Welcome back to another edition of Fantastic Five, where we shout out the best comics of the week! This week was an Image Comics takeover, as only one book in the top five didn’t come from the publisher. Let’s get to the books!
Best comics of the week: January 21, 2026
#5: Assorted Crisis Events #8
‘Assorted Crisis Events’ #8 uses the language of comics to perfection
Assorted Crisis Events #9 is a daring, unsettling meditation on the cost of creation, using the very language of comics to dramatize a life unraveling. By turning gutters into psychological space and collapsing the boundary between reader, creator, and character, Camp and Zawadzki craft an issue that feels at once exhausting and exhilarating. It may not offer easy answers or familiar structure, but it stands as one of the series’ most ambitious and thematically resonant chapters—a reminder that sometimes the medium itself is the message.
Read Dave Brooke’s full review!
#4: Nights #17
‘Nights’ #17 strikes hard, fast, and bloody as the arc nears its conclusion
Nights #17 just proves that this story is more lethal, charming, engaging, thoughtful, and downright bloody than so many other comics going today. If you like your friendships to feel a little like unarmed combat, get on board pronto.
Read Chris Coplan’s full review!
#3: Ultimate Black Panther #24
Ultimate Black Panther #24 brings the series to an end with a meditation on the passing of time, and redefines the iconic “Wakanda Forever” phrase. For all the ups and downs I had with this title, I truly think it was both a unique approach to the Black Panther and a strong entry in the new Ultimate Universe.
Read Collier Jennings’ full review!
#2: The Power Fantasy #15
‘The Power Fantasy’ #15 review: the road to Hell is paved with utilitarianism
Since the beginning of its run, The Power Fantasy has been one of the strongest and most consistent books being published right now. It is a major accomplishment and a testament to the talents of the entire creative team that the book has maintained the same quality across more than a dozen issues without losing steam or suffering from a decline in the character of the storytelling. Perhaps a lengthy break after #16 is best if The Power Fantasy is to maintain the same level of excellence we have come to expect from Kieron Gillen, Caspar Wijngaard, Clayton Cowles, and Rian Hughes since the series launched in August of 2024.
#1: Everything Dead & Dying #5
‘Everything Dead & Dying’ #5 is an emotionally charged, philosophical finale
Titles like these are what make Image one of the best publishers on the stands: it doesn’t just offer comics that shake up your expectations of certain genres, but sticks with you long after you close the page.
