It’s time for the Fantastic Five to shout out the best comics of the week! DC is on a roll again this week, sweeping the top five comics of the week. Let’s take a look at the book!
Best comics of the week: December 18, 2024
#5: Jenny Sparks #5
Jenny Sparks #5 isn’t afraid to say things, even if sometimes wearing a cape or tights can confuse what she says. On the plus side, Jeff Spokes gets better and better, using Dutch angles to make the walking dialogue scenes with canted shots of the characters dynamic. I’d love to see him pair up with Tom King again in the future, as their artistic sensibilities mesh well. We get to see him portray the main character’s backstory, giving it that trademark Tom King tragedy and filling it with the right amount of pathos. There’s also some banter between Batman and Superman, which I don’t really enjoy.
Read our full review of Marvel Maximus!
#4: Batman & Robin: Year 1 #3
Before they became a dynamic duo, they had to learn to live together. Wade and Sumney create issues that show the problems behind the masks and how they come forward to create major obstacles to their partnership. Batman’s lack of understanding of children could be a problem in shaping Dick Grayson into quite the horror. Robin’s inability to check himself causes the team to lose stealth, leading to problems that Bruce must learn how to deal with and change. The “growing pains” plaguing the Batcave are an interesting question worth exploring more deeply.
Read Christopher Franey’s full review!
#3: Absolute Batman #3
Absolute Batman #3 puts the pedal to the metal. In flashbacks, Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin offer bittersweet glimpses into Bruce’s life, filled with friends and love. And now they bring you a heavy metal Batmobile chase like no other. All the while, Scott Snyder infuses every lull and action with tension, with Batman having to make tough decisions he’s never had to deal with before. As Alfred says in this issue, “Maybe I actually love Batman.”
Read our full review of Marvel Maximus!
#2: Nightwing #121
Nightwing #121 remains the best Nightwing. Things aren’t easy for him, but they shouldn’t be. Throughout the first arc, Dan Watters has continually taken advantage of opportunities to elevate the character to greater heights while also adding depth to the world around him. Plus, the story art helps bring stories full of action and mystery to life. This issue also features an interesting preview of the new Metamorpho series. If you’re interested, you can find another win here.
Read Michael Guerrero’s full review!
#1: New Gods #1
I can’t wait to see Lamb and Cagle walk the tightrope again in the next issue, and I’m already feeling excited. I want to see all the tricks they can pull off and how they defy the gravity that pulls and threatens all these big swings. Even as I write this, I keep coming back to this problem, finding new small questions and new things to look forward to. In this way, Lamb and Cagle have created the type of comic book experience that I love. It’s like a reminder of why comics were my first love.
Read Ryan Perry’s full review!
