NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (07/29/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Black Star # 1 (7/10)
Detective Comics 2026 Annual # 1 (8/10)
Justice League: Knight Vision Special # 1 (10/10)
Queen In Black # 1 (6.5/10)
Predator Versus Planet of the Apes # 1 (7.5/10)
Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day # 1 (7/10)
Superman 2026 Annual # 1 (7/10)
Thundarr The Barbarian # 6 (7/10)
What If…?: Spider-Man # 1 (10/10)
X-Men # 34 (6/10)
Black Star # 1 – The latest release from Titan Comics shows significant promise, co-created and co-written by Kristin Kreuk (of “Smallville” fame) alongside Peter Mooney and Eric Putzer, with art by Joe Bocardo and colors by Valentina Bianconi. The story follows Dr. Dashiell Carlyle during the violent Canadian fur trade wars of the early 19th century. After accidentally healing a man, Carlyle discovers he possesses magical abilities and is soon recruited into a secret order aiming to build a utopia through magic—though their vision comes with a horrifying hidden cost. The series features a scientifically grounded magic system built around quantum physics, suggesting that magic stems from the physical void. This concept, delivered with serious dark fantasy overtones, ensures that readers—despite the slow pacing—can easily follow the unfolding mystery crafted by Kreuk, Mooney, and Putzer. The series transitions from a dark period drama to a full-blown nightmare, establishing a haunting mood that is sure to entice readers. As her first foray into comics, Kreuk, along with her co-writers, blends historical detail with supernatural horror, emphasizing gritty realism and moral ambiguity. Joe Bocardo’s art, enhanced by Valentina Bianconi’s coloring, captures the bleak hostility of the 19th-century Canadian wilderness and skillfully employs abstract elements. While celebrity-written comics are hardly a new trend, “Black Star” stands out with its cohesive storytelling and clear command of its core concept. Rather than relying on gimmicks, it delivers a gothic noir that captivates on every level, maintaining an engaging sense of mystery throughout.
Justice League: Knight Vision Special # 1– This special takes full advantage of the concept of villains being granted amnesty after the events of “DC K.O.”, forcing Batman and Lex Luthor to put aside their intense differences and form an uneasy investigative alliance. While Batman and Lex may not be the world’s most natural team-up, Mark Waid and Joshua Williamson craft a compelling dynamic, using their distinct personalities and sharp dialogue to highlight the underlying friction between them. Rather than emphasizing mutual respect, the story leans into their distrust, making their interactions all the more engaging. The inclusion of Prometheus—a notable villain from Grant Morrison’s “JLA” run—serves as the perfect foil, bringing a psychological edge that pushes both Batman and Luthor to their breaking points. Miguel Mendonca’s art especially shines in the action scenes and sci-fi sequences, giving the book a truly cinematic energy, particularly when Prometheus merges with the technology of the Crooked House. Blending strong characterization and mystery, this one-shot is thoroughly enjoyable, with the heroes’ conflicting ideologies in sync with the villain and setting. It not only raises the bar for one-shots but also sets the stage for the next wave of “DC All-In” stories.
Predator Versus Planet of the Apes #1– This unexpected crossover combines the atmosphere of the original 1968 Planet of the Apes film with the intense sci-fi action of the Predator franchise. The story, set in the continuity of the 1968 movie, begins when a deadly Yautja (Predator) hunter crash-lands and begins stalking the planet’s wildlife and inhabitants. Meanwhile, astronaut Arch arrives after a failed human rescue mission, igniting a multi-sided battle for survival observed through the eyes of iconic ape scientists Zira and Cornelius. Greg Pak masterfully merges these two legendary concepts, making Zira and Cornelius’s perspective central to the narrative. Their unique viewpoint on the Predator’s rampage adds depth, making the story far more engaging than a typical “versus” crossover. Most of this first issue focuses on building tension between the Predator and the apes, setting up future confrontations. Thanks to Pak’s sharp writing, Alan Robinson’s distinctive artwork, and Espen Grundetjern’s vibrant colors, Predator versus Planet of the Apes is an entertaining, high-stakes crossover that honors both franchises.
What If…?: Spider-Man # 1– The latest “What If…?” explores the question: What if Kraven the Hunter had survived his Last Hunt? In the original Marvel continuity, Sergei Kravinoff ends his life after defeating and burying Spider-Man. In this alternate version, his survival leaves Peter Parker broken and deeply vulnerable, especially to an old enemy’s corrupting influence. With Spider-Man incapacitated, Kraven fills the void, triggering a dark, mystical transformation that bonds both men with symbiote elements as they settle their final score. J.M. DeMatteis returns to craft a compelling and innovative addition to the “Kraven’s Last Hunt” saga, depriving Spidey of victory while adding a chilling psychological depth (DeMatteis’ specialty). The story preserves the weight of the 1987 classic instead of feeling like a recycled alternate reality. DeMatteis again delivers fresh insights, especially with scenes showing Kraven losing control or Peter reconnecting with the symbiote, which some might see as a quick plot device. Still, it effectively pushes Kraven into a new evolutionary role while Peter’s breakdown is a haunting and impactful element, creating a bleak and moody tone that propels the story forward. Yıldray Cinar’s artwork beautifully complements DeMatteis’ script, paying homage to Mike Zeck and Bob McLeod’s original work with grace and surprise. While some may view revisiting “Kraven’s Last Hunt” as damaging to the original story, this “What If…?” one-shot offers a fresh, captivating perspective on a classic arc. DeMatteis’ internal monologues once again remain intriguing, showcasing why he excels at writing Spider-Man and Kraven the Hunter, and he finds another brilliant way to honor the legacy of the 1987 story without tarnishing it.
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