Welcome back to another edition of Fantastic Five, where we shout out the best comics of the week! This week, the Ultimate and Absolute universes reign supreme, each nabbing a perfect 10. Let’s get to the books!
Best comics of the week: August 7, 2025
#5: JSA #10
Though not a perfect issue compared to JSA #8, JSA #10 is still an enjoyable read. The cast of characters fronting this storyline is well chosen, with each hero serving an important role in the story. Likewise, the group of villains making up the current iteration of the Injustice Society have fun interactions of their own, even though some members still feel out of place within the team, like Scandal Savage. All in all, JSA #10 is a great issue to pick up for a fun, action-packed storyline involving DC’s oldest team.
Read Diane Darcy’s full review!
#4: EC Cruel Universe 2 #1
‘Cruel Universe 2’ #1 is socially conscious and entertaining
Cruel Universe 2 #1 is a stunning return for one of 2024’s best anthologies, delivering a trio of deeply thematic sci-fi stories that challenge, entertain, and provoke. With top-tier creators bringing their A-game, and a nod to the past with an EC Comics reprint, this issue reaffirms Oni Press’ bold, socially-conscious vision for the series. It’s the kind of comic that dares to say something, and actually means it.
Read David Brooke’s full review!
#3: Storm #11
The climactic conclusion to the Thunder War will take place next month in Storm #12, and after that, the book will pivot in a new direction as the upcoming “Age of Revelation” will dramatically reshape all of the X-books. Starting in October, Storm and Rogue will both star in the new series Rogue Storm, in which Rogue will lead a team consisting of Gateway, Iceman, Fantomex, Spiral, and Warpath as they try to kill Storm before she plunges the world into a new Ice Age. I’m excited to see what Storm’s fate will be at the end of the Thunder War, and how the event itself and the decisions Storm made during Thunder War might lead into Rogue Storm.
#2: Absolute Green Lantern #5
‘Absolute Green Lantern’ #5 is water-cooler comics at its best
More akin to Lost than traditional superhero storytelling, Absolute Green Lantern #5 is water-cooler comics at its finest. Al Ewing’s journey into cosmic horror offers more questions than answers. Using carefully worded dialogue and a subversion of our expectations, Ewing crafts an intriguing tale that is a must-read, and must-reread, for any fan of the medium. Additionally, Jahnoy Lindsay’s artwork elevates the narrative with horror-inspired visuals and character designs. The creator’s work is a true feast for the eyes as each subsequent read provides new details surrounding the narrative.
Read Chris Showalter’s full review!
#1: Ultimate X-Men #18
Ultimate X-Men #18 is a brilliant issue that delivers strong lore and gorgeous artwork. Momoko and Davisson struck gold on this issue all while creating some fantastic emotional moments and teases for the future. As a longtime X-Men fan it checks all the metaphorical boxes, and as a critic and comic writer, I find that it has some of the strongest storytelling on the shelves right now. I’m excited for what’s to come with this series and its cast of characters.
