NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (06/18/25)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Flash # 4 
Amazing Spider-Man # 6
Avengers # 27 
Batman & Robin: Year One # 8
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest # 40
Bring on the Bad Guys: Doom # 1 
Emma Frost: The White Queen # 1
Detective Comics # 1098
Fantastic Four Fanfare # 2 
Godzilla Vs The Avengers # 1 
G.I.Joe # 8
Gwenpool # 2
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast # 2 (9/10)
New Gods # 7
Superman Unlimited # 2
Ultimates # 13
Weapon X-Men # 5
Wolverine # 10
X-Men # 18
Zatanna # 5
Amazing Spider-Man #6 – After the exciting Hobgoblin-heavy first arc, this issue takes a delightful breather before diving into the next big story arc, especially with the introduction of the new villain, Hellgate. There’s a charming simplicity to this issue as Joe Kelly takes things slow, showcasing the usual moments, like Spider-Man stepping in to stop a group of thugs while connecting with the Black Cat. We also get a lovely peek into his life as Peter Parker, reminding us how hilariously bad he can be at showing up on time for work. The complications in his relationship with Shay and a potential new love interest for Aunt May are perfect examples of Kelly’s strong character work, highlighting his strengths as a storyteller. The only tiny hiccup in this issue is that the setup for the next arc unfolds at a leisurely pace. Additionally, John Romita Jr.’s artwork, while solid, doesn’t seem to evolve much, sticking to his familiar style, which might feel a bit dull, mainly since fans are used to the sleek and polished look of Pepe Larraz. Overall, it remains a well-crafted story that captures Peter Parker’s life with humor and grace. Even with the last page being such a game-changer (**NO SPOILERS**), ASM continues to be an engaging series that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Bring on the Bad Guys: Doom # 1 – Paying tribute to the classic 1976 series of the same name, Marvel reintroduces this series with a contemporary twist and a more captivating plot. In this standalone issue, Doctor Doom takes center stage as he encounters a fascinating woman called ‘Sister Sorrow,’ who is on a quest to obtain six mystical daggers that activate an artifact known as the Soul Forge, granting unimaginable power to its user. The tricky part is that Sister Sorrow is in league with Mephisto, who seeks the forge for his own ambitions. Marc Guggenheim beautifully captures Doom’s mindset through his sharp and arrogant dialogue, showcasing his cunning nature as he tirelessly pursues his goals. He skillfully weaves in the longstanding rivalry between Doom and Mephisto throughout the narrative. Stefano Raffaele’s artwork is intricately detailed, striking a perfect balance between eerie and captivating. This standalone edition marks a fantastic kickoff for what promises to be an unforgettable series that not only honors the original 1976 classic but also sets a strong narrative in this villain-centric story, reminding us why Doctor Doom is genuinely one of the Marvel Universe’s most feared yet formidable villains. It seems that 2025 is indeed the year of the villains!
Emma Frost: The White Queen # 1 – Emma Frost steps into the spotlight with her own series, showcasing her in all her cunning and splendor as she navigates the intricate dynamics of being queen of The Hellfire Club. Set in the distant past, it portrays her as the club’s manager. However, this premise alone feels somewhat flat, especially since it’s her series. Much of the issue centers around her hosting a gathering in Buenos Aires, where she skillfully reads the minds of guests to identify any bigots against mutants, only to find herself ensnared in a potentially deadly mystery. While Amy Chu is undeniably talented, the introduction feels a bit frantic, with drama and intrigue arising sporadically; the appearance of The X-Men unfortunately overshadows Emma, leaning towards more prominent guest stars. There’s a real chance to deepen Emma’s character if Chu commits to it; if that happens, the series could truly regain its footing. Moreover, keeping the pacing engaging is crucial, particularly since this is an Emma Frost narrative. We’re hopeful that issue two can build some much-needed momentum!
Fantastic Four Fanfare # 2 – This series continues its celebration of Marvel’s beloved first family with three delightful stories, offering a real treat for any FF enthusiast. Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver craft a charming tale about the Fantastic Four’s unique movie night, which serendipitously coincides with Friday the 13th, allowing them to explore any dimension in need of assistance and blend sci-fi and horror. John Tyler Christopher presents a story where Reed Richards invents a forecasting machine that helps him stay awake for extended periods; it delves into Reed’s psychological aspects in a darkly captivating manner never seen before. Finally, Mark Buckingham both writes and illustrates a Silver Age tribute that nods to Fantastic Four # 144, where two of Doctor Doom’s lackeys amusingly try to impress him with a hapless robot, complicating their efforts. The subtle comedy woven throughout this narrative shines brilliantly, showcasing Buckingham’s diverse talent as a writer. Each of these stories offers a delightful perspective on the FF, emphasizing their bold and iconic place in the Marvel universe, with genres ranging from horror and sci-fi to comedy. This is a fantastic way to thoughtfully explore the FF’s world!
Godzilla Vs The Avengers # 1 – Godzilla takes aim at Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in this one-shot, featuring a nostalgic narrative with the Avengers from the Brian Michael Bendis era. Even Fin Fang Foom makes an appearance, feeling a bit overlooked as the true King of Monsters, leading the Avengers to find themselves humorously caught in the crossfire while explaining their roles to Maria Hill. It’s a little disappointing to note that the dialogue emerges as the most entertaining aspect of this one-shot. While David F. Walker’s writing can occasionally miss the mark, particularly in channeling Bendis, some lines do evoke a few laughs, even if they feel a tad forced. The overall story structure seems to lack a bit of coherence; thankfully, Georges Jeanty’s impressively detailed artwork saves the day, and Fin Fang Foom’s presence adds just enough enjoyment to keep this from feeling like an ordinary Godzilla tale. Nonetheless, this one-shot feels more like a Godzilla skit from “Saturday Night Live.” Walker should focus on refining his humor, as the overall structure sets an engaging tone but stumbles due to weaker character development, making this one of the more unsatisfactory entries in the Godzilla/Marvel Universe saga.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around, and I look forward to seeing you all next time.
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