Bag? or Bored? Comic Book Verdicts of the Week 7/17/2025

Bag

Each week, the comic book industry brings forth a plethora of new titles, captivating storylines, and stunning artwork. This week's selections offer an array of gripping narratives and intriguing characters that deserve a place in your collection. In this section, we delve into the comics that are not just good but great—those that warrant the utmost care and protection, metaphorically speaking, they're worthy of a bag and board. Add our bag-worthy comics to your collection, click ADD TO CART and our friends at MyComicShop.com will deliver them to your door.

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1. Absolute Batman #10 delivers a brutal and intense showdown, with the Caped Crusader facing off against a monstrous opponent in a visually striking battle. The artwork is gritty and impactful, perfectly capturing the raw power and desperation of the conflict. The buzz surrounding this issue centers on the sheer scale of the fight and the potential for long-lasting consequences for Batman, promising a thrilling and pivotal chapter in his ongoing saga.

2. Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 plunges deeper into the brutal and unyielding cosmic battles that define Battle Beast, delivering relentless action and stunning, visceral artwork. This issue continues to explore the character's formidable power and his insatiable quest for worthy opponents across the galaxy. The buzz surrounding this mini-series is all about its intense fights and the chance to delve into the backstory of one of Invincible's most compelling and destructive characters.

3. Post Malone's Big Rig #1 roars onto the scene as a special double-sized issue, blending the musician's unique aesthetic with a gritty, supernatural road trip. The comic delivers a surprisingly engaging narrative, combining elements of horror, action, and a distinct visual style that reflects Post Malone's creative vision. The biggest buzz around this debut issue is its unexpected yet compelling premise, drawing in both comic fans and Post Malone's followers eager to see his foray into the world of sequential art.

4. Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe #1 delivers exactly what the title promises: an epic, city-smashing rampage as the King of the Monsters takes on Earth's mightiest heroes. The issue is a spectacle of destruction, with dynamic artwork showcasing iconic Marvel characters attempting to halt the kaiju's unstoppable force. The massive buzz around this comic is due to its dream-match premise, offering fans the ultimate crossover event and the thrilling, no-holds-barred confrontation they've always imagined.

5. Ultimate X-Men #17 continues to redefine the mutant landscape with its fresh take on familiar characters and a distinct artistic vision, highlighted by Peach Momoko's captivating cover. The series maintains its focus on character-driven narratives and unique power interpretations, offering a compelling alternative to traditional X-Men lore. The buzz around this title consistently revolves around Momoko's stunning art and the bold, new directions the Ultimate universe is taking, making it a standout for fans seeking innovation.

Bored

While the comic world is filled with gems, not all releases are met with praise. In this section, we evaluate titles that failed to make an impression, leaving many readers feeling uninterested or underwhelmed. Perhaps it's a lack of originality or poorly executed storylines, but these are comics that might not deserve a place in your collection.

1. Phantom Road #14 continues its journey through a surreal and mysterious landscape, maintaining its atmospheric tension and distinctive art style. While the series consistently delivers on its enigmatic premise and character development, some collectors might find the prolonged, slow-burn narrative and the gradual unveiling of its secrets to be less engaging over time. The lack of frequent, high-impact plot twists or major revelations in every issue can lead to a sense of narrative drag for those who prefer faster-paced storytelling or more immediate gratification in their comic reads.

2. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #20 continues to expand the galactic lore of this vibrant era, offering a fresh look at new Jedi and their challenges with engaging artwork. While the series successfully captures the spirit of the High Republic and its unique characters, some collectors might find its younger-skewing audience and the sheer volume of High Republic titles leading to a sense of fatigue. The focus on new characters rather than established movie favorites, combined with numerous simultaneous releases in the era, could dilute interest for those looking for more impactful, collectible moments.

3. Nightwing #128, "Tower of Terror," plunges Dick Grayson into a grotesque new challenge, showcasing his agility and determination against a monstrous, city-engulfing threat with striking, horror-tinged artwork. While the issue delivers an exciting and visually distinct battle, some collectors might find the sheer volume of Nightwing issues and the consistent focus on street-level or supernatural threats, without major shake-ups to his status quo, can lead to a sense of predictability. The absence of significant character introductions or paradigm-shifting events in every issue might make it less of a "must-buy" for those primarily driven by speculative interest or groundbreaking narrative shifts.

4. Titans #25, "Dark Reflections," delves into the complex dynamics of the team, featuring a striking cover that hints at internal conflicts and shadowy pasts with its reflective imagery. While the issue continues to explore character relationships and the ongoing narrative, some collectors might find the series, particularly at this later issue number, to be less of a draw if it lacks significant, game-changing plot developments or major new character introductions. The focus on established team dynamics without frequent "event-level" moments can make it feel less essential for those seeking high-impact, collectible issues or fresh speculative opportunities.

5. ThunderCats #16 continues the epic saga of Lion-O and his team, delivering action-packed battles and vibrant artwork that faithfully captures the spirit of the classic animated series. While the series maintains its nostalgic appeal and delivers consistent adventure, some collectors might find the ongoing narrative, without significant, groundbreaking plot twists or major character introductions, becoming less compelling. The reliance on established lore and a predictable hero-versus-villain dynamic, without pushing new boundaries, could lead to a sense of stagnation for those seeking fresh, high-impact collectible issues.

As we dissect this week's comic book releases, it's evident that the field remains diverse and dynamic. While some titles shine brightly with creativity, others remind us that not every story is ready for the spotlight. Remember, every week offers an opportunity for new favorites to emerge, so keep searching for those that resonate with you!