Welcome back to Fantastic Five, where we shout out the best comics of the week! This week saw a thought-provoking dystopian #1, more Vertigo greatness, and superhero action galore. Let’s get to the books!
Best comics of the week: May 13, 2026
#5: Absolute Batman #20
Absolute Batman #20 leans heavily into setup, but it does so with purpose and confidence. Scott Snyder continues to layer in character arcs and long-term threads, especially around Bruce’s mental state and his fractured circle of allies. The issue may not deliver on the Robin-heavy promise of its cover just yet, but it deepens the world in meaningful ways and sharpens the stakes heading into what comes next. Nick Dragotta’s art remains the standout, elevating every moment with style, horror, and clarity. It is a strong chapter that prioritizes momentum and mood over immediate payoff.
#4: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #18
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ #18 delivers compelling family drama
It’s the final pages of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #18 that will have fans talking, as the creative team’s pulled off yet another big twist that shakes up everything you’d expect from TMNT lore. But it’s a welcome change, not to mention one that’s rooted in the story rather than being done for sheer shock value. When all’s said and done, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #18 is both a strong closing chapter in Gene Luen Yang and Freddie E. Williams II’s initial TMNT run and a reminder of why the Heroes in a Half Shell have endured for years.
Read Collier Jennings’ full review!
#3: Supergirl #13
‘Supergirl’ #13 shows what makes Black Flame a terrifying villain
All in all, Campbell once more delivers a solid issue. It succeeds in fleshing out the sheer brutality of Black Flame’s anger and how that translates into a violent revolt. It also succeeds in showcasing what makes Kara a different hero from Superman whilst not ignoring her history and trauma from losing Krypton. The only thing that could improve for the next couple of issues is for Lena Luthor to be more prominently featured, but that’s about it. Beyond that, the Kandor arc continues to be near flawless.
Read Diane Darcy’s full review!
#2: Bleeding Hearts #4
‘Bleeding Hearts’ #4 is about accepting others and your own heart
Bleeding Hearts #4 continues the trend of the series in that it’s somehow better than the last issue. With complex themes running throughout, there are a million ways to interpret what the story is talking about, but there’s no doubt about what the creatives believe: that caring about people and helping who you can is a trait that all living things share. Humanity is a word stretched thin in the world of Bleeding Hearts, but it’s constantly on display in both subtle and overt ways for those with eyes to see it.
Read George Loftus’s full review!
#1: Destination Kill #1
I cannot recommend Destination Kill #1 enough. It’s an oversized book that presents a fascinating world with compelling characters. It gives you new ideas every page, like a video game that’s constantly exposing you to new mechanics, and each page helps you re-frame your point of view on Gina Serene and the supporting characters and factions that make up this world gone wrong. There’s so much personality and style, that it’s easy to get lost in such a refreshing display of auteurism that challenges you and what you believe in.
