Welcome back to another edition of Fantastic Five, where we shout out the best comics of the week! This week features a touching Anniversary special, the conclusion of a bonkers crossover, and more. Let’s get to the books!
Best comics of the week: February 18, 2026
#5: Absolute Batman #17
Absolute Batman #17 delivers a memorable origin story that leans hard into horror without losing sight of tragedy. Poison Ivy’s transformation feels painful and inevitable, grounded in a childhood defined by desperation and brilliance. The body horror elements amplify the emotional stakes rather than distract from them, making her final form both terrifying and sorrowful. Canete’s art elevates the issue considerably, especially in the creature designs and Batman’s high-impact action sequences. The visual contrast between the grotesque present-day horrors and the softer flashbacks sharpens the emotional punch.
Read Dave Brooke’s full review!
#4: End of Life #1
End of Life #1 combines rapid-fire dialogue, bloody violence, and emotional catharsis for a hell of a debut issue. I’m genuinely surprised at how much I liked this comic, but it’s also proof that the new Vertigo is just as much of a hotbed for unique comics as the classic imprint was.
Read Collier Jennings’ full review!
#3: Fantastic Four #8
‘Fantastic Four’ #8 unexpectedly reinvents a popular villain
A Susan-focused, character-driven book is sure to follow this flip on the format, hopefully letting us know just exactly what our Susan thinks of the Invincible Woman and the events that led her to go down this path of death and destruction.
Fantastic Four continues to be one of the best on-going books at Marvel – a perfect mix of story, character and action.
Read Deidre Freitas’ full review!
#2: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus #5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus is a great story, if a bit mixed. As I said above, any flaws this has comes from the rotating staff, making a fully consistent vision a bit difficult. But it knows that we’re here for nostalgia, so it gives us some, and sometimes I’m just okay with that. The Battle Nexus is about getting that big brawl, to see an awesome smackdown between cool characters we love, and this delivered on that. It was a great time, and I loved combing through it for continuity nods both old and new. I can’t wait to see the Battle Nexus come back someday, stronger than ever, and we get a REAL all out battle between every turtle ever! And every Shredder ever! And all the Stockmans, and the Splinters! And all the Usagis too – Stan Sakai would be into that, right? Can somebody ask him for me?
#1: Black Panther 60th Anniversary Special
‘Black Panther 60th Anniversary Special’ is a worthy celebration of the character’s legacy
Black Panther 60th Anniversary Special is a celebration of the Black Panther in all his roles and his place in the Marvel Universe. If you love the Black Panther, you need to read this book. If you haven’t read a Black Panther comic, this is a great place to start.
