NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (09/09/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Action Comics # 1102 (8/10)
Batman: Bad Seeds- Gotham Central # 1 (7/10)
Batman & Robin Year One: Dynamic Duos # 2 (7/10)
Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man # 1 (10/10)
Doomquest #4 (6.5/10)
The Fury of Firestorm # 6 (8/10)
Inglorious X-Force # 9 (6.5/10)
Iron Man # 9 (7/10)
Punisher # 8 (7/10)
Spawn ’77 # 1 (9/10)
Supergirl # 17 (7/10)
Batman: Bad Seeds- Gotham Central # 1– This essential tie-in to “Bad Seeds” shifts the focus to the gritty reality of street-level police action, rather than a typical superhero narrative, as Gotham City spirals into botanical chaos. With Batman and the Bat-Family completely consumed by Poison Ivy’s rampaging flora, the Gotham City Police Department is left fractured and vulnerable. Corrupt Police Commissioner Vandal Savage exploits the crisis, diverting nearly all police resources from standard duties to pursue his vendetta against the Bat-Family. This story zeroes in on Officers Jim Gordon and Espinoz—the last remaining honest cops—who struggle to maintain basic order amidst a dramatic surge in street crime. What stands out most about this issue is its deft balance of street-level urgency within the larger “Bad Seeds” crossover. While it’s a welcome surprise to see Anarky return, Christopher Cantwell’s script falters in pacing; Anarky’s subplot never develops real momentum and ultimately feels sidelined, receiving just enough attention to remind us of his presence before the focus shifts back to Gordon and Espinoz. This is disappointing, as the story’s cop-centric approach would have benefited from Anarky as a central figure—or, better yet, from giving the character his own one-shot rather than shoehorning him into this arc. Jacob Phillips’ art is a visual standout, employing thick lines and bold shading to create the perfect moody, tense atmosphere that complements Cantwell’s script. This issue marks the beginning of ordinary cops contending with deadly, city-blanketing plants, masterfully blending drama and intensity. “Batman: Bad Seeds – Gotham Central” not only reinvents the dangers of being a beat cop in Gotham but also serves as a vital and gripping chapter in the crossover event, cementing its place as a worthy spiritual successor to the original “Gotham Central.”
Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man #1– This one-shot, part of the Challenges of Doom miniseries, highlights Victor von Doom’s key early confrontations across the Marvel Universe, focusing on his first encounter with Spider-Man. While reminiscent of Amazing Spider-Man #5, this story adds new layers to their meeting, transforming it into a compelling character study. Doom attempts to analyze Peter Parker and recruit him into a scheme for world domination. When Peter declines, Doom uses sorcery to trap him in a Lovecraftian nightmare. The issue explores their contrasting personalities: Doom’s ego, power, and ambition versus Spider-Man’s sense of responsibility—concepts Doom struggles to grasp. Ewing’s script also showcases Spider-Man’s humor amid Doom’s threatening inner monologue. Both characters have suffered losses and possess extraordinary powers, but their different paths make this encounter remarkable. A poignant moment features Spider-Man speaking to Doom about responsibility—Doom mistakenly believes Spider-Man seeks recognition, comparing him to a court jester who delivers harsh truths. Artist David Messina’s vivid art captures the early Marvel Universe’s essence, enhanced by Rain Breed’s coloring, especially in Doom’s expressive eyes and Spider-Man’s dynamic action. This story offers a fresh perspective on Doctor Doom and Spider-Man’s first meeting, blending awe and emotion. A well-crafted story destined to be memorable.
Spawn ’77 # 1– This landmark series revives Todd McFarlane’s original concept for Spawn, which he first conceived in 1977. Nearly 50 years later, that idea is finally realized—not by focusing on Al Simmons, but by introducing a completely new character rooted in the earliest proto-mythology of the Spawn universe. The story explores a dark, psychological sci-fi horror landscape. Co-written by Mark Spears—widely praised for his hyperrealistic artwork—and McFarlane himself, the series is set in a grittier version of New York City circa 1977. Here, Spawn is depicted not as a demigod, but as a regular man in a tactical suit, seeking revenge against the mob that left him for dead. This grounded approach is refreshing, as the narrative delves into the true nature of this new Spawn character. Meanwhile, a supernatural threat from Heaven—the 1977 version of Angela—arrives to complicate matters, which should intrigue longtime fans. While Spears and McFarlane’s collaboration brings exciting new dimensions, the pacing sometimes suffers from excessive dialogue, and many characters are introduced without much depth, relying heavily on standard gangster tropes. However, the 64-page format allows the story to breathe. This series offers a grounded, alternate take on Spawn that keeps readers engaged with its revenge-driven plot. Spears’ visuals are striking, though some characters appear stiff; still, this original version of Spawn is a welcome addition to the Spawn universe and brings McFarlane’s teenage vision to life.
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