September 17th, 2025
Rob's Picks:
Deadpool / Batman #1 – The least expected but most anticipated crossover in comics history has arrived, and it more than lives up to the hype. Writer Zeb Wells (The Amazing Spider-Man) strikes the perfect balance of dark and snark in the main story, “The Dead of Knight,” beginning with Bruce Wayne mulling over the Joker’s latest caper when Deadpool literally crashes into the DCU. From the start, the duo is cast as a classic comedy pairing, Batman the deadpan straight man and Deadpool the unhinged fool, with their pursuit of the Joker offering endless chances for Wade to poke fun at Gotham’s quirks. The comedic peak comes when Deadpool finally meets the clown prince of crime, who despises sharing the spotlight as much as he despises Batman. On top of this, the book delivers a second half of crossover shorts from top-tier creators like Kelly Thompson, Kevin Smith, and Al Ewing, whose tale hilariously recruits Rocket Raccoon into the Green Lantern Corps. The standout, though, is Chip Zdarsky’s “The Gun & the Sword,” a moving WWII-set story pairing Captain America and Wonder Woman for a reflection on wartime morality. Funny, surprising, and packed with variants you won’t be able to resist, Deadpool / Batman #1 is an instant classic crossover.
No Man’s Land #1 – Set in 1963 at the height of the Cold War, this thriller centers on the Diomede Islands in the Bering Sea, two frozen rocks split between the USA and USSR, separated only by a fragile ice bridge. When a young woman is found brutally murdered in this “no man’s land,” the FBI quietly sends agent Kevin Collins to investigate, knowing one misstep could spark an international incident. Presented under Image’s One Man Comics imprint, this is a masterclass from writer/artist Szymon Kudrański (Something Epic, Blood Commandment), who proves equally skilled in prose and illustration. The black-and-white visuals, punctuated with chilling blues and violent reds, give the story a pre-Technicolor Hitchcock vibe with the cinematic weight of a Cold War classic like North by Northwest or Three Days of the Condor. Kudrański layers the geopolitical paranoia with personal stakes for Collins, ensuring the reader is hooked both emotionally and intellectually. No Man’s Land #1 is a paranoid thriller executed with precision, and an absolute must-read.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones #1 – The new era of TMNT comics continues its hot streak with a gritty, action-packed solo outing for the Turtles’ most unhinged ally. Left for dead by DA Hale after being humiliated by Karai and the Foot Clan, Casey Jones rises battered but unbowed, returning to the streets with his trademark hockey mask and thirst for justice. His warpath leads him into conflict with a gang juicing their muscle with a dangerous new drug, putting him at odds with both criminals and his own limits. Writer Alex Paknadel (All Against All) nails Casey’s rough-edged narration and heartfelt exchanges, especially a standout moment with Raphael, while artist Amancay Nahuelpan (Calexit) infuses the book with TMNT’s signature mix of grit and color, darkness and humor. While this series ties beautifully into the main TMNT run, it stands on its own as a thrilling entry point. Casey Jones #1 is everything you’d want from a vigilante Turtles story—brash, bloody, and full of heart.
Solo's Picks:
Deadpool / Batman #1 – For the first time in over 20 years, Marvel and DC have reunited for a crossover, and this debut proves it was worth the wait. The headline story, pairing Batman and Deadpool against the Joker, is the longest and most fleshed-out of the bunch, but every entry in this anthology hits the mark. Even the shortest, two-page stories carry plenty of charm and deliver a smile. With an all-star lineup of creators from both publishers, the book captures the excitement of seeing these two universes collide without a single weak link. A strong showcase of talent and imagination, this is an essential pickup for fans of either company, and hopefully just the start of more Marvel/DC collaborations to come.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones #1 – Alex Paknadel, Amancay Nahuelpan, and Luis Antonio Delgado deliver a gritty and heartfelt TMNT tale that puts the spotlight on the hockey-masked vigilante himself. Tied closely to the current Turtles run but still accessible to new readers, the issue captures Casey’s essence perfectly, showcasing both his reckless brawler instincts and his surprising compassion as he protects a grieving young mutant. The creative team expands the world seamlessly, introducing new factions, villains, and character beats without overwhelming the narrative. Paknadel’s understanding of Casey shines through every line of dialogue, making this a standout installment in the expanding TMNT universe. Fans old and new alike should grab this one without hesitation.
Star Wars: Boba Fett Black, White & Red #1 – The latest entry in Marvel’s stylish Black, White, and [Color] line drops into the Star Wars universe with a thrilling bounty hunter tale from Benjamin Percy, Chris Allen, and Craig Yeung. The story follows Fett as he breaks a prisoner out of an Imperial ship, only to be captured and forced into service to pay off his debts. The art is stunning throughout, each panel brimming with detail and atmosphere, heightening the sense of danger in this gunslinger-style adventure. True to Fett’s morally gray character, the book emphasizes his pragmatism and loyalty only to credits, playing both sides when it suits him. With striking visuals and fast-paced storytelling, this is a must-read for Star Wars fans and a bold new take on one of the franchise’s most enduring icons.