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Happy New Year! I hope your 2025 is filled with great comics every week. I’ll be honest about this week’s list as we are not starting with the strongest or most diverse weeks of books. I like the books here but A LOT of publishers are not putting out anything this week and even more putting out just a few books. Seems like everyone but Marvel and DC took this week off. Hey, more power to those publishers that gave their teams some well-deserved vacation. Anyways let’s look at this week’s list.
(Editor’s Note: Solicitations are provided by respected publishers)
10. What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1
Writer: Mat Groom
Artist: Lan Medina
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: The first in a new series of one-shots that asks the question: What if Galactus recruited some of Marvel’s best and brightest heroes as his new cosmic heralds? See how the Power Cosmic transforms these once-familiar champions, twisting and turning all of Marvel history in their wake! In this tale, Galactus has conscripted Earth’s strongest warrior — the Incredible Hulk — into his service. But what will turn out to be the bigger mistake: trying to direct the fury of the Green Goliath… or giving the great mind of Bruce Banner a cosmic problem to solve?
Why it Made the List: This week has plenty of MCU synergy for Marvel and it starts with a new run of What If..? just as the new season just debuted on Disney Plus. I am a fan of the What If concept and remember the days of going to the comic book store and pulling out random issues not knowing what question they would be answering next. It’s also interesting to see so many What If concepts actually come true in the main universe. Marvel is going to have a number of stories that follow this same idea of random characters becoming a herald of Galactus. Part of the fun will be seeing what the designs will look like and if any of them can capture the aura that was Aunt May becoming a herald. I am not expecting Shakespeare here just something enjoyable to read that has fun with the Marvel universe. If I can get that with some capable art I will be a happy reader.
Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Mike Henderson
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: MARVEL’S MOST EXTREME MUTANT RETURNS! He’s been a soldier. An X-Man. A protector of the timestream. But even from his earliest days, the mutant known as Cable has been living on borrowed time, waging a lonely war against the ravages of the Techno-Organic Virus. Yet when a high-stakes mission in the future goes catastrophically awry, Cable is left stranded in the dystopian city of Salvation Bay — and will find himself caught in the midst of a civil war that will change his life forever. Get ready for big action, bigger threats and the biggest guns in the Marvel Universe, in this epic new series from Ringo Award-winning writer David Pepose (Punisher, Savage Avengers) and superstar artist Mike Henderson (Daredevil, Deadpool vs. Old Man Logan)!
Why it Made the List: I mentioned on last week’s list how I am a fan of Cable and always excited for a new Cable book. Last week we got Timeless which was kind of a Cable book with other people. Now we are getting a brand-new solo series. It may be 2025 but the 90’s are here to stay. Writer David Pepose is a name who has been on this list a great deal. Most recently for his work on Space Ghost and other series like The Devil That Wears My Face as well. Been a fan of his work for years so happy to see him getting more and more books with some big publishers. If he can bring a similar energy to this that he did with his run on Savage Avengers this will be a fun book. Mike Henderson is a solid artist to work with as well. I think he can capture the style that works well for a character like Cable. Also, I do love that title. It’s like the James Bond version of a Cable title and there’s nothing wrong with that.
8. When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee #1
Writer: Gus Moreno
Artist: Jakub Rebelka
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Solicitation: Father Barrera is a disgraced priest, haunted by his part in the tragic death of a child. As penance, he is exiled to the remote South American town of Puerto Cristina to apprentice under the enigmatic Father Stygian, controversial exorcist.
Exorcists are normally trained in the Vatican, but Stygian has his own way of handling demons… methods that predate even the Church. And unfortunately for Barrera, Stygian’s last apprentice committed suicide not long ago.
As Barrera seeks to unlock the mysteries of Stygian’s strange practices, he uncovers an island rife with evil and supernatural phenomena.
What do these possessions mean, and how are they connected to a mysterious hospital patient, one who’s been in a coma for nearly half a century without aging a single day…
Rising star author Gus Moreno, whose debut novel This Thing Between Us was awarded a “Best Book of 2021” recognition by NPR, joins forces with visionary artist Jakub Rebelka (Cyberpunk) for a mesmerizing and thrilling descent into Hell itself.
