While it’s still living and breathing in the DC KO storyline, it’s also a very much self-contained issue focusing on the Superman robots, Lois and Superboy Prime, whom Williamson has managed to reshape into a very interesting, compelling and unpredictable character once again. The storyline also takes us back to the Time Trapper on the JLU satellite, where new KO-related shenanigans ensue. Williamson’s writing continues to dazzle! more

This issue, while very good, didn’t seem to move the story forward very much until the last page or two. There seemed to be more psychological angst than usual this month, though I did enjoy the scenes that unfolded as the Martian and John seemed to take a break from one another for a sizeable portion of the issue. The mysterious government folks who showed up at the end of the last issue return this month, but what they’re up to isn’t clear. Overall, this issue’s thrilling story seemed a little more unfocused and ponderous than the last issue. more

The storyline about the race to save Barry’s transformation in the past comes to a boil, with timely assistance from Wally and especially Impulse, who undergoes a bit of a mysterious transformation that has left me a tad confused. No matter, as we are off once again to save the future in a different point in the past in the big finale next issue. To miss it would be a crisis! This issue’s thrilling story is only let down a bit by the cartoony artwork. more

A bit of a comedown from the last couple issues, this is still an exciting read as we learn the origin of the Lion, and of course it has a Bruce Wayne connection. The no-fear plague begins to sweep the city and Batman begins to question himself more as the plague takes hold. Not quite the thrill ride as before, but it sets up an exciting finale to come.

The momentum slows somewhat this issue in favor of a protracted attack sequence in the Fort Fox lab, running in parallel with Wally’s journey into a Speed Force-like dimension. Still a great read with lots of excitement, but no resolution and a few unexplained plot jumps.

For the first time since the inaugural storyline, Diana seems to be up against a villain that is truly her ultimate match. Great character work as always is mixed with drama, suspense and action as the subplot with Cale enters a new, more dire phase. Between this issue and this week’s Absolute Batman 16 featuring Diana, it’s a fantastic week to be an Absolute Wonder Woman fan!

Hands down my favorite issue so far, and that comes following 2 prior perfect issues, but this one lands in its own tier of perfection. This issue deftly balances a perfect mix of action and adventure, meaningful and heartfelt character development for the whole cast of characters, sly humor, pathos, and empathy, along with an air of mystery. Dragotta delivers his finest artwork yet. Each page is a master class in storytelling. Buy a copy to read and re-read a dozen times, and buy an extra copy to treasure and save, as this issue is a high-point in an already stellar series. I can’t recommend it enough! (The ‘A’ cover makes me smile every time I see it, so grab this one if you can). more

This book has been on a steady downward spiral for me after its first few issues. This issue was by far my least favorite. A borderline incoherent story with Saturday morning cartoon-style artwork, a villain whose plans barely make any sense, and a Jon Kent subplot that is teased and then disappears, all add up to a nothing-burger for me. ACTION and SUPERMAN are fantastic, but this book really has no reason to exist anymore. more

Big improvement over Hampton’s first few solo writing issues. The characters all seem to have important things to do and that Larfleeze was a real threat instead of a joke. More issues like this one, please.

This book has become one of the very best monthly books that DC currently publishes, thanks to legendary writer Mark Waid, who is in effect writing “Superboy: Year One” here. Each issue explores a new facet to Clark and how he interacts with, and learns from, the world around him. This issue was another outstanding example. To have both ACTION and SUPERMAN in the hands of such talented storytellers is not to be taken for granted! more

Great Superman character work, some bizarre tag team partner choices, nice action, and some nostalgia tossed in all add up to the best chapter yet that finishes with an Absolute knockout cliffhanger!

Best issue yet, with excellent characterizations, clever twists, and a nice twist at the end! Williamson and Mora are a dream team!

