This is an exciting time to be a comics fan! Modern storytelling combined with fantastic art is turning readers of all ages on to some of the greatest superhero and creator-owned books of all time. Whether you are an old collector or a new reader, this is a great week of comics with action, drama, and some amazing artwork.
Batman Hush 2
Perhaps the most highly anticipated issue this week is Batman #162 on Nov. 12. This issue is the first of the Hush continuation storylines. The original Hush was one of the most famous and acclaimed storylines in the history of Batman, with Jeph Loeb on writing duties and artwork by Jim Lee. The book, filled with suspense, secrets, and twists and turns, was something that all comic book readers seemed to enjoy. It is without a doubt one of the most important Batman runs of the new century and an influence on most of the stories after it.
For Hush 2, they are teaming up all of the same players: Jeph Loeb writing, Jim Lee on pencils, Scott Williams inking, Alex Sinclair on colors, and Richard Starkings on lettering. It will, of course, have that same type of feel as the original did, and fans will be treated to more suspense, action, and intriguing storylines. You do not want to miss this issue if you are a Batman fan!
The Absolute Universe
DC’s absolute best and most famous heroes are getting another new look this November in the Absolute series. Absolute Superman #13 and Absolute Green Lantern #8 will be available on November 5, while Absolute Flash #9 will hit the stands on November 19. These titles feature reimagined and radically different versions of classic characters that will offer new challenges and perspectives.
Absolute Superman #13, for instance, features an alternate origin story for the Man of Steel. In this version of the character, he is raised by his Kryptonian parents, not Jonathan and Martha Kent. He also lands on Earth as a more mature man, and he finds a world that is much more dystopian and darker than the one we are used to. It’s a fresh look at the character that ups the stakes and the tension in this origin story, and it’s packed with all the drama and amazing art.
The Absolute series, in general, is a way for both veterans and new readers to experience these classic superheroes in a new light, with all the challenges and character development, but with new problems, questions, and moral dilemmas.
The Power Fantasy
The Power Fantasy, as the title might suggest, approaches the super-powered being archetype in an interesting way: what if any conceivable direct interaction between two characters with this level of power would annihilate the planet on which they live? Do not expect much hand-to-hand combat, but rather rising tensions, interpersonal drama, and with both seconds to midnight and stakes at the level of world-ending consequences, the metaphorical gloves start coming off as tempers flare and both sides try to make their point.
It is a masterful combination of ultraviolent superhero action that really lets loose and ponders deep questions about power, responsibility, and humanity. It offers that fine balance for readers who want both popcorn entertainment and a brain to ponder. Tensions rise every month, resulting in must-read suspense as ultimate power clashes with human fallibility in every issue.
