Thursday Throwdown: The biggest battle of the week!

Every Thursday, 2 of the hottest new comics go head-to-head—and YOU decide which one comes out on top! Join the battle by following us on Twitter and voting for a winner every week.

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The Main Event!

Thursday Throwdown: Absolute Superman #13 vs. Ultimate X-Men #21

Welcome back to the arena! Tonight, we have a clash of titans, a battle between a weakened icon fighting for his home and a young team fighting for their future. Get ready for an absolute slugfest in the DC corner, and a mystical, anti-establishment brawl in the Marvel corner!

In the Left Corner: Absolute Superman #13

Stepping into the ring, haunted and weakened from brutal encounters with Brainiac and Ra's al Ghul, it’s the resilient force of Absolute Superman #13! This challenger is the heart of Smallville, currently waging a "last desperate fight" for everything he holds dear as the Lazarus Corp tanks come rolling down the streets. The main character, Superman (Kal-El), is a hero of the working class and an immigrant archetype, whose battles against a corrupt corporation led by Ra's al Ghul resonate with contemporary political themes. Writers Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval deliver an intense, emotional bout, where the hero is forced to command his defenses while recovering from trauma. The fight is a spectacle, featuring the citizens of Smallville rising up to protect their town, facing down mech suits and weaponized Kryptonite from a menacing Ra's al Ghul. This issue is a masterclass in balancing "bombastic action" with an intimate, emotional story of survival, forgiveness, and finding meaning in sacrifice.

In the Right Corner: Ultimate X-Men #21

And in the opposite corner, a team of young mutants fighting a new kind of war, it’s the bold, artistic newcomer, Ultimate X-Men #21! This comic, created entirely by the legendary Peach Momoko (writer and artist), is a stylistic and political powerhouse. The main character, Armor (Hisako Ichiki), leads her team in a fight against a new wave of fear and prejudice, as anti-mutant legislation and My-X Soldiers rise in Hi No Kuni. Momoko's signature art style brings a unique, beautiful, and "fearsome" visual punch to the battle, making this series stand out as one of the best books Marvel is publishing. This round is the culmination of a slow-burn battle against injustice and the insidious Shadow King (Shinobu Kageyama), whose character development touches on the tragic feeling of not being able to belong. This team is the future of the Ultimate Universe, and their fight is a passionate call to rebellion, setting the stage for their final, inevitable confrontation.

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

Will it be Absolute Superman #13? Or will it be Ultimate X-Men #21?

Who gets their hand raised?

Let us know by voting on Twitter.

Ab. Superman #13

Ultimate X-Men #21

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!