Thursday Throwdown: The biggest battle of the week!

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The Main Event!

Welcome back to the main event! The fighters are in the ring, and the crowd is electric

Thursday Throwdown: Ultimate Spider-Man vs. Absolute Wonder Woman

Welcome, True Believers and Distinguished Competition devotees, to the only comic book column that treats Wednesday's releases like a Main Event Championship Bout. Tonight, we have a heavyweight fight for the ages! In this corner, representing the all-new Ultimate Universe from Marvel Comics, he's the middle-aged, married, father-of-two sensation, it's Ultimate Spider-Man #22! And in the opposing corner, hailing from the dark, mythic corners of the Absolute DC imprint, she's the Last Amazonian, the Princess of Hell, it's Absolute Wonder Woman #13! Let's get ready to rumble!

Ultimate Spider-Man #22

The bell rings, and from the Ultimate Universe corner steps the one they call Ultimate Spider-Man #22, a title that carries the immense weight of the highly acclaimed and successful Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto run. This challenger is a master of the slow-burn, with strong character work that has redefined Peter Parker as an older, married father who gained his powers later in life, an innovative spin on the classic hero. Having already delivered a bold new Ultimate Universe that follows the events of Ultimate Invasion, this is the third-to-last issue of the series, meaning it’s a high-stakes, penultimate chapter with an "epic finale" in sight. Its fighting style is tricky, employing a three-month time jump to keep opponents off-balance, creating mystery and constant forward momentum for readers. In this issue, the fighter is setting the stage for its final push, featuring a shocking appearance by Doc Ock, checking in on Peter and MJ's marriage, and showcasing a sharp, dynamic action sequence with Spider-Man and Green Goblin against Bullseye's goons. This book is known for its strong civilian cast—including a very much alive Uncle Ben and Jonah Jameson—and for its foundation built on Peter's meaningful relationships, giving its punches a deep emotional core.

Absolute Wonder Woman #13

In the opposite corner, the challenger is an absolute powerhouse, the dark, mythological Amazonian known as Absolute Wonder Woman #13. This title is part of DC’s newer Absolute Universe imprint and is helmed by the critically praised team of writer Kelly Thompson and artist Matías Bergara. She’s a darker, more mystical Wonder Woman—Diana of Themyscira—who was raised in Hell by the witch Circe and operates as the last of the Amazons, wielding the enchanted Athena Blade and the Nemesis Lasso. Her backstory is a brutal re-invention, a direct consequence of a world spawned from Darkseid's energy. This book's strength comes from its compelling characterization, its experimentation with Greek Mythology, and its striking art style. In this round, the story is more of a strategic counter-attack, as Diana learns more of the "myth of the Amazons" from Barbara, leading her and her crew—Etta and Gia Candy—to investigate a series of violent, supernatural events occurring globally to crack a mystery that is described as "too personal to imagine". This competitor’s magical arsenal is expanding, with Diana demonstrating storm powers, making her one of the most unpredictable and powerful entities in the ring.

This is a true Clash of the Universes! You have the emotionally grounded, family-man spectacle of Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man #22 facing off against the mythic, action-packed darkness of DC’s Absolute Wonder Woman #13.

• Ultimate Spider-Man #22 lands a clean jab with its critical positioning, setting up the penultimate chapter of a universally loved run. The surprise return of Doc Ock as a new "family man" and the continuation of Peter and MJ’s mature relationship offers an emotional hook the competition simply can't match. However, its reliance on constant time-jumps can feel like an intentional narrative "cheat," leaving the reader feeling like they've missed key story beats in favor of setup for the grand finale. The fight scenes, though "sharp, fluid, and cinematic," take up a smaller portion of an issue that focuses heavily on narrative groundwork.

• Absolute Wonder Woman #13 hits back hard with its unique, high-concept premise and stellar creative team. The book’s focus on Diana's exploration of the "myth of the Amazons" and her increasing magical powers, including storm manipulation, is a truly compelling new direction. The art is lauded for its beauty and ability to elevate the experimental, gritty atmosphere of the Absolute Universe. The challenge here is whether this transitional "breather" issue, which is focused on investigation and character chemistry with Barbara and the Candy sisters, maintains the explosive momentum of the larger arc.

The Verdict: While Ultimate Spider-Man is steering for a phenomenal conclusion and has the stronger character relationships, Absolute Wonder Woman #13 is the more captivating read this week. Its unique, magical spin on Diana's mythology and the promise of a mystery that's "too personal to imagine" gives it the slight edge. It delivers a rich, self-contained mission that simultaneously builds its universe in an exciting way.

The Winner is: You decide by voting in our Twitter Poll.

Will it be Ultimate Spider-Man #22? Or will it be Absolute Wonder Woman #13?

Who gets their hand raised?

Let us know by voting on Twitter.

Ult. Spider-Man #22

Absolute W.W. #13

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!