by Matt Sernaker & Kevin Gaussoin, Editors–In-Chief

In addition to our main Pop Culture Gift Guide, our ComicsOnline team wanted to include some additional recommendations that would make a great addition to anyone’s comic book collection. These are the stories that we are most excited about, and have continued to impress as we get our weekly pulls from our local comic book stores.

Cable: Love & Chrome from Marvel Comics (Limited Series)

Nathan Summers, better known as Cable, is back in action for a brand-new series! Our favorite time-traveler continues his adventures through time thanks to the talents of writer David Pepose (Punisher, Space Ghost), artist Mike Henderson (Daredevil, Deadpool vs. Old Man Logan), colorist Arif Prianto (Venom War: Lethal Protectors), and letterer VC’s Joe Sabino (NYX). Everything old is new again, as Cable finds himself with a unique mission, new allies, and new enemies in a story that hits a bit closer to home…

In a visual medium such as comics, it can be hard to perfectly encapsulate how a story is going to feel in the opening pages, let alone THE opening page of a book. Cable: Love & Chrome does just that, as we open with Cable strapped to the front of a Mad Max-style vehicle complete with a dilapidated Sentinel head. Crazy stuff, right? Don’t worry…the creative team is just getting started as the timey-whimey shenanigans kick off with a new threat to the future. By the end of the third page, it was clear that this book was going to be a thrill ride. I’ve always found Cable to be an interesting character, but the last time I felt like his story had hit a compelling arc was during his 2008 ongoing series. Cable: Love & Chrome is a standout from the “From the Ashes Era” of X-Books. The energy in this book can be felt on every single page.

Green Lantern from DC Comics (Volumes 1, 2, 3, & 4)

Hal “Highball” Jordan takes the spotlight once again in Green Lantern! The latest incarnation under the Dawn of DC banner sees Jordan return to Earth under somewhat mysterious circumstances, leaving behind the GL Corps and its new management. Writer Jeremy Adams (The Flash, Green Lantern: The Animated Series) and artist Xermanico (Flashpoint Beyond) demonstrate their ability to channel willpower into a refreshing new take on the Green Lantern saga in “Back to Earth.”

It might be the Dawn of DC, but Green Lantern also marks the dawn of a new “Emerald Age” for our favorite ring bearers. Jeremy Adams and Xermanico harness the emerald light in their first story set after the events of Dark Crisis. The United Planets have taken control of the GL Corps and decided that Sector 2814 is too great a liability to other worlds. All human Lanterns have been reassigned, but in typical Hal Jordan fashion, our hero rejects this order and returns to Earth in protest. Starting fresh can be challenging, and Hal attempts to find a new direction as he faces a world where he’s no longer a Lantern. When dangerous Manhunter armor is found nearby, Hal runs toward the danger and once again becomes a beacon of light in the darkness. Will the former Green Lantern find a way to save the day?

Volumes 1-4 of the current era of Green Lantern are now available, and then you need to check out what comes next:

Green Lantern Corps from DC Comics (Volume 1)

The gang’s all here! It’s a new Emerald Dawn, and the Green Lantern Corps is back in action. With the new threat of the Fractured Spectrum, it will take all of our favorite willpower-channeling heroes to stop Sorrow before he creates a new Power Battery. Don’t worry, because an epic team of Lanterns is on the case in Green Lantern Corps from DC! 

If you were a fan of Green Lantern: The Animated Series, then you are in for a massive treat. Jeremy Adams (former writer on the show) has been building to this, and there are a lot of treats in place for those of you who have been following since he launched his take on GL in Dawn of DC. I am beyond thrilled that John, Kyle, Guy, Jo, Jessica, Simon, and Keli are all getting time in the spotlight with this new series that runs in tandem with the main Green Lantern title (featuring Hal), but it was the surprise inclusion of one more Lantern that I think will put this book over the top for readers. I was absolutely thrilled to turn the page and see who has suited up as it will only enhance the dynamics of the book. Visually speaking, Pasarin, Albert, and Prianto make for an impressive trinity of artists who make quite the impression in this opening issue. There are a lot of characters with a lot of movement in this outer space adventure, but all of it feels fluid and seamless. I particularly enjoyed some of the establishing shots and the use of depth to flesh out the new activity on OA, along with the volatility of the new emotional outbreaks.

Green Lantern Corps is a book that I’ve wanted to see for years, and this creative team has me hooked. This first chapter is perfectly executed by a creative team that has the willpower to pull this off in style.

