Here are our picks for the TOP 5 Hot New Comic Books coming out on 7/3/2024

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Absolute Power #1: A DC Universe Left Powerless?

DC's summer event explodes onto the scene with Absolute Power #1, a comic that promises a world where heroes are powerless and villains reign supreme. Mark Waid's story sets the stage for an epic conflict, but does it deliver? Let's dive in!

The Good:

• High Stakes Premise: The idea of a world stripped of its heroes is inherently compelling. Seeing Superman, the very symbol of hope, depowered is a great hook, raising the question: how can anyone fight back?

• Seeds of Rebellion: While heroes are weakened, the embers of resistance still flicker. The introduction of a budding rebellion, with a vengeful Batman at the helm, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the bleak landscape.

• Dan Mora's Art: The visuals are stunning. Mora's art style is dynamic and detailed, perfectly capturing the chaos and desperation of a powerless world.

The Bad:

• Heavy Exposition Dump: The first issue is burdened with a lot of explanation. We need to understand the villain's motivations and how they achieved this power grab, but it can feel clunky at times, slowing down the narrative flow.

• Villain Motivation: Amanda Waller's transformation into a full-blown villain feels unearned. While she's always walked a grey line, her past actions were driven by a twisted sense of protecting humanity. Here, the line is blurred.

• Shallow Villains: Failsafe and the Brainiac Queen, the masterminds behind this power play, are presented as generic evil AIs. Without a deeper understanding of their goals, they feel like two-dimensional obstacles for the heroes to overcome.

Overall:

Absolute Power #1 is a visually impressive start to a potentially epic event. The high stakes premise and the introduction of a resistance are intriguing, but the story is bogged down by exposition and underdeveloped villains. If Waid can flesh out the motivations of both the heroes and villains, this could be a truly gripping saga.

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Dan Mora

Cover: Dan Mora

Batman #150: A Mixed Bag for the Dark Knight

Batman #150 is a special anniversary issue featuring two stories: a main plot by Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez, and a backup story by Zdarsky and Mike Hawthorne. Let's see if this double dose of Batman delivers!

The Good:

• Jimenez's Art: The main story is visually stunning. Jorge Jimenez's art is detailed and dynamic, bringing Gotham City and its denizens to life.

• Intriguing Premise: The core story's concept - a low-level crook discovering Batman's identity - has potential for an interesting conflict. How will Batman handle this personal threat, and what are the stakes?

• Backup Story: The bonus story featuring Catwoman is a fun, lighthearted romp. The chemistry between Catwoman and Batman is always a delight to see, and the heist theme provides a welcome change of pace.

The Bad:

• Main Story Execution: While the core story has a promising setup, the execution falls flat. The villain, a two-bit crook, feels underwhelming for such a milestone issue.

• Denys Cowan's Art in the Main Story: While Jimenez's art shines, the sections drawn by Denys Cowan feel like a stylistic mismatch. The shift can be jarring for readers.

• Lack of Originality: The main story's plot about a villain learning Batman's identity feels like a retread of territory explored before. It needed a fresh twist to feel impactful.

Overall:

Batman #150 is a visually impressive issue with a fun bonus story, but the main story fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise. The villain and the execution feel derivative. For a milestone issue, it left me wanting more.

Writer: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Mike Hawthorne/Denys Cowan/Jorge Jiménez

Cover: Jorge Jiménez

Scarlett #2: Diving Deeper into the Mystery

Scarlett #2 picks up the momentum established in the first issue, thrusting Scarlett deeper into the heart of the Arashikage Clan. Let's see if this comic delivers on its promise!

The Good:

• Intensifying Mystery: The search for Jinx heats up as Scarlett infiltrates the Arashikage. The suspense builds as she navigates unfamiliar territory and potential danger.

• Storm Shadow's Complexity: The issue delves a bit deeper into Storm Shadow's character. We see glimpses of his internal conflict, hinting at more than just a stoic warrior.

• Action-Packed Sequences: Scarlett's infiltration leads to some well-executed action sequences. The fight choreography is clear and engaging.

The Bad:

• Limited Character Development: While there's a glimpse into Storm Shadow's psyche, the other characters remain fairly one-dimensional. Scarlett could benefit from some additional depth as well.

• Predictable Plot Points: Some of the plot developments are a bit predictable. The infiltration and fight scenes, while well-executed, feel somewhat formulaic.

