October offered comic readers a varied slate of acclaimed releases, from the launch of Marvel’s horror-focused Midnight Universe to landmark issues in DC’s Absolute line. Here are 10 titles that stood out during the month.
Marvel’s Midnight Universe made its debut with three notable first issues. Midnight Fantastic Four #1 follows a version of Reed Richards whose life takes a darker turn after a lab accident lands him in prison. Susan Storm brings him into an investigation of the mysteries surrounding the Negative Zone. The story offers a cosmic-horror take on Marvel’s First Family.
Midnight Spider-Man #1 reworks Peter Parker’s familiar origin for a darker setting. Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and illustrated by ScieTron, the issue lays the groundwork for a new interpretation of Peter and his connection to Oscorp without yet revealing the hero in his eventual form.
The strongest of the three Midnight launches is Midnight X-Men #1, by Jonathan Hickman and Matteo Della Fonte. In this version of the mutant world, vampires have overrun society, leaving a small group of uninfected heroes. The issue puts Nightcrawler and Cyclops in the spotlight amid tense alliances and action.
DC’s one-shot Darkseid vs. the World #1, by writer Scott Snyder and artist Sanford Greene, explores the villain’s past, present and future, along with his plans for the main DC Universe and the Absolute Universe. The story’s artwork and focus on Darkseid make it a particularly striking standalone release.
Avengers: Armageddon #5 closes Chip Zdarsky’s event with the team facing the aftermath of a bombing. The finale is presented as a strong launch point for future Marvel stories, especially with Zdarsky’s new Avengers series beginning afterward.
James Harren’s The Demon #1 gives Jason Blood and his demonic counterpart, Etrigan, a new ongoing series. The opening issue begins a supernatural conflict over the fate of the world, pairing Harren’s artwork with a brooding story.
Image Comics’ The Karman Blade #2 continues the fantasy series by Darcy Van Poelgeest and Ian Bertram. Its distinctive visual style, world-building and unusual narrative pace have made it one of the month’s standout fantasy releases.
Nightwing #143, by Dan Watters and David Lapham, is the second issue of a Batman: Bad Seeds tie-in. Nightwing teams up with Damian Wayne to stop a scheme involving the Ventriloquist and Scarface, while the story reflects on the characters’ shared history.
Absolute Wonder Woman #25 marks a significant step for Barbara Minerva, who embraces her role as Diana’s enemy in the Absolute Universe. The issue combines action and world-building with a focus on the characters’ emotional stakes.
Rounding out the list, Absolute Batman #25 brings Bruce Wayne face to face with the Joker after months of buildup. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta deliver a major confrontation in the villain’s hidden lair, making the issue a turning point for the series.
Sources: Comic Book Resources.