NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (05/20/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Green Arrow # 1 (9.5/10)
Amazing Spider-Man # 29 (9/10)
Fantastic Four # 11 (8/10)
Gatchaman # 18 (7/10)
Inglorious X-Force # 5 (6.5/10)
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast # 9 (8.5/10)
The Rocketfellers # 0 (8/10)
Rogue # 5 (6/10)
Thundarr The Barbarian # 4 (9/10)
Ultimate Impact: Reborn # 1 (5.5/10)
Zorro # 1 (6.5/10)
Absolute Green Arrow # 1 – The upcoming series from DC’s Absolute line offers a dark and intense reimagining of Green Arrow, transforming it into a gritty murder mystery. Moving away from the traditional hero’s journey, it features a brutal serial killer targeting corrupt billionaires, leaving green arrows in the victims. The story is narrated from Dinah Lance’s perspective—an elite, cynical protection specialist tasked with catching the killer and investigating suspects linked to Oliver’s past. Though Oliver Queen was killed during “Absolute Evil,” the team of Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque, and Marcelo Manolo explores themes of corporate greed with a pacing that emphasizes visceral horror and a slasher vibe. This approach adds a modern social commentary without becoming overwhelming, enhancing the story’s depth. The mystery of the Green Arrow Killer injects a nightmarish energy, keeping the narrative vibrant. Dinah Lance’s characterization as cynical yet empathetic shines, making her more compelling and authentic, reflecting her hardened nature. While this series shifts from trick arrows to a corporate horror theme, it successfully broadens the scope of the Absolute line, setting a high standard for future installments.
Amazing Spider-Man # 29– ASM introduces a new villain as the series approaches issue #1000. This latest arc centers on the theme of “best frienemies,” as Peter Parker’s childhood friend, Brian Nehring, suffers a catastrophic accident that transforms him into a superpowered, mushroom-inspired monster named Spore. What sets Spore apart is that, unlike most Spider-Man villains, his hatred is directed at Peter Parker himself rather than Spider-Man, adding a unique twist to his origin. Joe Kelly skillfully balances action with slow-burning character development, making this story compelling. He expands Spider-Man’s world, from Spidey’s Spider-Sense training with Daredevil to focusing on supporting characters like Aunt May and Robbie Robertson, keeping the title more dynamic than ever. Another highlight is Kelly’s reunion with artist Pete Woods—known for their breathtaking “Deadpool” run in the mid-90s. Woods’ art brings a fluid, kinetic energy to the pages, especially in the Spider-Man/Daredevil montage, showcasing the continued magic of their collaboration. Although the “down on his luck” trope that follows Peter can get repetitive, this issue stands out by featuring strong supporting cast moments and introducing Spore as a truly dangerous villain, leaving fans eager for issue #1000.
Ultimate Impact: Reborn # 1– Following the events of “Ultimate Endgame,” Miles Morales has returned to Earth-616 with a heavy load of Origin Boxes, which the Maker created. These boxes were used to construct the new Ultimate Universe and have the potential to manipulate timelines, stripping iconic heroes and villains of their true destinies. Miles is aware of the significant danger these boxes pose: anyone who opens one gains the full powers of the hero or villain contained within. The opening issue effectively establishes the peril associated with these Origin Boxes while showcasing an intense confrontation between Miles and The Spot, which serves as a nice nod to their previous clash. This battle injects much-needed excitement into the series, offering a dynamic energy that feels essential. Writer Chris Condon attempts to focus on the small cast interacting with the Origin Boxes, but the pacing unfortunately makes it difficult for readers to connect with these characters. Their introductions are brief and are often interrupted by the action-packed Miles/Spot conflict, which leads to a missed opportunity to explore these characters as they encounter the boxes and possibly fulfill their destinies. Condon’s pacing leaves readers wanting more, making them wait for the next issue to uncover the full story. However, the artwork by Stefano Caselli steals the show, presenting a modern and crisp aesthetic that is impossible to overlook. While this series kicks off the “Armageddon” storyline with strong potential, inconsistencies in Condon’s script may mean it is remembered as a minor detail in the Ultimate Universe.
Zorro # 1– Zorro returns in a new series from Alien Books and brought to life by the creative team of Howard Chaykin and Jorge Fornes. Departing from the usual local bandit skirmishes, this story places Don Diego de la Vega (aka Zorro) against his greatest global threat yet: the military might of Napoleon Bonaparte. Zorro must rely on his exceptional swordsmanship and cunning to defend the innocent against an invading European empire. While seeing Zorro face new kinds of threats offers a fresh and innovative take, Chaykin’s writing—though intriguing and captivating—moves at a rapid pace that doesn’t feel like a traditional western frontier epic. The introduction of a large cast of characters can make the story confusing for new readers, leaving Zorro’s world feeling disorienting. At times, it seems as if only Chaykin knows where the story is headed, which may appeal to diehard Zorro fans but leaves newcomers wondering how both the story and Zorro’s presence came to be. On the other hand, Jorge Fornes’ artwork is outstanding, embracing the pulp aspects of the character with ease. It’s safe to say that Zorro is back with a vengeance and is as dynamic as ever, but the story suffers from Chaykin’s writing, which would have benefited from being more accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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