NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (02/25/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Martian Manhunter # 9 (7/10)
Absolute Wonder Woman # 17 (9/10)
Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral # 1 (8/10)
Detective Comics # 1106 (9/10)
Harley Quinn # 59 (9/10)
Hyde Street # 10 (8/10)
Infernal Hulk # 4 (7.5/10)
Inglorious X-Force # 2 (8/10)
Iron Man # 2 (9/10)
Punisher # 1 (10/10)
Rogue # 2 (7.5/10)
Spider-Man & Wolverine # 10 (7/10)
Sorcerer Supreme # 3 (8/10)
Superman # 35 (9/10)
The End 2099 # 3 (7/10)
The Order of Saint Sophia: The Fall # 1 (6.5/10)
The Rocketeer: The Island # 1 (9/10)
The Ultimates # 21 (7/10)
Absolute Wonder Woman # 17– Wonder Woman’s fight against both the Absolute versions of Zatanna and the Suicide Squad is a high-energy action issue where she consistently gains the upper hand. It’s exciting to see her cast spells, like one that enlarges her to fight Gigantia, maintaining the momentum through each page. Despite the rapid pace of becoming familiar, the issue still delivers a powerful, unforgettable epic experience. Several twists and turns during the battles keep readers captivated, thanks to Kelly Thompson’s writing and Hayden Sherman’s breathtaking, dynamic art—some of his best work yet. This story truly showcases Wonder Woman’s strength as a warrior.
Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral # 1– While this special may suggest that fans are growing weary of symbiote crossovers, the latest one-shot launching the “Death Spiral” event—uniting Spider-Man, Venom, and Carnage against the new villain Torment—stands out for its strong character work. This is especially notable given that Joe Kelly, Charles Soule, and Al Ewing are collaborating, ensuring that character development never feels excessive and adding intriguing layers of mystery around Torment. Instead of being another disposable antagonist, Torment avoids the tired trope of a mindless, bloodthirsty maniac, making him a compelling presence. Kelly, Soule, and Ewing skillfully weave a narrative full of plot twists, while also establishing ongoing story threads: Spider-Man’s adjustment to being back on Earth, Eddie Brock’s attempts to reconnect with his son Dylan, and Mary Jane Watson (the current Venom Symbiote host) sharing a low-key moment with Flash Thompson (a.k.a. Agent Anti-Venom) before chaos inevitably erupts. Another highlight is Jesus Saiz’s exceptional artwork, which gives each character a distinct visual style—from vibrant to genuinely chilling—further enhanced by Matt Hollingsworth’s precise coloring. If Kelly, Ewing, and Soule (who have experienced their share of ups and downs—mainly Kelly and Ewing) can maintain this level of momentum, Death Spiral could become a truly memorable crossover event.
Punisher # 1– Picking up where “Punisher: Red Band” left off, this new relaunch once again brings Frank Castle back in all his violent, bloody glory, ensuring his mission remains strong now that both Kingpin and Tombstone are out of the picture. Innovative writer Benjamin Percy focuses on intriguing themes, such as Frank’s ongoing struggle to remove the controlling device from his brain and how his mission has become more of a force of habit than an act of rage. Percy enthusiastically explores a Frank Castle who operates on autopilot, desperately seeking a cure for himself. This depth replaces the usual Punisher tropes fans expect, offering something fresh to kick off a new chapter in Frank’s life. The surprise return of Jigsaw sets the tone for the series, with Percy’s exploration of psychological themes making this installment stand out from previous volumes. Frank is portrayed more as a man reacting on instinct than the relentless killing machine he’s known for, a shift amplified by Jose Kius Soares Pinto’s moody artwork. Altogether, this new Punisher series is headed in the right direction.
The Rocketeer: The Island # 1– The Rocketeer returns in a new series by writer and letterer John Layman and artist Jacob Edgar. This series is a strong reminder of the Rocketeer’s lasting appeal. The story, based on Dave Stevens’ work, follows Cliff Secord as he is recruited to search for Amelia Earhart, the famous pilot who vanished over the Pacific Ocean while trying to become the first woman to fly around the world. This premise launches a thrilling adventure that is accessible and enjoyable for all readers.
Layman shows a deep understanding of the Rocketeer, presenting Cliff as a character torn between his personal challenges and larger, world-changing events. The narrative skillfully blends romance, action, and historical detail, all set in 1938. Although some of the period dialogue can feel overwhelming, the story remains a lively and entertaining journey. Jacob Edgar’s artwork is reminiscent of Darwyn Cooke’s style, bringing each page to life. With its historical setting and all the familiar elements that fans love, “The Rocketeer: The Island” stands out as a heartfelt pulp story that honors Dave Stevens’ legacy.
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