NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (05/06/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Green Lantern # 14 (6/10)
Absolute Superman # 19 (9/10)
All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider # 10 (6.8/10)
Amazing Spider-Man # 28 (9/10)
Avatar: The Last Airbender- The Kyoshi Warriors # 1 (8.5/10)
Batman # 9 (8.5/10)
Ben 10 # 1 (8.5/10)
Daredevil # 2 (8/10)
Fantastic Four # 10 (7.5/10)
Hank Howard: Pizza Detective – A Slice of Life # 1 (8.6/10)
JSA # 19 (7/10)
She-Spawn # 1 (7/10)
Wade Wilson: Deadpool # 4 (6/10)
X-Men # 29 (7.2/10)
Amazing Spider-Man # 28 – This issue references the overlooked plot point from the “8 Deaths of Spider-Man” story from two years ago, which remained unresolved, but it compensates for this with its energetic and chaotic tone, emphasizing that trouble always follows Spider-Man. Doctor Strange, in his astral form, reminds Peter that he must send a message to his past self to save the world—what Peter calls “The Bill And Ted Maneuver.” Although much of Joe Kelly’s run has been mixed, this story offers plenty of action and explores emotional themes like Peter’s friendships and work struggles, such as Ben Reilly causing problems when Peter was in space. The pacing is swift, and despite the time-paradox angle, the momentum remains strong. This is a welcome breather until the next story arc, especially the one from the “Free Comic Book Day” ASM issue, which picks up again fully. Cory Smith and Francesco Manna’s artwork provides a consistent, colorful vibe that enhances the story’s vibrancy. It’s always a pleasure when ASM delivers intense action, humor, and character development that set the stage for future issues. Though the time paradox doesn’t heighten stakes or become a central element, this installment remains a character-driven story that’s enjoyable from start to finish.
Avatar: The Last Airbender- The Kyoshi Warriors # 1 – When “Avatar: The Last Airbender” premiered, the Kyoshi Warriors quickly became fan favorites, so it’s no surprise they now have their own series. This story bridges the gap between their first two appearances in the original show, set between the episodes “The Warriors of Kyoshi” and “The Serpent’s Pass.” The series opens with Suki and her warriors leaving Kyoshi Island to join the fight in the Hundred-Year War against the Fire Nation. However, because Kyoshi Island remained isolated for so long, the group is met with suspicion by locals. The first issue does a strong job exploring the warriors’ isolationist background and introduces new characters like Mira, Rie, and Aika, who help add depth beyond just Suki. That said, Suki’s characterization feels inconsistent, particularly when she’s ordered to abandon her iconic Kyoshi armor and weapons—an odd choice that undermines her character. Hopefully, this is addressed in the remaining issues. Meanwhile, Bun, the youngest Kyoshi Warrior, feels out of place and is clearly no Sokka. While Brandon Hoang and BellBessa expand the Avatar lore with this new series, some missteps in characterization and overly modern dialogue detract from the story. The creative team would do well to recapture the original series’ essence rather than risk alienating longtime fans by over-modernizing it.
Ben 10 # 1– The Man of Action team—Joe Casey, Steven T. Seagle, Joe Kelly, and Duncan Rouleau—returns with a new take on Ben 10, aimed at a fresh audience. This version features a noticeably darker tone and reimagines Ben Tennyson’s origin, drawing inspiration from the Absolute and Ultimate series. From the outset, Vilgax is hunting for the Omnitrix, and Ben discovers it, using its powers to defend himself against a cybernetic bear. The updated origin and the body horror elements introduced during Ben’s transformations add a unique, more grounded feel that longtime fans may find unfamiliar. The modern redesigns of Heatblast and Four Arms are especially interesting, though the pacing of the story feels rushed. Joe Casey, who starts off writing before the MoA team rotates duties, initially strikes a good balance in reinterpreting Ben 10 lore from a new perspective, but the story’s momentum stalls just as it becomes intriguing. The dialogue also feels outdated; if the goal is to appeal to a teen audience, this aspect could be off-putting. While retelling Ben’s origin may have been unnecessary, as new stories could have been more engaging, some elements of this series—like the involvement of the Army—are exciting. There is clear room for improvement, and hopefully, the Man of Action team can restore Ben 10 to his former glory.
Hank Howard: Pizza Detective – A Slice of Life # 1– The first of a two-part series, Robert Venditti and David Lapham inject fresh fun and excitement into the detective genre. The story centers on Hank Howard, a corporate detective for the pizza chain Big Caligula’s, who returns to his hometown of Tampa. While Hank usually handles “pizza crime,” he suddenly finds himself drawn into his first homicide investigation. The narrative cleverly blends classic detective noir with a unique pizza-themed twist, creating a tone that’s more “The Naked Gun” than “Chinatown.” Venditti fully embraces the absurdity of the premise, balancing irreverent humor with dark comedy and making Hank a likable protagonist. Readers also get a glimpse into Hank’s past, especially his love for pizza, which—while silly—proves surprisingly fitting for his line of work. David Lapham’s art is a perfect match for Venditti’s writing, and the striking black-and-white aesthetic makes this series stand out. Hank Howard: Pizza Detective – A Slice of Life is a wild, goofy ride that pushes absurdity to new heights, but it’s a welcome and distinctive addition to the noir genre.
She-Spawn # 1– The latest entry in the Spawn universe follows Jessica Priest as she is drawn into a violent clash with a religious sect. Forced to become a protector, she must save a child marked for sacrifice, embarking on a journey that is both deeply personal and intense. Newcomers to Spawn don’t need prior knowledge of Jessica Priest to enjoy this issue, as Gail Simone’s sharp writing makes the story accessible. Simone skillfully balances the darkness of Spawn lore with touches of energy and enthusiasm that help the series stand out. Although the ending is admittedly far-fetched and hard to believe (NO SPOILERS), Ig Guarra’s artwork is visually striking, offering a unique look that departs from the usual aggressive style of other Spawn titles. She-Spawn distinguishes itself within the Spawn line, and with Simone and Guarra at the helm, the series is off to a promising start that’s likely to get even more exciting with each new issue.
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