Here are our picks for the TOP 5 Hot New Comic Books coming out on 7/17/2024

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Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1 - A Grimdark Gem in a Fantasy Land

The epic Elseworlds saga of Dark Knights of Steel gets a frosty expansion with Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1. This first issue throws us into a frozen wasteland ruled by warlords, where a grizzled Deathstroke navigates a world far different from his usual stomping grounds. Let's see if this comic chills us to the bone or leaves us wanting a bit more warmth.

Winter's Bite: 3 Positives

• Deathstroke Reimagined: This issue takes a familiar villain and throws him into a completely new setting. Seeing Deathstroke as a reluctant hero in a fantasy world is a refreshing spin on the character. Writer Jay Kristoff captures his cynical personality while hinting at a potential for redemption.

• Stark Beauty: The black and white artwork by Daniel Sampere perfectly complements the harshness of the frozen world. The detailed landscapes and brutal action sequences are visually striking, creating a truly immersive experience.

• Seeds of a Larger Story: The issue lays the groundwork for a complex narrative. We get glimpses of a magical curse, warring factions, and a mysterious captive. This leaves us intrigued and eager to see how these elements play out.

The Winds of Doubt: 3 Negatives

• Slow Burn Narrative: While the world-building is impressive, the plot itself moves at a glacial pace. This first issue focuses heavily on establishing the setting and Deathstroke's backstory, leaving the central conflict a bit underdeveloped.

• Limited Cast: Deathstroke dominates the narrative, with very few other characters getting any significant spotlight. This creates a sense of isolation and a lack of connection to the larger world.

• Familiar Tropes?: The "reluctant hero with a dark past" trope is well-worn territory. While Kristoff injects some freshness into it, it remains to be seen if he can subvert expectations and offer a truly unique story arc.

Verdict: A Promising (But Chilling) Start

Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1 offers a visually stunning entry point into a new chapter of the Elseworlds saga. The reinvention of Deathstroke and the harsh beauty of the frozen world are captivating. However, the slow-burn narrative and limited cast might leave some readers feeling a bit cold. If you're a fan of dark fantasy and reimagined characters, this comic is worth checking out. But for those craving a fast-paced plot with a diverse cast, you might want to wait and see how the story develops.

Writer: Tom Taylor/Jay Kristoff

Artist: Tirso Cons

Cover: Tirso Cons

Destro #2: A Brutal Battle for Weaponized Supremacy

Destro #2 throws us headfirst into a warzone! This second issue of the villain-centric miniseries from Image Comics dials up the action and delves deeper into the ruthless world of Destro, the ambitious arms dealer. Writer Dan Watters and artist Andrei Bressan craft a compelling narrative where there are no heroes, just cunning villains locked in a deadly power struggle.

Dominating the Battlefield: 3 Positives

• Villains You Can't Help But Watch: Destro may be our protagonist, but he's far from a good guy. Watters masterfully avoids sugarcoating his character. Destro, Xamot, and Tomax are all ruthless and calculating, making for a fascinating, albeit morally reprehensible, dynamic.

• Action Packed: This issue explodes with high-octane combat sequences. Bressan's art shines during these moments, with detailed weaponry and dynamic layouts that capture the brutality and chaos of the conflict.

• World-Building: The comic expands on the Energon-powered world, hinting at its vast potential while keeping the focus on the immediate war between Destro and the twins. This creates a sense of a larger, more complex universe waiting to be explored.

Shrapnel in the Ranks: 3 Negatives

• Lack of Emotional Connection: Since we're rooting for anti-heroes, it's hard to feel invested in their individual victories. The focus on strategy and action overshadows any character development, leaving the reader a bit detached.

• Fast Paced Plot: The story moves at a breakneck speed, which can be thrilling, but it also means some interesting details might be missed. A slower exploration of Destro's motivations or the twins' backstory could add depth.

• Limited Scope: The focus on the Destro-Xamot/Tomax conflict restricts the world-building potential. While the Energon concept is intriguing, we don't see much beyond the immediate conflict.

Final Verdict

Destro #2 is a thrilling ride for fans of villain-centric narratives and high-octane action. The complex power struggle and brutal battles are sure to keep you engaged. Overall, it's a solid second chapter that sets the stage for a potentially explosive conclusion.

Writer: Dan Watters

Artist: Andrei Bressan

Cover: Andrei Bressan

Phoenix #1: Rekindling the Flame of a Cosmic Hero

Jean Grey is back, and this time, she's embracing the full power of the Phoenix Force! Phoenix #1 blasts off with a cosmic adventure that throws Jean into a desperate rescue mission at the edge of a black hole. Writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Alessandro Miracolo take us on a visually stunning journey, but is it all fire and glory? Let's break it down.

Burning Bright: 3 Positives

• Cosmic Canvas: Phoenix #1 embraces the vastness of space. Miracolo's art shines with vibrant colors and breathtaking visuals that capture the awe-inspiring power of the cosmos and the Phoenix Force itself. Jean's fiery transformation is particularly striking.

• Jean's Inner Conflict: The issue doesn't shy away from Jean's struggle with the Phoenix. We see her grapple with the immense power and the fear of potential destruction it brings. This internal conflict adds depth to the character.

• A New Chapter: This first issue sets the stage for a captivating new series. The cliffhanger ending leaves us wanting more, eager to see how Jean navigates her cosmic role and the potential dangers that lie ahead.