Alan Scott: The Green Lantern from DC Comics (Eisner Nominated Limited-Series)

Alan Scott: The Green Lantern is a limited series by Writer Tim Sheridan (Teen Titans Academy), Artist Cian Tormey (Superman: Son of Kal-El), Colorist Matt Herms (The Flash), and Letterer Lucas Gattoni (Blue Beetle: Graduation Day). This team crafted an incredible story for Alan Scott (we’ve been raving about this book for months), and the book was nominated for a 2025 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series. It’s not often that our team at ComicsOnline calls a book “perfect”, but Alan Scott: The Green Lantern has earned that designation with this masterclass in storytelling. I truly appreciated how Alan Scott: The Green Lantern took an additive approach to the character’s history, and I have a feeling that this will be a fan-favorite chapter in the Green Lantern saga for many years to come. This book couldn’t have been any better if they tried.

Wonder Woman from DC Comics (Volumes 1, 2, & 3)

“Wonder Woman continues to shine as a beacon of hope in the world of comics.” -Matt Sernaker, ComicsOnline (Cover of Wonder Woman, Vol. 3: Fury)

To say this comic is stunning would be selling it short, as this book is firing on all cylinders. It is truly astonishing to see how this team has seamlessly elevated the reading experience, imbuing it with a sense of joy and wonder. Tom King’s name is already a “satisfaction guaranteed” sticker, but this book will put its entire team on your radar (if they weren’t already). Sampere and Morey really set the bar high on this one. The character designs look amazing, the shading is great, and the action is DYNAMIC. Simply put, Wonder Woman has never looked better. The action, story, and art have been turned up to eleven.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Compendium Volume 1 from IDW Publishing

For 40 years, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have protected the world from the villainous threats of The Shredder, Krang, and other evils from Dimension X. They’ve appeared in numerous incarnations across different media, providing fans of all ages with different entry points into their world. Thanks to the team at IDW Publishing, one of my favorite versions of these characters has been released for new audiences, as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Compendium Volume 1 is now available from IDW Publishing!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Compendium 1 contains over 750 pages of turtle power, with dozens of mutants and villains that would go on to torment our heroes for decades. Man Ray, Leatherhead, Baxter Stockman, Cudley the Cowlick, Stump, Sling, Wingnut, and Screwloose are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these stories, and this collection truly offers something for everyone. IDW Publishing has released some of my favorite collections in the last few years (their Star Trek Hardcovers continue to be stunning), but this one might just be my new favorite. The attention to detail and reproduction masterfully capture the style and aesthetic of the original comics, making this a must-own for every turtle fan.

I know that there is a heavy nostalgia factor when it comes to a release like this, but this book meant the world to me as a kid, and I couldn’t be happier with the high-quality release and level of thought that went into this compendium. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures was my gateway into the world of comics, and I will be forever grateful for the work that the creative team did to craft this unique set of stories. Having these pages in my hands made me feel like a kid again, and the grin that I had on my face remained for the duration of my reading experience. I can’t wait to add the future compendium releases to my collection. Don’t miss this one.

Power Rangers Prime from BOOM! Studios (Volumes 1–2)

As a franchise, Power Rangers is well known for leveraging the power of reinvention. For over 30 years, fans have watched as their favorite multi-colored heroes morphed into action to fend off the forces of evil as they saved the universe.

After eight incredible years of storytelling, BOOM! Studios has opted to take a page out of the Rangers’ own playbook with a relaunch that is… stronger than before. The Power Rangers universe is in fantastic hands once again as fan-favorite writer Melissa Flores returns to write more morphinomenal adventures! This time around, Flores has teamed up with artist Michael Yg (Iron Fist), colorist Fabi Marques (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), and letterer Ed Dukeshire (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) to launch a bold new take on the Power Rangers world with Power Rangers Prime.

Power Rangers Prime strategically takes bits and pieces from the greater Power Rangers mythos and offers readers a fresh new perspective on our childhood heroes. This book is a PRIME example of how to respectfully take the concepts that we know and love to the next level. Prime is a brave new world for Power Rangers (in more ways than one), complete with a new team and some impressive surprises right in the opening pages. Flores brought her A-game for this book, and I’m very interested to see how this journey evolves into the final issues of the run in 2026. Yg was a wonderful choice for the artist on this series, as his style perfectly captures the essence of Power Rangers and ensures that the action pops with each turn of the page. Marques’ vivid coloring provides readers with a wonderful sense of this new universe, and Dukeshire’s lettering is truly the icing on the cake. As if that wasn’t enough, we get new character designs from the incredible Dan Mora!

