Russell Hartman Comic Reviews

Joshua Hixson and Roman Stevens are the heroes of this issue, as their shadow-soaked art is a staple of what makes it all work. The lore we learn about the Amadeus Arkham of the Absolute Universe, including his family, his original dream, and his mission to help those pushed to the bottom of the barrel by society, makes this story all the more tragic. Snyder continues to add to his resume, which is worthy of a hall-of-fame comic book writer. A terrifying atmosphere, fantastically written characters, and an intriguing look at the future create a never-ending sense of dread. These elements make Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1 not only one of the best issues of the Absolute Universe, but a release that ranks among what will be the best single issues of 2026. You can take that to the bank. Next up for Absolute Batman is the second part of his first meeting with the Princess of Hell, Wonder Woman. Issue 16 cannot get here fast enough

ConclusionWaid’s look into the early life of Superman has been a joy to read since this era began in June and I look forward to seeing more adventures with Superboy as the months go on here. With some great art, some heartfelt moments and the big action we’ve all come to expect in a Superman story, I can gladly recommend this issue to any comic fan looking to jump back into the life of the Man of… sorry Boy of Tomorrow.

To close out here, Waid, Patridge, and Plascencia have proven to be a force during their run on Action Comics, and I can’t wait to see more of their stories and where Superboy’s early journeys are going to take him. Waid can write action-packed, super-powered-filled romps, but he can also nail the emotional beats, with all of it gloriously depicted by Patridge and Plascencia.

I am very intrigued to see where the plot threads of this book are going to go. From the big dark secret of the father of Lana, to Clark having to figure out a different way to help General Lane, and finally Pete discovering the secret of his best friend — Action Comics has many threads that are going to be interesting to follow as the book continues. This was yet another solid issue in the run of Mark Waid. With the landmark issue #1,100 on the horizon, it will be very fun to see where all these stories are going to go.

Action Comics #1095 was another really solid entry in Mark Waid’s run, and I’m enjoying this flashback to Superboy’s early days in Smallville more than I thought I would. Action Comics has been more than a welcome counterpart to the currently DC-KO-focused main Superman title, and this slice of Smallville of yesteryear, every month, gives these two titles an interesting dichotomy. We don’t see Pete Ross much in modern-day Superman tales, but maybe this issue can be the start of seeing him featured more often. He’s an underutilized character in the Superman mythos. Waid’s storytelling prowess, combined with Patricio Delpeche’s classic art style, makes for a strong, Pete Ross-focused issue that shows that the bonds of friendship are some of the most important relationships in our lives.

This was an awesome introduction to this new arc and the cliffhanger ending has me scratching and clawing for next month’s issue already. Waid is at the top of his game and with the incredible art team behind him I expect this book to keep reaching new heights as we race towards issue #50 and beyond.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest continues to be one of DC’s best titles, and even if the ending of this issue wasn’t my cup of tea, I’m still intrigued to see what fresh spin Waid can put on it. With the landmark Issue #50 on the horizon, it will be interesting to see just where this all goes for the Son of Krypton and the Bat of Gotham.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #47 is a great conclusion to the arc between the Merger and Fusion. With the writing prowess of Mark Waid combined with a great art team, the biggest moments of the issue have a great impact. With three issues to go until the monumental fiftieth issue of the series and a great creative team in place, the future of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest could not be in better hands. I cannot wait to see more of these Silver Age-type adventures each month. We should keep Waid on this book forever.

Without the art of Acuña, this would still be a good story, but the way he has brought this tale to life makes this a perfect pairing between writer and artist. The art is stunning in this story and in this chapter. I cannot wait to see more of it as the first arc of the series concludes with Chapter #6 and beyond. This is a nearly perfect story written by one of the best comic authors of our time with an artist who matches the vibe of the story and nails every single panel he draws. If Escape was not on your radar before, it certainly should be now. The only thing I have left to say is: Is it February 4th yet? Because I need Chapter #6 now.

Godzilla: Infinity Roar #1 is an "atomic-powered" blast of an opener for the limited series. Even with its slight shortcomings, it's a fun story with great art to match. I can’t wait to see how the Marvel Universe finally takes down this massive threat to their existence.

Hulk Smash Everything is a welcome addition to the Hulk’s long publication history and shows the reader that it’s perfectly okay to just want to see gorgeous art paired with fun storytelling. If Infernal Hulk is a dark orchestral composition, then Hulk Smash Everything is the hard rock counterpart with the guitar cranked up to 11. The Hulk has one goal in the book, to smash, and longtime Hulk fans will not be disappointed.

Hulk Smash Everything #2 is a great palette cleanser from some of the more serious stuff I have been reading week in and week out. While you are not going to find a deep story or thought-provoking themes, you will find a ramping romp through the Marvel universe that is as fun to look at as it is to read. North, Carratù, and Blee are a great creative team who are sure to have a great final three issues cooked up for us all.

With the monster of the week filled vibe of their original run now having turned into a full on nightmare; Johnson is making his big, bloody stamp on one of Marvel’s core heroes and his second run with Hulk has me both terrified and excited for what’s to come for the Marvel Universe.

If the battle between Ngathil and the Hulk had been just a few pages longer, this issue would’ve been even better—but I still loved it all the same. With the art taking center stage, The Infernal Hulk #2 is another great entry in this current run, and this dark chapter in the Hulk’s history looks like it’s only going to get angrier.

This issue might not be for everyone with the tough topics it covers, but it's an important issue that doesn’t shy away from showing how trauma can affect someone's mental and physical health. Phillip Kennedy Johnson and his art team are rockstars, and it’s a pleasure to read The Infernal Hulk each month. Next month’s issue promises to show us what’s been happening to the Incredible Hulk locked away inside Eldest, and I can’t wait to see what happens.

While Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong II #6 is not the greatest individual issue, it is clearly meant to get everyone ready for what is sure to be a wild final issue. For a series that prides itself on those massive moments depicted by incredible art, I just wish we had more of those in this one. There were some fun moments and nice surprises, but at the end of the day, it felt very much like the trailer for the seventh and final issue.

This was one of the most intriguing Superman stories I’ve ever read. My only real qualm is that we couldn’t get a few more issues in W. Maxwell Prince and Martin Morazzo’s version of the DC Universe. I would love to get another glimpse into their world in the future, but for any comic fan with even a remote interest in the Man of Steel, I highly recommend not only Issue #5 but this entire five-issue run. This was pure comic book goodness from beginning to end.

With the landmark issue #50 and the return of Dan Mora to the World’s Finest universe on the horizon, it has never been a better time for you to jump in and check this book out if you are on the fence about it. Waid has shown he not only has a handle on Superman and Batman, but on their evil counterparts as well. I loved this issue, and you will too.