• Cliffhanger Resolution: The issue ends on a cliffhanger, but it's a cliffhanger that feels somewhat predictable, leaving the reader wanting a more surprising hook.

Overall:

Scarlett #2 is a decent follow-up to the first issue. The mystery continues to unfold, and the action is engaging. However, the story would benefit from more character development and less predictable plot beats. If you enjoyed the first issue, this one is worth checking out, but it doesn't quite break new ground.

Writer: Kelly Thompson

Artist: Marco Ferrari

Cover: Marco Ferrari

Star Wars: Inquisitors #1 - Hunting Jedi in the Dark Times

Star Wars: Inquisitors #1 plunges us into the era following Order 66, a time when Jedi are hunted by the ruthless Inquisitors. This first issue focuses on a mysterious Jedi named Tensu Run, and the Empire's relentless pursuit of him. Let's see if the Force is strong with this new comic!

The Good:

• Intriguing New Character: The introduction of Tensu Run is a breath of fresh air. We know little about him yet, but his past as a Jedi and the Empire's fear surrounding him pique our curiosity.

• The Grand Inquisitor's Ruthlessness: The comic portrays the Grand Inquisitor as a chillingly efficient villain. His dedication to hunting Jedi and his mastery of the Force make him a formidable foe.

• Action-Packed Sequences: The lightsaber battles are well-choreographed and exciting. The art effectively captures the intensity and danger of these clashes.

The Bad:

• Limited Scope: The first issue is narrowly focused on introducing Tensu Run and establishing the threat of the Inquisitors. There's not much world-building or exploration of the larger consequences of Order 66.

• Familiar Territory: While the premise has promise, the core concept of Jedi being hunted by the Empire isn't entirely new ground for Star Wars comics.

• Lack of Character Depth: Beyond the Grand Inquisitor's ruthlessness, the characters lack depth in this first issue. Hopefully, future issues will flesh them out more.

Overall:

Star Wars: Inquisitors #1 is a decent start to a new series. The introduction of Tensu Run and the portrayal of the Grand Inquisitor are interesting, and the action sequences are well-done. However, the limited scope and somewhat familiar territory hold the story back a bit. If you're looking for a new Jedi hero to root for and enjoy lightsaber battles, this comic is worth checking out. But for those craving a more expansive narrative, it might feel like a wait-and-see situation.

Writer: Rodney Barnes

Artist: Ramón Rosanas

Cover: Nick Bradshaw/Neeraj Menon

Wolverine: Deep Cut #1 - Filling in the Gaps, or Just More Slashing?

Wolverine: Deep Cut #1 promises to finally reveal what Logan was up to before his iconic brawl with the Reavers. Written by X-Men legend Chris Claremont with art by Edgar Salazar, does this comic deliver a satisfying Wolverine story, or is it a shallow cash grab?

The Good:

• Claremont's Return: For longtime X-Men fans, Chris Claremont's return to writing Wolverine is a big deal. His understanding of the character and the mythology is unparalleled.

• Focus on Wolverine's Past: This issue delves into a mysterious chapter of Wolverine's past, a time shrouded in secrecy. It's exciting to see unexplored parts of his history.

• Sabretooth Rivalry: The inclusion of Sabretooth, Wolverine's arch-nemesis, promises an epic brawl. Their confrontations are always a highlight.

The Bad:

• Heavy Exposition: The first issue is loaded with exposition. Claremont needs to establish the backstory and motivations, but it can feel bogged down at times, slowing down the narrative flow.

• Art Style Shift: For fans accustomed to recent Wolverine comics, Edgar Salazar's art style might be a jarring shift. It's a bold choice, but it may not resonate with everyone.

• Mystery Box Storytelling: The issue focuses on setting up the mystery rather than delivering any real payoffs. This might leave readers impatient for answers.

Overall:

Wolverine: Deep Cut #1 is a comic aimed squarely at longtime Wolverine fans. Claremont's return to the character and the exploration of a mysterious gap in Wolverine's past are intriguing. However, the dense exposition and art style shift might make it a tough read for new fans or those expecting a more action-packed Wolverine story. If you're a Wolverine devotee, this might be worth checking out, but for casual comic fans, it might be best to wait for some reviews before diving in.

Writer: Chris Claremont

Artist: Edgar Salazar

Cover: Philip Tan