The Massive-Verse Titles from Image Comics
Radiant Black (Volumes 1-7)
Rogue Sun (Volumes 1-4)
Inferno Girl Red: Book One
NO/ONE (Volume 1)

When it comes to creator-owned comics, our friends at the Massive-Verse continue to provide readers with incredible options. There’s truly something for everyone within the mix of Radiant Black, Rogue Sun, Inferno Girl Red, and NO/ONE, and those are just a FEW of the books that this group of innovative creators has been producing over the last few years.

HOLD ONTO YOUR BUTTS! When the creative team of Radiant Black touts a “bold new era” for the book, you’d better be ready because they probably have a crazy impressive plan in the works. The Catalyst War was an epic endeavor for the series (from both a narrative and creative perspective), and this post-war story feels like a logical and engaging next step for the Massive-Verse. Marshall has a lot to grapple with as a result of the recent alien invasion, multiversal adventures, and his newly assumed role as the one and only Radiant Black. I will admit, I was Team Nathan, but I think this new status quo with Marshall as the lead and his newfound motivation is going to take us in an interesting and unexpected direction. 

One of my favorite things about this series is how it feels cinematic in nature, and this issue continues to lean in even harder to that tone. There is a gorgeous aerial establishing shot in the opening pages of this book (already teased by the creative team), and you get a feeling of wonder as the character soars toward his destination. Ferigato and Fernandes outdid themselves with this one, and there are a lot of beautiful panels to take in as we get up to speed on recent events. 

Radiant Black’s “Rebuild Era” is about to begin, and BOLD is an understatement. Sure, you could use this as the perfect jump-on point, but you also could get Radiant Black: Volumes 1-7 (now available at your local comic store) to get the full reader experience. This next iteration of Radiant Black lives up to the Massive-Verse name, and the unpredictability of this series continues to be an absolute highlight. 

Since the launch of the title, the creative team behind Rogue Sun has made phenomenal choices that have resulted in an overwhelmingly entertaining experience from start to finish. Now that the series has passed its landmark 25th issue, it’s time to shake things up once again. 

If you’re new to the title, Rogue Sun features magical realms, mystic knights, supervillains, and heroic endeavors in a story that continues to defy expectations. The story features the ongoing adventures of teenager Dylan Siegel as he attempts to master the mysterious sun stone and deal with the ghosts of the past while striving to build his own future.

Rogue Sun has been a family affair since the very beginning, but this latest development with Aurie adds a fun new layer and creates new dynamics for Dylan and his fight against evil. The clashing perspectives add to the thrill of the series, and it will be interesting to see how these developments play out while facing off against the latest threats from Morningstar. The interiors of the book continue to pop thanks to the collaborative efforts of Abel and Natalia Marques, and Becca Carey’s lettering is a consistent highlight that brings the experience together with a bow. I also want to give a shoutout to Stefano Simeone, who absolutely kills it with the covers for the new era of Rogue Sun. Now is the perfect time to join the fun, and you can also get caught up with Rogue Sun: Volumes 1-4 (now available).

The Massive-Verse continues to expand with the launch of Inferno Girl Red: Book One! Following her impressive debut in SUPERMASSIVE 2022, Cássia Costa takes the spotlight in her first solo outing. What lies ahead in the stunning first volume of Inferno Girl Red?

The life of a teenager can be challenging to say the least. After relocating to Apex City with her mom, Cássia Costa must take on a new school, new friends, and new…super powers? Adjusting to a new prestigious school is hard enough, but when an ancient cult pulls the city into another dimension, things will get…complicated for our hero. Why was Cássia chosen as the new Inferno Girl Red, and how does this mysterious power connect to her mother and the previous owner of the dragon bracelet? Answers will be revealed as the newest hero of Apex City fights her way through demons, cultists, and more in this impressive Massive-Verse release. 

Originally launched as a Kickstarter, Inferno Girl Red: Book One was supported by 1,593 backers (myself included). The story concept and initial imagery presented by Mat and Erica were impressive to say the least, and I knew that this would be an amazing addition to the Massive-Verse titles. From a narrative perspective, Inferno Girl Red: Book One was conceived and originally released as a Graphic Novel. The story was cleverly designed to allow for a three-part release via Image Comics and introduce her world to new audiences. Sparks really start to fly when Erica’s incredible designs are combined with Igor’s stunning color palette, taking this story to the next level. There are so many pages that could easily be printed as posters, as most of this book deserves to be framed and placed on your wall. The use of space and framing in the book is particularly engaging, adding even more depth to Cássia’s universe. And more good news: Inferno Girl Red: Book Two has just started to release in individual issues, and a second collection is on its way.

