Welcome to the first Fantastic Five of 2026, where we shout out the best comics of the week! We’re kicking 2026 off with a bang as two books received perfect 10s. Let’s get to the books!
Best comics of the week: January 7, 2026
#5: Inferno Girl Red: Book Two #2
‘Inferno Girl Red: Book Two’ #2 proves that even superheroes need work-life balance
In Inferno Girl Red: Book Two #2, it seems to suggest that Groom and D’Urso are dedicated to giving their hero the balance she needs, but not before they put her through another trial by fire. More superhero books could take a lesson from this one.
Read Collier Jennings’ full review!
#4: Absolute Superman #15
‘Absolute Superman’ #15 is a testament to what makes Superman great
Absolute Superman #15 is both the beginning of a new story arc and a new chapter in Kal-El’s life, as he comes face-to-face with a new villain. If you haven’t been picking this title up, this issue is the perfect jumping-on point and proof that every Absolute title has something to offer.
Read Collier Jennings’ full review!
#3: Poison Ivy #40
Poison Ivy #40 is a highly entertaining issue that puts Ivy’s principles on a collision course with the corruption festering within Gotham City. It’s also a topical issue that addresses the negative environmental impact of A.I., in particular how marginalized communities are adversely affected by the environmental harm caused by A.I.
#2: Ultimate X-Men #23
Peach Momoko and Zack Davisson provide one of the strongest penultimate issues I’ve read in a long time. I cannot wait to see how they conclude the series. Their work on Ultimate X-Men continues to be some of the best that cape comics provide.
Read Piper Whitaker’s full review!
#1: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus #2
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus #2 is, in all senses of the term, a stellar celebration of Turtles history. It doesn’t feel corporate, in the way you may think it would, you know? It feels like something made with fans in mind, which can often feel more like “pandering” these days, but this feels earnest, honest, and sincere. The level of detail to get things right, so that nerds like me will recognize every little thing, is so much more crafted than a cheap nostalgia tug. It wants you to know that this book is made by fans just as neurotic as you are, and I love the hell out of that.
