This Wednesday marks the ends to some great miniseries and limited events as well as the start of new beginnings. From DC Comics, we get the final chapter to one of the bleakest versions of the Dark Knight to ever grace the comic page (which is saying something considering how dour the Caped Crusader is naturally). We also check in on the damage done by Leviathan as they continue to torment the landscape.
It’s a huge week for Marvel as they wrap up their biggest summer even series with a whole heap of Asgardian action. We also have a pair of can’t-miss X-Men related titles as well as a fantastic one-shot starring the most notorious Sith Lord of the Star Wars Universe.
6 Action Comics #1012
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Szymon Kudranski, Brad Anderson, Josh Reed, and Jamal Campbell
Action Comics #1012 continues the trend of this series being the best Superman title without a whole heck of a lot of Superman appearing on the page. But when the writing is this fluid and natural and the art is this tight, who needs Big Blue anyway?
The fallout of Leviathan’s myriad attacks is still being sifted through. From Amanda Waller to Sam Lane to the Man of Steel himself, the shadowy organization has proved it can touch just about anyone. But this time Leviathan has its eyes set on a much larger prize: a potential ally.
5 Batman: Damned #3
By Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo, and Jared K. Fletcher
Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo wrap up their dark and twisted miniseries starring the Dark Knight with Batman: Damned #3, finishing out the first story from DC Comics’ Black Label. Rooted in magic and more fantastical elements, this issue sees Batman face off against dark forces both internal and external.
Over the course of its three issues, Batman: Damned has given readers a grimmer version of characters who already operate in the dark corners of the comic book world. The finale shines some light on the corners, revealing the truth about the Joker’s death and the transgressions of beloved superheroes.
4 Major X #6
By: Rob Liefeld, Cory Hamscher, Adelso Corona, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and VC's Joe Sabino
Parallel dimensions, time travel, and general craziness have been staples of Rob Liefeld’s latest brainchild. Major X #6 doubles-down on all the things that have made this miniseries a curiously appealing read, even for those who pick it up ironically.
Rob Liefeld returns to art duties in the final issue and boy, oh, boy it is something else. For those who love his work from the ‘90s, this is a welcomed return to form (so to speak). The outlandish story is the only component to overshadow the outlandish artwork and for kids who grew up reading Liefeld’s New Mutants and X-Force with have their nostalgia spot tickled.
3 Mr. and Mrs. X #12
By: Kelly Thompson, Javier Pina, Frank O'Armata, VC's Joe Sabino, Terry Dodson, and Rachel Dodson
Rouge and Gambit can’t seem to avoid being restrained at every turn in their romantic-comedy adventure series. Their perpetual entrapment continues in Mr. and Mrs. X #12, the final chapter of the series. Guilds of assassins and thieves have been brought together to destroy our titular newlyweds. Of course, these two are no easy captives.
In a finale filled with panels dripping with purple and pink energy blasts, humor, and genuinely tender moments between the star-crossed leads, Mr. and Mrs. X #12 is a reminder as to why the relationship between these characters has been a point of admiration for decades. We will miss this series something fierce, mon ami.
2 Star Wars: Age of Rebellion - Darth Vader #1
By: Greg Pak, Ramon Bachs, Stephane Paitreau, VC's Travis Lanham, Terry Dodson, and Rachel Dodson
Is there a more toxic relationship in Star Wars than the one between Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader? Maybe C-3PO and R2-D2? In the fantastic new one-shot, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion - Darth Vader #1, writer Grek Pak and artist Ramon Bachs dig a little deeper in the most troublesome alliance the Galaxy has ever seen.
In what almost feels like a cautionary tale warning people never to tattle on Lord Vader to his boss, the fallen Jedi does quite a bit of dirty work in the Empire’s war with the Rebellion. It’s always a treat to see Vader in his prime, which is something the films rarely touch on, making this issue a must-read for fans.
1 War of the Realms #6
By: Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, Mathew Wilson, VC’s Joe Sabino, and Arthur Adams
Marvel Comics’ big summer event has come to a close (kind of) in Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman’s War of the Realms #6 with a spectacular final issue filled with chaos, magic, and more Asgardian brute force you could hope for.
Melekith the Dark Elf has a strangle hold on Earth, but Thor Odinson, along with just about every superhero populating the Marvel pantheon, plan to change all that. The final confrontation is bombastic and emotional and makes good on the potential this series promised from the start. This might be one of the most exciting finales to an event comic in a decade. Don’t miss it.
We hope you like the items we recommend! Comic Book Resources has affiliate partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from your purchase. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.