Months ago, the city of Pittsburgh was rocked by a series of shocking murders carried out by Richard Roe. Since then, the city has been on high alert as several copycat killers, vigilantes, and hactivists have continued to run amok. Now, can a disgraced police officer come to terms with his personal connection to the murders and seek out the truth…no matter the cost? And what will the journalists at The Drop uncover as they investigate the murders? More importantly, who is NO/ONE and why do they have a vendetta against those in power? This 10-issue series plans to take readers on a crime-filled superhero drama that will keep you guessing at every turn. 

The creative team for the series features writers Kyle Higgins (Radiant Black) and Brian Buccellato (Detective Comics), artist Geraldo Borges (Nightwing), colorist Mark Englert (Invincible), and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (X-O Manowar). After diving into the debut issue, I expect this first installment will have you hooked. The opening pages quickly draw you in with a gritty color-pallet and clever writing, leaving you on the edge of your seat as you turn to the first splash page. You can tell that the creative team enjoys their crime shows, because their immediate establishment of the setting and “the crime” is impactful. This definitely has all of the tell-tale marks of a thriller, and it is exciting to see the crime drama approach applied to the world of superheroes, especially one as vibrant and diverse as the Massive-Verse. 

Higgins continues his streak of moving beyond typical comic book storytelling by expanding the story to include a unique twist: a tie-in podcast featuring some killer talent. The monthly companion podcast features the vocal talents of Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That), Patton Oswalt (Marvels’ M.O.D.O.K.) and Loren Lester (Batman: The Animated Series). You read that right. Kyle has enlisted Nightwing to help with his latest project. Although the concept of a comic book-related podcast isn’t new, the idea of a companion podcast that furthers the story is a genuinely fun enhancement. 

It’s no secret that the ComicsOnline team is a fan of the Massive-Verse, but our admiration and appreciation has been well earned. Kyle Higgins continues his innovative approach to the comic book industry, once again demonstrating that he isn’t afraid to break from conventional storytelling by incorporating new media elements into the reader experience. His fingerprints are all over this book, and you can’t help but be excited for what he has in store for readers. NO/ONE succeeds at providing readers with a unique, engaging, and suspenseful thrill ride…

Additional titles worth considering from this group of creators are The Dead Lucky, Supermassive, and C.O.W.L., all of which are now available.

Ghost Machine Titles from Image Comics
Geiger (Volumes 1-4)
Redcoat (Volume 1)
Rook: Exodus (Volume 1)
Halo & Hornsby (Volume 1)
The Rocketfellers (Volume 1)

The launch of Ghost Machine starts here with a unique mix of creator-owned original characters.

From creators Geoff Johns & Gary Frank, Colorist Brad Anderson, and Letterer Rob Leigh comes Geiger. 25 years from now, the world has been turned into a radioactive wasteland. Resources are scarce, and those in control take what they want from the weak. Tariq Geiger now walks through the wasteland looking for purpose as “The Glowing Man”, using his nuclear abilities to balance the scales. Accompanied by his mutated two-headed wolf named Barney and his new associate Nate the Nuclear Knight, they will head out into the world to find others like Geiger…

Although this character first appeared in the Geiger 2021 mini-series, the relaunch provides a solid introduction for those of us who hadn’t previously known of his adventures. The post-apocalyptic setting doesn’t go overboard in the first story, as the focus remains on the interaction between Tariq and Nate. We also get glimpses of Tariq’s family, helping to ground his character and set the stage for a new partnership between the duo. 

From an art perspective, there were some great creative choices that helped to ground the story in a short amount of time. The gas masks on the horses were a particularly striking visual, followed by an impressive double-page spread. On the surface, Geiger’s design might feel a bit reminiscent of the villainous Blight from Batman Beyond, but that comparison is quickly set aside once the action kicks in and the nuances become clear. There is an incredible moment in the story where Geiger leaps into action against some troopers, and those panels absolutely solidified my interest in this character. The strategic use of color was particularly impressive, as Anderson’s color palette makes this world that much more vivid. Leigh’s lettering work in the book is worth paying close attention to, as it works seamlessly with the rest of the creative elements to tie everything together.

