The five best new comic books of the week (July 31)

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of comic book collecting under my belt, I must say, this week has been a veritable treasure trove for my ever-growing collection! From the mind-blowing action in Space Ghost to the cinematic brilliance of Scarlett, it’s clear that the comic book world is thriving.

Choosing the top five comic books of the week proved challenging. The standout for me was David Pepose’s Space Ghost No. 4, marking a significant moment as Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace faced their first real adversaries. The issue concluded with a suspenseful cliffhanger that hinted at a pivotal shift in the series. Another impressive read was Scarlett, penned by Kelly Thompson and illustrated by Marco Ferrari. Their collaboration felt like a cinematic masterpiece, solidifying their suitability for this series. It was also hard not to include Batman No. 151 on this list, given its importance in DC Comics’ crossover event, Absolute Power.

Unfortunately, only five can make the list. Here are the best of the week with minimum spoilers.

Uncanny X-Men No. 1 (pick of the week)

Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: David Marquez

I chose this comic book as my top pick for the week, and it surpassed all my hopes. The impeccable writing by Gail Simone and stunning artwork by David Marquez make this a comic worthy of Marvel’s mutant legacy. This could very well be a front-runner for Comic Book of the Year, and potentially one of the finest X-Men tales ever told. It also brings fresh mutants into the X-Men folklore.

Absolute Power No. 2

Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Dan Mora

In the second installment, Absolute Power #2 showcased an astonishing debut issue. A superhero with powers over both mind and body launched an attack on the Fortress of Solitude, overpowering several resistance members in the process. This resulted in numerous heroes being apprehended. The sole reason anyone managed to evade capture was due to one of Waller’s subordinates making a selfless sacrifice, and Superman destroying his own home in an attempt to save others.

The second installment of “Absolute Power” has left this author eagerly awaiting the next connection in the series. Currently, it stands as a strong candidate for one of DC Comics’ top crossover events.

Doctor Strange No. 18

Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Pasqual Ferry

Although Doctor Strange isn’t recognized as Sorcerer Supreme (as depicted in Blood Hunt No. 5), he continues to excel in life. His wife Clea emphasizes that he is more than just a title, explaining, “Stephen, I never cherished the mantle. I adored the man.” She then gifted him a new cloak and referred to him as the Master of Mystic Arts in Azure.

It seems that Jed MacKay’s tenure on Doctor Strange has come to an end, yet he wrapped things up in a manner that sets the stage nicely for the new creative team. Great job!

Ultimate Black Panther No. 7

Writer: Bryan Edward Hill
Artist: Stefano Caselli

Every single new “Ultimate Black Panther” comic has been enjoyable, but this one was extraordinary. The narrative escalated dramatically, filled with intense action, a compelling plot, and stunning visuals. To cap it all, this installment presented an exceptional portrayal of T’Challa. It skillfully blended his established character with his Ultimate Universe persona. I’m eagerly anticipating the next issue.

Daredevil No. 12

Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Artist: Aaron Kuder

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, Daredevil’s battle against the ruthless grip of greed was one of his most remarkable feats. Here’s the kicker: it wasn’t the physical combat that stole the show. Instead, it was witnessing Matt Murdock confront Wilson Fisk, who seemed to be under the control of Greed Incarnate, by acknowledging and owning up to his errors that left me utterly spellbound. In a world where victories are often measured by the number of punches thrown or uppercuts landed, seeing someone triumph through self-reflection and acceptance was just as rewarding as any fight scene.

Saladin Ahmed initiated the series by challenging Matt’s religious beliefs. He sustained the intrigue by focusing on Matt’s faith and personal development. A significant part of its appeal lies in Aaron Kuder’s artistic representation, as seen in the stunning depiction of Kingpin choking Daredevil.

New Comic book alert!

The Power Fantasy

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard

If you come across a comic book with Kieron Gillen’s name and aren’t familiar with it, rest assured it’s likely to be well-written since he is the author behind critically acclaimed works such as “The Wicked + The Divine” and “Star Wars: Darth Vader”. In time, “The Power Fantasy” will also join his list of timeless classics.

That may seem like a bold statement, but it’s true. Issue No. 1 gives all the elements you want from a first issue like character and world-building. It also has the best artwork of the week coming from Caspar Wijngaard. You’ll want to make this part of your monthly reading.

2024-08-11 16:31