While this chapter was very good on its own terms, the overarching storyline of this series is both convoluted and weak. Jo is not a compelling or sympathetic character to get behind, too many unanswered questions remain about this lantern corps, and the villain, Hammond, has had very little revealed about him. Compare this title to any other Absolute title and it falls way short of the high marks set by each of the other 5 books. more

Lo and behold, Condon writes the best issue of his run for the series finale. Still wasn’t perfect, but it carried more emotional resonance than his previous issues all combined. This series launched with a great run by Williamson and healthy sales. I’m sorry that it didn’t last longer, but I continued to support it even after Williamson left with the abrupt change in direction. Here’s to Absolute Green Arrow in 2026! See ya there! more

This issue’s storyline diverts Hal to Gotham for a second opinion in his soul-searching, where a less than excited Batman brings him along to investigate mysterious shenanigans at the docks. The plot this month is really secondary as Adams tries to deconstruct the relationship between Hal and Bruce. However, the humor seems a bit forced at times, and Carmine’s art isn’t his best work and seems a bit rushed in places. He’s done far better work elsewhere. I feel like this book is starting to lack a clear focus and direction. Hopefully #600 will remedy that. more

While I believe Waid is having fun revisiting the unleashed underworld and Neron, I think he seems less excited by the current DC KO goings-on and is trying to make the best of the tie-in. The art as always is gorgeous, but this feels a bit like lesser Waid brilliance compared to previous issues.

Similar to this week’s Flash KO issue, the winner of this battle was never in doubt. However, what elevates the story once again is the deep dive into Luthor’s psyche and how he sees himself at this point in time to figure out his strategy and next moves. Also enjoyed the interlude with Prime and Lois as they hatch their own plan to help save the day. I prefer Sherman’s Absolute WW art style over his work here, but it’s still enjoyable. more

Very enjoyable finale, though it lacks the thrilling moments of previous chapters, not to mention it pales a bit compared to recent big finales in other titles like Absolute Batman #14. Lots of great emotional beats and character work help elevate the big smackdown moments.

Another enjoyable showdown, though I don’t think the outcome was ever in doubt. The best parts of this issue are a look into Jay’s soul, the Grodd interlude, and the Wally/Bart story framing device, which features an intriguing twist at the end.

The best chapter yet in “The Courage That Kills”! Excellent artwork by Janin along with a nice balance by Taylor of plotting, character work, and action that all moves the story forward at a fast clip. The mystery posed at the very end, along with appearances by Damian, Selina, Dick and Babs, all tip this over into “perfect issue” territory as the clock counts down to the finale!

A refreshing return for this book sees the aftermath of the White Martian storyline come into play for both Middleton and John, who is now separated from his wife and living in a shitty motel, with his Martian companion worrying about his current state of being. The art is as perfect as ever while the writing takes a leisurely, yet compelling, pace as new plots are set in motion.

Exquisite first meeting between 2 absolute titans of justice, pulled off with sensational writing and gorgeous artwork. It was pure joy being able to watch these two get to know each other and work together to solve a case with ominous underpinnings behind the scenes. Just a minor quibble or two: the art was very dark and difficult to see what was going on in some panels (at least in the print version), and Batman was a little too verbose at times compared to his own book.Diana’s dialogue was simply perfect and a testament to why I absolutely adore her. more

For how rough and cold the Absolute Universe is, this is such a cute and gentle meeting between two goliaths of justice. I could not have asked for a more uplifting story, of a duo with great chemistry.

Instead of an overly tense or dramatic headbutt between the two, Thompson and Sherman focus on what would bring Batman and Wonder Woman together. They have an immediate trust and kinship, towards a common goal to make the world a better place.

Here's to many more Absolute team ups! more

This issue barrels along at full speed, continuing the momentum from last issue, and with lots of fascinating twists and turns along the way. Lemire and Robles are in peak form here, with characters and supporting cast that we’ve grown to care for, along with reappearances from some old friends (and a new foe). I’m enjoying this story as much as Snyder’s Absolute Batman. Credit to this team for delivering such amazing work! more

The best of the All Fight Month crossovers so far this month.