Rob's Picks:

Plastic Man: No More #1
DC is giving long-overdue attention to its lesser-seen but beloved characters this year, and Plastic Man: No More is a shining example. Written by Christopher Cantwell (Briar), this limited series blends the light-hearted, campy fun of Plastic Man’s silver age roots with a more serious, emotional journey. The story revisits Patrick "Eel" O'Brian's beginnings as a crook, whose life changed forever when he fell into a vat of chemicals. Now a longtime member of the Justice League, Plastic Man is often treated as the team’s resident joker. But when a recent battle leaves him gravely injured, Eel realizes that, to most of the League, he’s seen as little more than a joke. Only Detective Chimp sees his value. As Eel’s life slips away, he’s forced to confront the League’s dismissive attitude and race against time to save the one life he values more than his own. Jacob Edgar’s art combines a silver age style with modern touches, perfectly complementing Cantwell’s deep exploration of the pathos hidden beneath Plastic Man’s goofiness.

Exceptional X-Men #1
Exceptional X-Men #1 is a character-driven story set after the fall of Krakoa. While some mutants are still reeling from the aftermath, others, like Kate Pryde, are trying to forge a "normal" life. Kate now lives in Chicago, juggling roommates and a job in food service, trying her best to leave behind the mutant conflict. But as anti-mutant conspiracy theories spread, particularly the belief that mutation is contagious, Kate is pulled back into the fray when a new mutant manifests. The intense chase to protect this new individual leads Kitty Pryde back into the fight for mutant-kind. Written by Eve L. Ewing (Ironheart), this issue is one of the most focused X-titles, giving us a closer look at Kate’s internal struggles and her desire to step away from the ongoing war for survival. The personal, slower pace makes for a refreshing, intimate X-Men read.

Arkham Horror: The Terror at the End of Time #2
In the second issue of Arkham Horror: The Terror at the End of Time, Cullen Bunn ramps up the action and suspense, delivering a thrilling mix of pulp adventure and cosmic horror. After narrowly escaping a monster-filled crypt in issue one, Jenny Barnes and detective Joe Diamond follow their latest clue to an occult gathering among high society elites. Jenny’s quest to find her missing sister Izzie grows more perilous as they grapple with a mysterious artifact they discovered in the crypt. The artifact’s strange visions may either be glimpses of another time or dimension—or possibly a doorway to something far more dangerous. Bunn and artist Andrea Mutti masterfully combine Lovecraftian horror with the gritty atmosphere of detective noir, creating a story that satisfies both horror fans and pulp adventure enthusiasts alike.

Solomon's Picks:

Star Wars: Acolyte #1
A new comic based on this year’s Disney+ show “Acolyte” follows Kelnacca, a fascinating Wookie Jedi introduced in the series. The story kicks off with Jedi Master Yarizon on his deathbed, reminiscing about his adventures with Master Kelnacca during his days as a Padawan. Through Yarizon’s point of view, we witness Kelnacca’s various feats, showcasing his calm, calculated approach to being a Jedi. The visual representation of Kelnacca’s head tattoos, shared between master and apprentice, becomes a recurring theme, symbolizing their bond. What stands out is how the comic doesn't directly focus on Kelnacca, but instead shows him through the lens of a third party, emphasizing his reserved, action-driven personality. Fans of the “Acolyte” show and Star Wars lore will find this comic a great read. Definitely worth adding to your collection!

Venom Wars: Spider-Man #2
This latest installment of Venom Wars is sure to stir emotions, especially for Peter and MJ fans. The issue is fast-paced and engaging, capturing that classic Spidey energy. Peter teams up with NYC’s newest hero, Jackpot, and their chemistry on the battlefield is undeniable. But amidst the action, the symbiote keeps prodding at Peter’s repressed feelings for Mary Jane, adding an emotional tension as MJ and Paul demonstrate flawless teamwork. Fans of Peter and MJ’s relationship might find themselves frustrated with the universe’s refusal to give them a break, but the writing is solid, and the art is nothing short of brilliant. This issue ramps up the fun and intensity, and Venom Wars continues to be a standout event. Grab this one if you’ve been enjoying the ride so far!

Plastic Man: No More #1
A Plastic Man Black Label title? Yes, please! Plastic Man: No More delivers exactly what fans of the character would want—an entertaining mix of humor, horror, and introspection. The story provides a quick recap of Patrick O’Brian’s life, from his time as a petty crook to his transformation into a JLA hero and family man. The action kicks off after an encounter with Solaris, where Plastic Man is blasted with a Death Ray, setting a darker, more somber tone. From there, the narrative focuses on him trying to repair broken relationships, especially with his son. The issue is heartfelt, clever, and will leave readers smiling. The only downside is the comical portrayal of the Justice League, but otherwise, this issue is a fantastic start for this new series. Don’t miss it!