NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (10/21/26)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Absolute Flash # 20 (8/10)
Absolute Green Arrow # 6 (8.5/10)
Action Comics # 1103 (8.5/10)
Amazing Spider-Man Halloween Special # 1 (8/10)
Avengers Armageddon # 5 (7/10)
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest # 56 (7.5/10)
Detective Comics # 1114 (8.5/10)
The Fury of Firestorm # 7 (8/10)
Inglorious X-Force # 10 (6.5/10)
Miles Morales: Spider-Man # 3 (9/10)
New Titans # 40 (7/10)
The Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow # 1 (10/10)
Redcoat # 21 (6.5/10)
Space Ghost vs The Herculoids # 2 (7/10)
Superman Unlimited # 10 (6.5/10)
Uncanny X-Men # 37 (7/10)
Action Comics # 1103 – This issue kicks off a new arc exploring the origin of Lex Luthor, the greatest criminal genius of all time. Mark Waid and Patricio Delpache focus on Lex’s upbringing, as he sets out to record his own history and document his growing intelligence while enduring the tyrannical, abusive outbursts of his alcoholic father, Lionel. The trauma of this period, culminating in a pivotal birthday party, permanently cements Lex’s obsession with control and his vow never to be looked down upon by anyone. While Luthor’s early days have been explored before, this story takes a sharper, darker approach. Waid skillfully peels back the layers of Lex’s life, comparing his tragic childhood with the heartwarming days Clark Kent spent in Smallville. The contrast is surprising and offers a glimpse into how these two characters emerged from completely different upbringings. This dual narrative is both uplifting and tragic. At the same time, its unapologetic look at domestic abuse—and Lionel Luthor’s complicated, egotistical relationship with Lex—helps explain the ideologies and desire for total control that drive him. Patricio Delpache’s art shines in a story with little to no superhero action, offering a fresh perspective on Lex and Clark’s childhoods. His emotional range is outstanding. This may well be the definitive origin story for Lex Luthor, showing the first steps toward his becoming one of Superman’s most dangerous enemies. Though illuminating and sad, it makes a compelling case that even the most reprehensible supervillains can anchor an ongoing series.
Amazing Spider-Man Halloween Special # 1– While this may seem like a typical Halloween story, it’s actually a lighthearted and energetic Spider-Man adventure, full of tricks and treats. Spider-Man must stop a major heist orchestrated by the magical, mask-wielding villain Hallows’ Eve (Elizabeth Tyne), who is attempting her most ambitious scheme yet—one that threatens the entire Earth-616 universe. The action escalates as Hallows’ Eve switches between classic monster masks (including Frankenstein’s monster), even cursing Spidey so that his web-shooters start shooting out bats and then unlimited candy. He also receives a mysterious new costume. The story moves at a fast pace with a playful tone, perfectly capturing the festive fun and spirit of Halloween, all while keeping the superhero excitement alive. Although some scenes feel a bit rushed and lack deeper development, the story remains charming and enjoyable. This is thanks to Justina Ireland’s clever script, which makes Hallows’ Eve the ideal antagonist for a Halloween tale and gives Spidey a unique challenge with his cursed gadgets. Mike Hawthorne’s art is bright and dynamic, matching the story’s quick tempo and lightheartedness, and maintaining a classic superhero vibe without ever feeling too serious. The backup stories include a cheerful segment by Lee Gatlin featuring the Sinister Six handing out candy, and Ty Templeton’s spooky, brilliant parodies of newspaper strips, which wrap up the special with flair. While this comic is mainly aimed at younger readers, adults will also find plenty to enjoy. The special captures the fun of a “holiday episode,” making it a thrilling, all-ages alternative to the scarier side of Halloween.
Avengers Armageddon #5-The final issue of this event centers on the aftermath of Red Hulk’s nuclear blast in Russia. The story shifts focus to humanity’s loss of faith in superheroes, which prompts the UN and S.H.I.E.L.D. to enforce a sweeping global crackdown through the “Superpowers Resolution.” Meanwhile, David Colton grapples with his transformation into Miracleman, exploring the personal costs of absolute power. This issue lays the groundwork for Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s upcoming “Avengers” run, introducing several intriguing plot threads: Iron Man uses a future-predicting machine (previously employed by Doctor Doom and Red Hulk), glimpsing unsettling visions of what’s to come; Bucky Barnes is presumed dead, and a long-lost character returns (**NO SPOILERS**). Rather than concluding the event with a massive battle, Zdarsky opts for a more nuanced, character-driven approach, particularly examining the fallout for Spider-Man and Mephisto—whose story arc seems to carry significant future consequences. The most striking element is the public’s rejection of superheroes, which may persist or eventually be reversed, but for now serves as a compelling foundation for a Marvel Universe that feels less spectacular and more uncertain. While the issue doesn’t fully explore Colton’s new role as the 616 version of Miracleman and ends on a somber note, it succeeds in setting up future storylines and convincingly establishes a new, unforgiving era for the Marvel Universe—one that seems here to stay.
The Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow # 1– This one-shot launches a gripping series of one-shots, centering on Frank Castle’s relentless pursuit of a rogue terrorist cell in Las Vegas. Black Widow, armed with vital intelligence on a deadly Wolf Spider operative, finds her mission colliding with Castle’s in explosive fashion. As their paths converge in Sin City, the two must navigate their conflicting moral codes—will they join forces against a ruthless Russian mafia, or let their differences erupt into an all-out showdown? This issue delivers relentless, high-octane action that fans of The Punisher will savor. Tom Waltz masterfully captures Castle’s iconic voice, from his incisive inner monologues to his arsenal and tactical partnerships. Black Widow is far from a sidekick here; she is portrayed as skilled, ruthless, and fully capable, wielding her Widow’s Bites and matching Castle’s intensity at every turn. While the story doesn’t reinvent the action genre, its straightforward, no-holds-barred narrative feels perfectly suited to these characters. Bullets fly, knives flash, and the pace never lets up—making for a thoroughly engaging read. Greg Land’s art, with vibrant colors accentuating the brutal violence, complements Waltz’s dynamic script surprisingly well, infusing the story with energy and flair. Ultimately, this one-shot excels at delivering a gritty, street-level adventure befitting its protagonists. It sets the stage, delivers pulse-pounding showdowns, and concludes efficiently—leaving readers both satisfied and eager for more. The strength of this issue makes a compelling case for a follow-up, and a second installment would be more than welcome.
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