Creators Geoff Johns & Bryan Hitch, Inkers Bryan Hitch & Andrew Currie, Colorist Brad Anderson, and Letterer Rob Leigh present Redcoat. Enter the world of the immortal Simon Pure (former British Soldier) as he sets out on adventure, attempting to traverse the secret magics of the world and deal with some of history’s greatest figures as he does it. What exactly caused his immortality on that fateful day in December of 1776, and what does it have to do with Benjamin Franklin?!? There is a sense of wonder in this book that makes it an absolute joy to read, and I can’t wait to explore more of this world. 

When Pure stumbled into a gathering by a secret society/cult, his world would be forever changed. Following a time jump, we pick up over 100 years later (with some great commentary equating to “maybe I’ll tell you about that later”) and learn that Pure has led an interesting life of scandal and thievery. His latest adventures bring him into contact with a young Albert Einstein, setting the stage for the most interesting team-up. What does a 12-year-old Einstein want with Pure? Why are the cultists still after him? And what is the secret of his immortality? Stay tuned!

Redcoat is currently in the lead as my favorite of these new titles. Pure has a bit of a Captain Jack Sparrow vibe, and I am a sucker for stories that include mythology or historical elements. The best comparison would be The Pirates of the Caribbean + National Treasure + League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Adding a young Albert Einstein to the mix was not something that I saw coming, and the teases about other historical figures being included as the search for more information on the secret magical world of the Founding Fathers has me more than intrigued. Hitch and Currie’s art styles really complement the narrative, and Anderson’s colors once again work perfectly in tandem with the designs to make this book shine. Having Leigh provide the lettering for these titles provides a bit of consistency and comfort between readings, but the stylistic choices for each story help to reinforce their individuality.

Head out into space for the sci-fi epic Rook: Exodus, brought to you by creators Geoff Johns & Jason Fabok, Colorist Brad Anderson, and Letterer Rob Leigh. With resources depleting and fires ravaging the planet Earth, the promises of a new world seemed more than ideal for those who could afford it. The corporation known as Better-World ™ gave hope to the citizens of Exodus as they populated it in the year 2159, but those hopes were quickly dashed as the Earth Engine failed in 2170. Now, this terraformed world is on the brink of collapse, and those left behind must find a way to escape before their fates are sealed forever. With the closely controlled technology and animal biology spiraling out of control, the warden known as “Rook” must scavenge for the parts he needs to escape this world…

I loved the character-centric approach to Rook and the mysterious world of Exodus, as it perfectly showcased the familiar-yet-alien nature of this new world. The creative team gave us just enough to better understand how Rook found himself on this new planet, and the familial connections helped to ground the voice of the narrator. From a design approach, the concept of the Wardens and the control over their respective animals was executed very well. Having the birds constantly flying around Rook added another ominous layer to this new planet, and I particularly liked the use of the other elements throughout the story (keeping it vague to avoid some spoilers). While Rook is mostly alone during his adventures on Exodus, we are treated to some solid flashbacks on Earth that help to flesh out his backstory and provide context to his actions. The sci-fi tone is further enhanced by the dramatic color choices of Anderson, helping to differentiate this world from the one that we know. 

Rook: Exodus presents readers with a unique and engaging sci-fi epic. This character definitely caught my attention in the Ghost Machine #1 teaser and the first installment in his story did not disappoint.

But wait…there’s more! Check out Hornsby & Halo, a new series that falls under the “Family Odysseys” umbrella and focuses on the internal battle between good and evil. What happens when you take a child from Hell and put them with a caring family? If you took a child from Heaven and gave them to a less-than-ethical family, would they take on those characteristics? It’s “nature versus nurture” with an interesting twist.

Lastly, what happens when you combine Lost In Space and The Jetsons and send the family back in time? That’s what you get in The Rocketfellers. On the run from a mysterious foe, this family narrowly escaped from the 25th century to the 21st. The specifics are pretty mysterious in this first chapter, but after a thrilling opening act, the Rocketfellers must attempt to adjust to their new time and surroundings. Adapting to the past might be harder than they thought as they struggle to find their place in this brave old world. With a bit of help from the Time Zone Protection Program, they might just find a new place to call home. 

I’ll admit, I had some pretty high hopes for this book, and it more than exceeded expectations. It would have been easy for the creative team to just play with sci-fi tropes for this family of time-displaced castaways, but they found a way to ground the sci-fi component and lean into the human element for a truly unique story. I will give credit to the Ghost Machine creators; each of these books feels distinctly different. The Rocketfellers fit perfectly into an existing gap in the comic book industry, and I couldn’t be more excited to see where the family’s adventures go from here. I would be shocked if you didn’t enjoy this book. 

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