Cosmic Cinders: 3 Negatives

• Slow Burn Story: While the visuals are impressive, the plot itself feels a bit slow-burning in this first issue. Much of the focus is on establishing the setting and Jean's internal battle, leaving the larger story arc less developed.

• Familiar Foes?: The introduction of a mysterious villain at the end hints at a potential threat, but it feels a bit predictable. Hopefully, future issues will flesh out this antagonist and offer a unique challenge for Jean.

• Lacking Character Connection: Besides Jean, there's not much character development in this first issue. Nova's role is brief, and the focus remains primarily on Jean's internal battle. Adding depth to other characters could enhance the narrative.

Verdict: A Promising Start

Phoenix #1 is a visually stunning first issue with a strong central character struggling with a cosmic power. While the story takes a little time to ignite, the groundwork is laid for an exciting cosmic adventure. If you're a fan of Jean Grey and epic space battles, this series is definitely worth keeping an eye on. But for those craving a fast-paced plot with well-developed supporting characters, it might be a slightly slower burn.

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artist: Alessandro Miracolo

Cover: Yasmine Putri

Superman #16: A Powerless Man's Magical Mission

Superman #16 marks the triumphant return of artist Jamal Campbell to the Man of Steel's world. This issue throws a depowered Clark Kent into a desperate quest alongside the magical powerhouse, Zatanna. Let's see if this team-up conjures up a compelling story or leaves us feeling a little powerless ourselves.

Super Strengths: 3 Positives

• Campbell's Art Shines: Jamal Campbell's return is a true highlight. His dynamic layouts and detailed characters bring the magical realm to life. The contrasting visuals between the ravaged Earth and the fantastical world are captivating.

• Focus on Character: Despite lacking his powers, this issue delves deeper into Clark's determination and leadership. Seeing him strategize and rely on his wit is a refreshing change of pace.

• Magical Intrigue: The introduction of the magical realm opens up exciting possibilities for the Superman mythos. The issue teases a deeper mystery within this realm, leaving us wanting to know more.

Kryptonite Weaknesses: 3 Negatives

• Limited Action: With Superman powerless, the issue leans heavily on exposition and dialogue. While character development is important, the lack of a high-octane action sequence might leave some action-hungry readers wanting more.

• Sidelining Supporting Cast: Characters like Lois Lane or other members of the Superman family are noticeably absent. Focusing solely on Clark and Zatanna limits the emotional impact and the potential for wider world-building.

• Uncertain Future: While the cliffhanger ending is intriguing, it leaves the overall direction of the story unclear. It's uncertain if Superman will regain his powers or if the narrative will continue to explore his vulnerability.

Verdict: A Visually Stunning But Uneven Adventure

Superman #16 is a visually stunning issue thanks to Jamal Campbell's art. The exploration of a magical realm and the focus on Clark's character hold promise. However, the lack of action and the sidelining of the supporting cast create a somewhat uneven reading experience. This issue feels more like a stepping stone into a larger arc rather than a complete story in itself. If you're a fan of Campbell's art and enjoy a deeper character exploration of Superman, this comic is worth checking out. But for those craving classic Superman action or a self-contained story, you might want to wait for the next issue to see where this magical mission takes us.

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Jamal Campbell

Cover: Jamal Campbell

X-Men: Blood Hunt - Laura Kinney The Wolverine #1: Claws Out for Blood (and Maybe an Alliance?)

Laura Kinney is back as Wolverine, and this time, she's facing a new kind of threat: vampires with a mutant obsession! X-Men: Blood Hunt - Laura Kinney The Wolverine #1 promises a bloody and action-packed adventure, but does it deliver? Let's sink our teeth into this first issue.

Sinking Our Claws In: 3 Positives

• Laura Unleashed: This issue showcases Laura's ferocity and determination perfectly. Writer Stephanie Phillips captures her snarky wit and unwavering resolve in the face of monstrous foes. The action sequences are brutal and exciting, with Robert Gill's art depicting the carnage in a satisfyingly visceral way.

• A New Threat: Vampires preying on mutants is a fresh and intriguing concept. It adds a new layer of danger to the X-Men world while offering a unique challenge for Laura's mutant-hunting skills.

• Seeds of Mystery: The reveal of the vampires' true motives and the hint of an "unlikely ally" leave us wanting more. This creates a sense of intrigue and keeps the story unpredictable.

Garlic Needed: 3 Negatives

• Limited Scope: While the vampire threat is interesting, the focus on Laura's solo mission restricts the potential for larger X-Men involvement. It would be interesting to see how other mutants might react to this situation.

• Déjà Vu?: The "rescue mission from a villain's clutches" trope feels a bit familiar. Hopefully, future issues will delve deeper into the motivations of both the vampires and the potential ally to avoid predictability.

• Lack of Character Exploration: Beyond Laura's badassery, there's not much character development in this first issue. We don't learn much about the vampires or the potential ally, leaving us with a one-dimensional view of the conflict.

Verdict: A Bloody Good Start (With Room for Growth)

X-Men: Blood Hunt - Laura Kinney The Wolverine #1 is a solid first issue with a satisfyingly brutal action sequence and an intriguing new threat. However, the limited scope and lack of character exploration prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you're a fan of Laura Kinney and bloody battles, this comic is worth checking out.

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artist: Robert Gill

Cover: Björn Barends