NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (03/04/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Flash # 12 (7/10)
Absolute Superman # 17 (9/10)
All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider # 8 (7.5/10)
Amazing Spider-Man # 23 (8.5/10)
Batman # 7 (10/10)
Daredevil & The Punisher: The Devil’s Trigger # 5 (7/10)
DC K.O. # 5 (8/10)
Disney Villains: Gaston # 1 (10/10)
Exploit # 1 (8/10)
JSA # 17 (8.5/10)
Moonstar # 1 (7.5/10)
Nova: Centurion # 5 (8.5/10)
Radiant Black # 40 (7/10)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla # 4 (8/10)
Thundarr The Barbarian # 2 (9/10)
The Twilight Zone # 5 (7.5/10)
Wolverine # 17 (7/10)
X-Men # 26 (7/10)
X-Men Annual # 1 (9/10)
Batman # 7 – Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez begin the second arc of Batman with an intriguing twist— a conversation with The Joker! While such a concept might seem ordinary, Fraction’s creative writing and Jimenez’s impressive visuals make it compelling. This story has been building for a while, giving readers a clear understanding of the relationship between Batman and Joker, along with a rarely seen calmer side of The Joker, shown resting in a recovery tube. An additional interesting element is the psychological battle between Batman and the Joker, which raises many questions. The shocking revelation on the last page may not surprise diehard Batman fans, but it will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion for a long time. This issue is a perfect jumping-on point for new readers, illustrating Batman’s potential for growth when stepping outside his usual methods of crime-fighting. Although the Batman/Joker dynamic may revert to previous patterns, there’s hope for a fresh twist that keeps the story engaging. Jimenez’s breathtaking gatefold spread portraying The Joker’s mind adds an eerie, mind-bending touch, showing how this series can reach new heights.
DC K.O. # 5– The epic finale is here: Superman, Lex Luthor, and Darkseid collide in a chaotic showdown that aims to close this turbulent series with dramatic flair. Scott Snyder and Javi Fernandez pack the narrative with nonstop action, suspense, and ever-increasing stakes as the struggle for King Omega takes center stage. However, despite the spectacle, the ending falls short of the powerful resolution fans craved. Instead, it leaves more questions than answers, lacking a satisfying sense of closure. The conclusion may divide readers, as it brings few lasting changes to the DC Universe—apart from Superman’s mysterious departure. Some heroes emerge with new abilities, while others resume their old lives as if nothing changed, creating a sense of missed potential. Visually, Javi Fernandez, with Wes Craig and Xermanico, delivers cohesive and engrossing artwork throughout. Joshua Williamson’s epilogue hints at further Crisis-level events, which may frustrate fans bracing for yet another ‘Crisis.’ Although this finale ranks among DC’s most explosive stories and offers plenty of spectacle, its failure to provide a clear direction for the future is a letdown that could affect the next era of DC Comics.
Disney Villains: Gaston # 1-The self-absorbed antagonist from “Beauty & the Beast” takes center stage in his own series, and right from the start, Gaston remains true to form—a delight for fans who remember his vain, villainous antics. Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente infuse the story with a comedic flair, setting it apart from the more serious tone of other Disney Villains series. Instead, Gaston’s tale is lighter and more playful, which fans are sure to appreciate. The plot is straightforward: after being “unjustly” arrested for trespassing, Gaston is enlisted by the Comte du Soufflé to recover a mysterious amulet from an alchemist. Pak and Van Lente perfectly capture Gaston’s cocky bravado and egotistical charm, making him an unlikely hero. His dynamic with LeFou is genuinely funny, making Gaston oddly endearing and impossible to dislike—you’ll find yourself rooting for him every step of the way. The recurring gag of Gaston proclaiming himself “the best tracker in all of France” never gets old. Milena Ciccarello’s artwork delivers that classic Disney aesthetic, amplifying the story’s whimsical and exaggerated tone on every page. With its abundant charm and fun, “Disney Villains: Gaston” finally gives France’s best tracker the spotlight he’s always craved—and lets readers know it’s perfectly fine to cheer for the bad guy.
Exploit # 1– This new series fuses gritty journalism with a rebellious D.I.Y. ethos, taking readers deep into the shadows of global fascism. “Exploit” centers on Kirby Kuo, a journalism intern in her thirties who discovers her true purpose later in life but proves she’s not out of step. After Kirby exposes a devastating secret about tech mogul Cole Saxon, she fulfills her long-held dream of publishing the story—only to set off a chain reaction of violence and retaliation. The fallout pulls Kirby, her agoraphobic roommate, and the ex-staff of RIOT! magazine into a dangerous fight against Saxon. This story feels timely, especially as the billionaire villain archetype echoes real-world power dynamics—Saxon’s resemblance to Elon Musk is particularly unnerving, given his plot to monopolize the news and replace it with A.I.-driven propaganda. Writers Tim Leong and Laura Hudson craft Sexton as a menacing, if somewhat archetypal, antagonist, but his determination to silence critics and impose his will is chillingly effective. The authors also do an excellent job immersing us in Kirby’s world and fleshing out her supporting cast, from the intriguing Lenox to each member of the group. Kirby’s relatability grounds the narrative, making “Exploit” a compelling and suspenseful series that examines pressing social issues with sharp insight and a sense of unease.
The Twilight Zone # 5 – The latest issue of “Twilight Zone” stands out for its exploration of the theme of not being heard, which, when handled well, makes for a compelling story. The story, titled “Silent Warning,” centers on Dr. Emily Sorensen, an acoustics specialist investigating a mysterious meteor crash in the Atlantic. As the team explores the site in a submarine, only Sorensen can hear a strange humming from the object, but her warnings are dismissed by the military personnel, leading to disastrous consequences. While the premise evokes the classic “Zone” atmosphere through its narration, the team of Francesco Francavilla and L. Marlow Francavilla successfully transports fans back to 1959. However, the plot’s execution feels rushed, resulting in a weak and unsatisfying ending. This may be due to the limited time for the creators to develop the story. Francesco Francavilla’s visuals perfectly capture the vintage sci-fi tone of the original series, but the story’s conclusion could have been stronger. Even so, it offers a nostalgic look at the appeal of 1950s and 1960s monster movies and delivers another intriguing journey into The Twilight Zone.
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