Weekly Reader, July 20, 2026

[Jeff]

Working from home this week so I might get a chance to get some reading done.

Crossgen
The First #21
The First #22
Crux #15
Crux #16
Sojourn #12

Hoopla
X-Men: Elsewhen vol 1

Marvel Unlimited
IMPERIAL GUARDIANS #2 (OF 5)
INGLORIOUS X-FORCE #4
MAGIK & COLOSSUS #3 (OF 5)
ULTIMATE WOLVERINE #16

DC Universe Ultra
Legion of Super-Heroes #42
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #20
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #21
DETECTIVE COMICS #1110
WONDER WOMAN #34
THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #5 (OF 6)

—————————————————————————————

[Perry]

Once again, no new Marvel for me this week. Sad goings.


On another note, working on trying to get Jeff and I on the same page with CrossGen, so we can talk without spoilage, but as he is reading in trade and I am more worried about release order, it may not happen exactly as we'd wish. But hey, we're going to be close at least (for example, I've already read Sojourn #12, but I'm only reading #13 to, ya know, try and "keep it tight").


Anywho, here is what I've knocked out so far for this week...


Marvel Unlimited


DC Universe Ultra


Hoopla


CrossGen
The First #21
The First #22
Crux #15
Crux #16
Sojourn #13

*******************************************

The First - Writer Barbara Kesel had me confused for a few pages with the time shifts she had in here. I mean, this comic is not always the easiest to stay abreast of, so many damn characters that either look like others or matter not one single iota, haha, but when you add shifts to time, it makes it even harder. I got it, but yeah, isn't always the clearest picture when dealing with this book. In fact, I think it was around this time that I started putting away some CrossGen titles before even reading them, with this title probably being the 'first' I chose to do that to. Good news is a lot of this stuff going forward may be totally new for me. Haha

Crux - Still one of my favorite CG titles and I so wanted to read the next issue, but... see my statement at the top. Ha. Both issues, 15 and 16 (not counting the additional little part 1 of the 2 parter at the end), had a last page ending that got me all fired up. Most certainly looking forward to more of this puppy.

Sojourn - Almost an Annual feel to this issue, but more important. Shows a side of a character that... well... can't say too much. Very good, very fast issue, that also made me want to read the next one. But I am being good and waiting.

[Jeff]

Crossgen
The First #21
The First #22
Crux #15
Crux #16
Sojourn #12

Hoopla
X-Men: Elsewhen vol 1

Marvel Unlimited
IMPERIAL GUARDIANS #2 (OF 5)
INGLORIOUS X-FORCE #4
MAGIK & COLOSSUS #3 (OF 5)
ULTIMATE WOLVERINE #16

DC Universe Ultra
Legion of Super-Heroes #42
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #20
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #21
DETECTIVE COMICS #1110
WONDER WOMAN #34
THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #5 (OF 6)

—————————————————————————————

The First #21–22: I think the time jump is meant to throw you off, and once you realize who the baby is, it clicks in a great "oh wow" moment. Really enjoyed these two issues.

Crux #15–16: Still one of the line's strongest books. The new characters add a lot, and I'm genuinely excited to see where they go next. The Negation conflict feels like it's about to erupt.

Sojourn #12: A nice breather chapter that bridges the story arcs well. Onward to the next stage of the quest.

[Perry]

The First #21–22: I think the time jump is meant to throw you off, and once you realize who the baby is, it clicks in a great "oh wow" moment.

  Oh yeah, absolutely. I was just not prepared for it mentally. Ha

I knocked out almost all my DC this morning. Just didn't have time to get to the Bizarro issue

Marvel Unlimited


DC Universe Ultra
Absolute Superman #20
Absolute Wonder Woman #21
Zatanna #3
Ezra Cain #5
Gotham Central #11

Hoopla


CrossGen
The First #21
The First #22
Crux #15
Crux #16
Sojourn #13

*******************************************

Absolute Supes - I will say this... can't wait for the Absolute Hawkman title... that I hope is in the works 

Absolute WW - I've never been a huge fan of the... main villain here... same one for the last couple issues, kinda... but this was a pretty good tale.

Zatanna - Loved the first two or three volumes of this title by Campbell, but I just can't get into this one. And I like the idea of what he's doing with Zatanna, but... yeah... I'm done

Ezra Cain - I think Hellboy/BPRD did this better. Not the same story, but certainly one very similar. I like the pulp feel of this title, but overall, I think this is just an okay story.

Gotham Central - At least we're finishing strong. In this issue, we are shown the person that actually turns on the Bat-Signal , Stacey, whom not only has that important job, but we also get a little info into her life... and dreams.   An enjoyable one and done story with different, but extremely well done art by Brian Hurtt (The Sixth Gun) to give Lark more time to get his pencils done for future issues. I wouldn't mind seeing Hurtt return to this title before it is all said and done. Another good issue!!