Why it Made the List: Hey look it is a book that is not from Marvel or DC! This might be the only time this happens on this week’s list. Sorry, I can only work with the books that come out. With that said that could put a book like this in a great spot because if you are looking for something that is not Marvel or DC this will be one of the few options you have this week. I do not have much experience with these creators. I have not read This Thing Between Us but I do like the idea of this book. I mentioned to David Pepose his book The Devil That Wears My Face would often make this list and I get a similar vibe here. Seems like a classic plot of a disgraced priest facing a complex and dangerous exorcism. It’s like the Noir version of a disgraced cop trying to solve a crime perpetrated by the people who framed him for murder. Sometimes the classic recipes produce the best meals. Just need someone who is capable of putting it all together.
Writer: Tate Brombal
Artist: Takeshi Miyazawa
Publisher: DC
Solicitation: WILL CASS AND LADY SHIVA OUT RUN THE UNBURIED? The train ride out of Gotham proves more difficult than expected for Cass and Lady Shiva as dangerous new players enter the field. With the Unburied still hot on their trail — and seeking blood — can Batgirl actually trust her mother? Or will it lead to her certain death…?
Why it Made the List: Lady Shiva is having a bit of a moment. Not only is she a major part of this book she of course is the main opponent in the Black Canary mini-series going right now. With that said so is Cassandra Cain as she is finally getting her Batgirl book again and has remained a major part of the Birds of Prey series that also comes out this week. Good things come to those that wait it appears. Although perhaps they have had to wait far too long. I have enjoyed this run so far and the relationship between Cass and Lady Shiva as they are forced to work together due to a much larger threat that is too big for either for them to face alone. At the same time, you wonder what is really going on because with Lady Shiva nothing is ever as it seems. I really like Takeshi Miyazawa’s art as well. His style is not what I am used to with DC and love everything about that. He’s great with action as well including last issue which included quite the brutal fight scene inside a small restaurant. There was a specific moment featuring an elderly woman that is forever etched into my brain.
6. Sam Wilson: Captain America #1
Writer: Greg Pak, Evan Narcisse
Artist: Valentine De Landro, Eder Messias
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Solicitation:Â SAM WILSON SOARS AGAIN! When Captain America attends a birthday party for Isaiah Bradley, he catches wind of a new tech venture that sounds too good to be true: magnificent floating platforms in the sky, where the disenfranchised can apply for land grants and establish their own farms. But after Sam discovers the organization’s dark underbelly, he’ll have to tangle with its head of security: Red Hulk! Greg Pak (INCREDIBLE HULK, WEAPON H), Evan Narcisse (RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER) and Eder Messias (PHASES OF THE MOON NIGHT) join forces for a high-flying Cap adventure!
Why it Made the List: I mentioned we were getting some MCU synergy with Marvel this week and that is certainly the case here as we await the new Captain America movie in a few months. Captain America is my favorite Marvel character and yes that includes when Sam Wilson is holding the title. A few things have me excited for this issue and one of them is the fact Marvel is using Eli Bradley once again. I have long said he is one of the most underused characters in Marvel’s gallery so happy to see him playing a role here. Also curious to see what Greg Pak can do with the Captain America title. I feel like he may be a bit underrated as a writer despite having a pretty long and successful career. He is one of the few writers who has been able to do a lotof creator-own series while still working with some of the bigger publishers at the same time. We do have multiple writers and artists on this so not fully sure what that means for the structure of this series. Sometimes that can mean there are too many cooks in the kitchen. Hoping that is not the case here.
Writer: Christian Ward
Artist: Fabio Veras
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: In the underworld court known as the White Church, Harvey Dent is asked to litigate the divorce of the Royal Flush Gang’s King and Queen of Hearts. But there’s much more at stake than assets at this trial — in fact, it’s a matter of life and death! When cheating allegations surround the King, it’s up to Harvey and his new assistant Lake Cantwell, to clean up the monarch’s mess. And why does Harvey get the sneaking suspicion that someone is pulling the strings and threatening to send Gotham’s criminal underworld into a frenzy?
Why it Made the List: I was not sure what to expect with the first issue of Two-Face but what got me was the idea of Two-Face once again using his skills as a lawyer but this time in Criminal Court. By Criminal Court I of course man court that is run by actual criminals. It’s a silly idea but what would comics be if not for silly ideas? Now the idea of him having to litigate a divorce between the Royal Flush gang is kind of ingenious. There’s so much you can do with that concept if done right. Seems like the best episode of the Adam West Batman show that never got made. Of course, the tone here is very different but I am all for leaning into the colorful nature of this character. I mean they are called the Royal Flush gang and are dressed like Playing Cards. If you cannot have fun with that why even bother? Now I am certain that fun will be a bit twisted considering the company these types of people keep.
