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NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (09/30/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*

Amazing Spider-Man # 1000 (8.5/10)
Amazing Venom # 1 (9/10)
Alien vs X-Men # 1 (7.5/10)
DNX # 2 (6.5/10)
Fantastic Four # 17 (6.5/10)
Fantastic Four First Foes: Dragon Man # 1 (9/10)
Geiger # 25 (7/10)
Superman: Kingdom of Zod Special # 1 (8/10)
X-Men # 38 (9/10)

Amazing Spider-Man # 1000 – Marvel’s flagship title reaches a milestone with issue #1000, highlighting emotional layers through a main story and supporting tales that capture the essence of Spider-Man. Joe Kelly and Pepe Larraz’s story, set after Aunt May’s stroke, introduces a new villain named Ravage who surprisingly has links to Peter Parker—though seasoned fans might guess Ravage’s identity early on (**NO SPOILERS**). Larraz’s dynamic art delivers fast-paced action, but May’s struggles never seem life-threatening, especially with Ravage involved. This turns the plot into a family feud that’s engaging yet loses impact quickly. Fans will follow to see the outcome, but it could have been more balanced, heightening the drama rather than settling for a standard hero-villain fight. The backup stories vary, with some memorable and others better suited for online reading. Noah Hayley (Fargo, Alien: Earth) makes his comic debut with Patrick Gleason in a touching tale of an aging Peter dealing with physical tolls and regret. J.M. DeMatteis and Humberto Ramos explore Harry Osborn’s funeral, emphasizing psychological depth and reminding readers why DeMatteis’ “Spectacular Spider-Man” run was special. The unlikely pairing of Frank Miller and Peach Momoko tells a Spider-Man tale confronting The Hand and the Spider-Queen, with Miller’s writing fitting Momoko’s style but resulting in difficult dialogue. WWE legend Triple H, co-writing with Rob Fee, offers a heartfelt story of Peter and Uncle Ben’s shared moment at a wrestling event, complemented by Ed McGuinness’ stunning art that adds weight. Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen reunite for “The Gesture,” celebrating Spider-Man’s first appearance with the Avengers. At the same time, the issue concludes with “Of Webs and Six Guns,” a quirky team-up of Spider-Man and The Rawhide Kid by Larry Lieber and Giuseppe Camuncoli—though Lieber’s script feels somewhat out of place. Camuncoli’s art might have benefited from different inking, and “Now I Can Rest” by Dan Slott and Marcos Martin tells, from a police officer’s perspective, about Uncle Ben’s killer, leaving a lasting emotional impression. This landmark issue isn’t perfect but excellently celebrates Spider-Man’s legacy and offers fans both new and old a deeper appreciation of his enduring appeal.

Amazing Venom # 1– Fred Myers, formerly known as Boomerang, bonds with a symbiote named Passenger and adopts the new moniker, Comeback. While Fred longs for a peaceful and uncomplicated life on Earth, his symbiote Passenger craves cosmic adventure and dreams of returning to their homeworld, Klyntar. Their opposing desires are thrown into chaos when they are ambushed by Tantrum, a rogue symbiote, launching them on an unpredictable and chaotic intergalactic journey. Unlike other stories where the protagonist and symbiote share a dark, brooding relationship, this title stands out for its witty comedic tone and the charming, banter-filled bromance between Fred and Passenger. Jordan Morris trades the standard world-ending stakes for a story that thrives on street-level humor and relatable, everyday challenges—like lawn care and relationship woes—infusing the narrative with clever writing reminiscent of the Tom Hardy Venom films. Readers find themselves genuinely invested in both Fred and Passenger, thanks to the story’s embrace of its own weirdness and heart. Luke Ross’s dynamic artwork amplifies these character moments, making the fun and energy leap off the page. With its refreshingly grounded approach and infectious, joyful spirit, The Amazing Venom isn’t just another symbiote story—it’s a bold reinvention that proves the concept can be as hilarious as it is captivating. This series is a must-read for anyone seeking both laughter and heart in their superhero comics.

Alien vs X-Men # 1– “Alien vs X-Men” throws the X-Men into one of their most perilous battles yet. Tasked with retrieving a Phoenix egg in deep space, the team instead returns to Earth with a lethal stowaway—unleashing a devastating Xenomorph outbreak at the X-Mansion, where mutants become unwilling hosts. In a compelling backup, a young Kitty Pryde is trapped in a deadly crossfire, hunted by both Xenomorphs and the Brood. Writer Kieron Gillen and artist Geraldo Borges waste no time immersing readers in relentless action and horror, stripping away any slow build-up in favor of immediate chaos. Gillen’s command of sci-fi horror is evident, delivering shocking moments as the Xenomorphs attack with speed and brutality. A standout twist is Wolverine’s healing factor, which ironically turns him into an ideal Xenomorph incubator, adding a fresh layer to the classic facehugger threat. While the concept embraces its brutal nature, the story’s rapid pacing sacrifices depth, leaving the plot feeling thin at times. However, Borges’s dark, chilling art amplifies the atmosphere, making the narrative feel both twisted and eerie. The backup story by Chris Claremont and David Messina adds nostalgic charm, focusing on Kitty Pryde’s perspective and enriching the overall experience. Ultimately, this debut issue delivers a visceral impact—”Alien vs X-Men” stands out for its unapologetic brutality and creative crossover, making it a must-see clash between two iconic franchises.

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