NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (08/12/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Batman # 23 (9.5/10)
Action Comics # 1101 (7/10)
Batman & Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos # 1 (9/10)
Fury of Firestorm # 5 (8/10)
Miles Morales: Spider-Man # 1 (10/10)
Supergirl # 16 (6.5/10)
Wolverine # 25 (6.5/10)
X-Men # 35 (7/10)
Absolute Batman # 23 – The latest issue of “Absolute Batman” is sure to turn heads, bringing Clayface to the forefront and delivering a horror-infused remix of a classic Batman story that is even more haunting than the original. Paranoia fueled by the Scarecrow and Jack Grimm has shattered Bruce Wayne’s mental state, causing him to isolate himself from everyone. When the Robins attempt an intervention, their unity dissolves into a brutal clash. This issue stands out as another remarkable entry, taking its time to develop characters and deliver emotional moments that resonate deeply with readers. The death of one of the Robins is both shocking and moving, breathing new life into the “Death in the Family” arc, while keeping readers guessing about which Robin meets their end (**NO SPOILERS**). Part of the plot centers on Bruce’s investigation into his father’s assassination and his turning against friends like Two-Face, Croc, Penguin, and Riddler during the intervention, offering readers fresh insights into these characters. This demonstrates that Batman truly needs help and makes a compelling case that Scarecrow and Grimm played a role in shaping who Batman is. The introduction of Clayface is both intriguing and terrifying, heightening Batman’s paranoia and playing a significant part in the tragedy involving one of the Robins. While drawing from classic Batman elements, this issue raises the stakes higher than ever, leaving Batman more unhinged and isolated than before, and solidifies this series as one of the best Batman stories to date.
Batman & Robin: Year One- Dynamic Duos # 1 – Mark Waid and Chris Samnee reunite for another take on the Dynamic Duo’s origins, finding Batman and Robin already working seamlessly together. Trouble soon emerges when a gang of pickpocketing street children known as “The Wolfpack” begins targeting Gotham’s wealthy elite. Since the criminals are kids, Batman can’t rely on his usual intimidation tactics. Instead, Dick Grayson must use his youth to infiltrate the Wolfpack from within. What stands out most about this series is its focus on Bruce Wayne’s adjustment to fatherhood, including his first romantic date after adopting Dick—a moment that feels authentic and meaningful, rather than just filler, thanks to Waid and Samnee’s ability to blend gritty street drama with heartfelt father-son dynamics. The chemistry between Bruce and Dick shines, with Dick portrayed as a believable kid full of witty one-liners and sarcasm. A particularly powerful scene occurs when Bruce and his date encounter the Wolfpack in an alleyway, and he screams, “We are not prey!”—a chilling reminder of his own childhood trauma. Chris Samnee excels as both artist and co-plotter, delivering crisp character work set against Gotham’s grimy backdrop, complemented perfectly by Mat Lopes’ coloring. His scripting partnership with Waid continues to be a winning combination. Batman & Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos kicks off a new chapter for comics’ greatest partnership, offering the sequel fans have long awaited. Through stellar storytelling, Waid and Samnee explore how these two characters push each other to be their best.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man # 1– The new creative team of Bryan Edward Hill and Nico Leon takes a back-to-basics approach with Miles Morales, creating a series that feels welcoming and familiar. The issue emphasizes real-life struggles like high school homework and a new crush, while introducing a new villain, Grendel (Revenant), who targets Miles’ family due to a dark secret from Jefferson Morales’ past as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Grendel has developed precise counters for all of Spider-Man’s powers. Centered around a threatening villain and revisiting street-level elements that made fans love Miles as Spider-Man, Hill and Leon move away from vampire themes, clones, spider-god champions, and multiversal storylines. Nico Leon’s energetic art complements Hill’s writing, adding vibrancy to the series. The storytelling, inspired by video games, provides a strong structure that distinguishes this volume from previous ones. Returning Miles to his Brooklyn neighborhood and embracing the “Friendly Neighborhood” aspect marks a fresh start — a true ‘Brand New Day’ for Miles Morales.
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