but no shortage of rage, the threads connecting his crusade and Fisk’s machinations begin to take shape. Benjamin Percy’s sharp, pulpy narration highlights the violent appeal of Castle without glorifying his broken morality, while artist Julius Ohta frames the carnage with blockbuster flair reminiscent of Michael Bay. It’s ruthless, explosive, and a clear signal that Frank Castle is back on the streets.

Solo's Picks:

C.O.R.T. #1 – Tom Taylor and Daniele Di Nicuolo deliver a vibrant YA fantasy adventure that feels like the start of something truly special. Nicuolo has been teasing the book’s characters and weapons on social media for over a year, and the final product more than lives up to the anticipation. The manga-inspired art style gives the story a kinetic energy, especially during a “sword in the stone” moment that bursts with expression and color. The group dynamic is warm, believable, and instantly endearing, making it easy to get attached to the cast. The only downside is that the first issue ends just as the action is about to take off, but that only raises expectations for what comes next. This is a fun, family-friendly fantasy that readers of all ages should check out.

Murder Podcast #1 – Jeremy Haun and Mike Tisserand kick off a chilling new horror series with a concept that feels both fresh and unnervingly timely. The story centers on a cryptic podcast that only appears to certain listeners, driving them into homicidal frenzies. Whether it’s magic, hypnosis, or something paranormal isn’t yet clear, but the results are bloody and deeply unsettling. With protagonists who are avid true crime fans, the series seems poised to explore (and critique) the darker side of the genre’s booming popularity. The book’s atmosphere calls to mind recent horror titles like Mommy Blog and Slasher’s Apprentice, making this a perfect fit for readers who enjoy unsettling social commentary with their scares.

Punisher #1 – Benjamin Percy, Julius Ohta, and Yen Nitro bring Frank Castle back with a brutal, bloody edge and an intriguing twist. Awakening in the middle of the ocean with no memory of who he is, Frank falls back on instinct, mowing down enemies in a primal fight for survival. This stripped-down version of the character emphasizes his raw reflexes, but the story hints at a deeper and more sinister plot unfolding in the background. Ohta and Nitro’s art shines throughout, especially in the more visceral action sequences, with Frank’s new design standing out as particularly striking. The “Red Band” branding isn’t just for show—this book doesn’t hold back. Even for readers who don’t normally keep up with Punisher, this debut makes a strong case for adding it to the pull list.