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Bob Quinn
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Solicitation: BETRAYED! X-Factor have survived their most grueling trial yet… Who can they turn to? And can they endure another betrayal?
Why it Made the List: As we neared the end of 2024 I tried to catch up with some series that I let build up over the months. One of those books was X-Factor. Truth be told no idea why that was the case because I am a big fan of this creative team. Heck, I remember when they first worked together on The Lone Ranger, and still have fond memories of that series. Similar to their work together on Red Sonja. I think it took a few issues but eventually, this series found its legs. Part of that was the creation of a character like Granny Smite who is legitimately one of my favorite characters to come out of last year. I would very much purchase a Granny Smite T-Shirt with her classic catchphrase “I Welcome Death”. Take note, Marvel, that’s an idea guaranteed to make millions. Now it’s not all jokes as the last issue ended what what could be a major death for this team. Considering how the first issue ended this is one of the few Marvel comics that I could see follow through with actually killing a major character. If you are like me and missed out on this series I would rectify that. It has quickly risen up the ranks of the current X-Men line.
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Tony S. Daniel
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: THE RIDDLER’S PLANS FINALLY REVEALED! The GCPD is closing in on their suspected killer — and on Batman! Wayne Enterprises is under attack as Nygma’s plans come into focus. The Owls are not what they seem. Don’t miss the thrilling penultimate issue of “The Dying City”!
Why it Made the List: Batman is back on the list. I dropped off this series a couple of times but came back with ‘All In’ to see if things have changed. I simply could not click with what was happening long-term. It happens sometimes. Not everything is going to work with everyone. As you can see seemingly has changed. Issue Batman #155 was my favorite issue that came out that week. For one it was great seeing Batman play the role of Detective again. That has been his major role in this conflict thus far and that immedarlty makes it differetn than most recent Batman stories. Also last issue had art by Jorge Fornés so it of course looked great. Jorge Fornés is not on this issue but the good thing about Batman is you can attract a lot of great artists as shown by Tony S. Daniel taking over art duties. We only have a few issues before we have Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee take over Batman and to me it seems Chip Zdarsky is ending with one of his best stories.
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Marcio Takara
Publisher: Marcio Takara
Solicitation: Poison Ivy ventures into the wilds of Washington to uncover the true identity of the Order of the Green Knight’s mysterious leader! But when Pamela hears what they have to say, will she decide to stop fighting and embrace their mission… or will she burn the operation down once and for all?
Why it Made the List: I am so happy this comic book exists. It is not often we get a book from Marvel and DC that isn’t a main hero like Batman or Superman that lasts this long. Also, the fact this has maintained a consistent creative team for nearly every issue. It’s a rare gem in so many ways. We are close to year three of this run and it does not seem like it is slowing down any time soon. (Hoping I am not giving this run the kiss of death because that has happened before) This arc has been quite good thus far as well. There is a lot going on but not in a bad way. Posiion Ivy has a cult-like group that is taking her message perhaps the wrong way, a hidden city has suddenly been found, and even time for Killer Croc to get some love. One of the strangest love triangles we have seen which makes everything all the better. With all the conversation surrounding all the new books at DC it is important to recognize these runs that have been here holding up the quality for years now.
Writer: Deniz Camp
Artist: Juan Frigeri
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Solicitation:Â THE ULTIMATE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY! America Chavez takes center stage in this issue as a group of galactic travelers from a far-flung, Maker-free future arrive in search of her!
Why it Made the List: Oh how much I love this series. If you follow along with this list that is obvious because pretty much every time it has made it to number one. This week I am especially excited to see what they will be doing with this universe’s version of The Guardians of the Galaxy. So far the changes they have made to some key characters are been both creative and well thought out. These ideas should let them tell some great stories for years if done right. Even from an aesthetic level, this version of the Guardians looks nothing like what we are used to except for many Cosmo still being a dog. Now that we are in Year Two of this ultimate universe I wonder what plans are in store. They recently announced a new Ultimate Event headed by Jonathan Hickman and I assume much of that will be built through this book. So if you are one of those people that wants to keep current with important events in the Marvel Universe this is a much read. The good thing is you also get a great story out of it as well so it is a win-win.
