Bag? or Bored? Comic Book Verdicts of the Week

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. Uncanny X-Men #17, "Murder Me Mutina!", delivers a chilling and intriguing narrative, immediately grabbing attention with its ominous artwork and title. The issue promises a dark and unique story from the creative team of Gail Simone and Luciano Vecchio, leaving readers eager to uncover the unsettling secrets within. The buzz around this comic centers on its distinctive tone and the potential for a truly memorable X-Men tale.

2. Fantastic Four #1 kicks off a new era for Marvel's First Family with a fresh take on their classic adventures, blending scientific wonder with personal stakes. The artwork is vibrant and dynamic, perfectly capturing the essence of the team and their incredible powers. There's a lot of buzz about this issue marking a strong return to form for the Fantastic Four, promising exciting new directions and challenges for Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny.

3. Planet Death #1 launches readers into a gritty, high-stakes sci-fi epic with its intense artwork and a premise that hints at cosmic devastation. The issue immediately establishes a dark and perilous world, setting the stage for a thrilling and potentially brutal journey. There's significant buzz around this title for its bold storytelling and the promise of a unique, action-packed narrative from the creators at Bad Idea.

4. Revival #1 Facsimile Edition 2025 Foil Variant brings back the chilling rural noir classic, offering new and old readers a chance to experience the acclaimed debut issue with a stunning foil treatment. This edition perfectly preserves the original's unsettling atmosphere and compelling mystery, making it a must-have for fans of the series and horror comics alike. The buzz is all about the beautiful foil variant, making this a highly sought-after collectible for its visual appeal and the enduring popularity of the "rural noir" genre.

5. Absolute Superman #9 continues to deliver a high-octane adventure, showcasing the Man of Steel in a sleek, armored new look that hints at an intense battle ahead. The issue's dynamic art and action-packed cover promise a thrilling read, pushing Superman to his limits against formidable foes. The buzz surrounding this issue is all about the striking new suit and the escalating stakes, leaving fans eager to see how Superman will overcome these challenges.

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. Aquaman #7, "Death by Demon Dagon," dives into a perilous underwater battle, showcasing Arthur Curry's resilience against a monstrous threat. The artwork vividly captures the aquatic action and the raw power of both hero and villain, delivering an intense visual experience. However, for some collectors, the ongoing nature of the series and its focus on a single, prolonged conflict might feel less exciting than issues with major character introductions or significant universe-altering events, potentially making it less of a "key issue" to chase.

2. I Hate Fairyland #42 continues Gert's violent escapades in a whimsical world, maintaining its signature dark humor and chaotic energy through vibrant, stylized art. While the issue delivers more of the series' unique brand of anti-fantasy, some collectors might find the prolonged run and consistent formula leading to a sense of predictability. Without significant shake-ups or major plot developments, the ongoing adventures, while entertaining, could feel repetitive and less like "must-have" issues for those seeking fresh innovation.

3. Farmhand #23 continues to delve into the unsettling world of bio-engineered agriculture, maintaining its unique blend of horror and rural drama with distinctive art. While the series remains visually engaging and conceptually intriguing, some collectors might find the prolonged narrative arcs and slow-burn mysteries becoming less compelling over time. The lack of major, high-impact plot twists or significant new character introductions in later issues can lead to a sense of stagnation for those seeking more immediate gratification or speculative value.

4. Star Trek: Lower Decks #9 continues the comedic adventures of the USS Cerritos crew, faithfully translating the animated series' humor and art style to the comic page. While it offers more of the lighthearted, self-referential fun fans enjoy, some collectors might find the title's episodic nature and adherence to the show's established formula becoming less engaging over time. Without significant character development or major plot advancements that deviate from the show's tone, the comic can feel like a supplementary experience rather than an essential read, potentially leading to reduced long-term collector interest.

5. Savage Dragon #277 continues the long-running saga of Erik Larsen's iconic creation, delivering more of its signature raw action and evolving storyline. While the series is celebrated for its consistent creative vision and continuity, some collectors might find its extensive run and often self-contained, character-driven narratives less appealing for speculative collecting. The lack of frequent major first appearances or universe-altering events, common in other long-running titles, can make individual issues feel less like "key" collectibles, leading to a diminished sense of excitement for those focused on market trends.

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!