NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (09/16/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand # 1 (8.5/10)
Absolute Green Arrow # 5 (8/10)
Avengers: Armageddon # 4 (9.5/10)
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest # 55 (7/10)
Daredevil # 7 (7/10)
Detective Comics # 1113 (6.5/10)
DNX # 1 (7.5/10)
New Titans # 49 (7/10)
Spider-Man: Long Way Home #3 (5.5/10)
Superman Unlimited # 17 (8/10)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles # 22 (7/10)
Uncanny X-Men # 35 (7/10)
X-Men # 35 (6.5/10)
Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand # 1– This one-shot, spinning directly out of the events of Absolute Catwoman, completely reimagines Cassandra Cain’s origin story. It establishes her as a formidable assassin, her fate closely tied to the world’s greatest thief, Selina Kyle. In this Absolute universe, the Joker was originally trained by the League of Assassins. After mastering their skills, he mercilessly wiped out the entire organization. The story unfolds primarily through Cassandra’s personal journal entries, offering an intimate look at her struggle to preserve her humanity as she navigates a harsher, more unforgiving world. While the narrative leans into the darker aspects of the Absolute universe, writer Che Grayson expertly balances this with Cassandra’s enduring humanity. Grayson’s use of Cassandra’s inner voice as a narrative device is both engaging and nuanced, making her as compelling as ever. Intriguingly, Grayson also sets Cassandra on a path that could see her become the leader of the League of Assassins, a storyline that holds great promise for future installments in “Absolute Catwoman.” Although Cassandra is not always at the story’s center, the globe-trotting plot leaves limited space for worldbuilding and character development. Characters like Bronze Tiger, Katana, David Cain, and Scandal Savage receive the “Absolute” treatment, but their roles feel somewhat underdeveloped. However, the exploration of the mystical side of the Absolute Universe is a highlight and could be expanded upon in the future. Mathias Bergara’s art, however, lends a storybook quality to the one-shot, enhancing its pacing and overall atmosphere. With its strong character study and intense action, Absolute Cassandra Cain continues to build on the darker elements of the Absolute Universe, maintaining an organic feel without losing momentum.
Absolute Green Arrow # 5– The penultimate issue of this series’ first arc reveals the identity of the Green Arrow killer and delivers another major twist: two separate Green Arrows are operating in the Absolute Universe. This unexpected development is just one of many payoffs provided by Pornsak Pichetshote, who skillfully expands on the series’ horror elements while answering critical questions—especially regarding the Green Arrow Killer’s identity (**NO SPOILERS**). The reveal not only surprises but also adds greater depth to the person behind the mask. Pichetshote further enriches the story with flashbacks showing Oliver Queen contemplating a run for president—a compelling thread that could have been explored further if he hadn’t been killed off earlier in “Absolute Evil.” The Green Arrow Killer’s personal history with Ollie transforms their conflict into a gripping, layered battle between the ultra-wealthy. With the killer’s identity now exposed and the body horror as gruesome and impressive as ever, this issue of Absolute Green Arrow successfully ties together threads from the very first issue while setting the stage for an even more thrilling future. This series has proven it’s unafraid to take bold risks, and with the next phase looming, readers can expect even greater surprises ahead.
Avengers: Armageddon # 4– The news is out, and this could be the comic that excites fans and sparks a social media frenzy. It features David Colton, the 21st-century Captain America who gained his powers from one of the Origin Boxes, returning to the Ultimate Universe. This transformation elevates him to something greater (**NO SPOILERS**), directly connected to a classic hero brought to life with just one word. This project is in the making, with Marvel earning praise for successfully executing it. The series, guided by Chip Zdarsky, taps into pop culture nostalgia, adding depth to Colton as a character, especially now that he has godlike powers. It also reimagines a hero with a complex history that spans decades, satisfying long-time fans. This development pushes the series toward its conclusion and could redefine not only the Avengers but also how society perceives superheroes. The issue features stunning art and fast pacing, making it impossible to ignore while Marvel reintroduces a key figure in comics that everyone is eager to see unfold next.
DNX # 1– The X-Men and The Fantastic Four unite for an ambitious crossover event, centered around The Chairman—an older, corrupt, and utterly amoral alternate version of Hank McCoy (The Beast). After witnessing a bleak future during the Age of Revelation, this version of McCoy abandons all conscience and sets out to forcibly accelerate human evolution by releasing the X-Virus, a weaponized pathogen, on a major human population center. This virus transforms ordinary humans into mutants, threatening to permanently destabilize the already fragile relationship between humanity and mutantkind. Meanwhile, Mister Fantastic faces a moral dilemma as he considers whether to save a gravely ill Magneto. Though the opening issue is light on action, it compensates with heavy, engaging dialogue as Jed MacKay skillfully sets the stage by introducing Cyclops’ confrontation with 3k, a radical Mutant Gene-terrorist organization whose ruthless ideology stands in stark contrast to the unity of his X-Men. This conflict draws the Fantastic Four into the fray, building suspense and drama that help offset the lack of immediate action. However, the story feels somewhat overcrowded, with superhero sci-fi tropes and mutant politics competing for attention. This makes the narrative feel more like a typical X-Men issue with guest appearances from the Fantastic Four, rather than a true collaborative event. Federico Vicentini’s art remains a highlight, delivering dynamic paneling and vibrant, energetic sequences—even if action is limited—while elevating character interactions throughout. Ultimately, while the issue is packed with ideas and characters, it risks losing focus under its own weight. Yet, MacKay’s strong character work and intriguing setup show promise. If the story can streamline its plot and fully embrace the unique potential of an X-Men/Fantastic Four crossover, it could deliver a truly memorable event. For now, the groundwork is laid—what comes next will determine whether this series lives up to its ambitious premise.
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