A new era of Star Wars comics has begun with a new flagship series taking place in the aftermath of Return of the Jedi and before the events of Lucasfilm's New Republic Era shows. Starring Luke, Leia, and Han Solo, I was really excited to see what looks to be an ongoing struggle to reintroduce democracy and peace to galaxy in the wake of the Empire's fall. The first issue did a pretty good job of showing us what we can expect going forward.

After 83 years of comics, DC recently made a bold decision to kill off Justice Society of America hero Wildcat, and I honestly hope they stick to this choice. The world of comics is obviously full of heroes coming back to life, and the end of JSA #7 did seemingly tease he may come back at some point, but his death was really a moving sacrifice and proved to be such a shock that I think it'd do a disservice to his legacy to undo that.

It's kind of an accepted rule in comics that no one ever really stays dead, with one exception being that of Uncle Ben Parker in Marvel. There have been a few alternate universe versions of him, but never a full-on revival of the character, and I really hope they never go through with one. While similar to Thomas and Martha Wayne in how their deaths inspired their descendants' vigilante careers, Spider-Man's moral com largely came from Ben, and while I don't think his revival would completely upend things for Peter, it would risk harming Ben's character.

The first issue of the Battle Beast pinoff comic book arrives next week, and I'm excited that we are finally learning what happened in a part of his life that Invincible does not show. According to series artist Ryan Ottley, the Battle Beast comics will explain what happened to him in the time after he easily beat up Invincible and the Guardians of the Globe, and when we see him again in the Viltrumite prison. Battle Beast is a character with enormous potential for action sequences and whose personality can now finally be fleshed out, which is exciting.

The Expanse: A Little Death, which focuses on Amos, is a graphic novel continuation of the series. It blew past its Kickstarter goal in just minutes, proving that fans love this world and want more of it. While many felt that The Expanse was canceled too early, leaving much of the story rushed and simultaneously untold, this could be a way to bring it back. In a world of reboots, revivals, and reimaginings, it is not far-fetched to think if the graphic novel makes a lot of money, then studios will start to think about bringing the series back. I would love to see any form of The Expanse returned to television, so count me in.

In honor of National Superhero Day, I couldn't help but look back at my favorites and the various superpowers they have. If there were anyone's powers I wish I could have, it would definitely be either Blink's or Nightcrawler's teleportation, as I love the idea of being able to visit different places and see friends and family without the cost and time needed for traveling.

Marvel's new and canonical Legacy of Vader series has been fascinating, taking place between Episodes 8-9 and showing Supreme Leader Kylo Ren as he seeks to learn more about his grandfather's past. I especially liked Kylo's recent vision of Darth Vader in Legacy of Vader #3, where the Dark Lord taught his grandson a key lesson about the dark side (while refusing to help Kylo). It's a very cool and powerful moment between the two major Star Wars villains.

In Marvel Comics' new The Amazing Spider-Man #1, it was confirmed by Spider-Man that lifting a truck is the "top end of [his] spider-strength." The truck in question could weigh from 8,000 to 10,000 pounds, which means that number is where Spider-Man's maximum strength lies. While impressive, I think that number is somehow too low for what Spider-Man should be able to lift.

While teasers for Marvel's canonical Legacy of Vader #2 suggested that Darth Vader killed Watto, the full issue reveals Watto did not meet his demise at the hands of his former slave, and it was merely an assumption made by Kylo Ren. As such, I feel like this was a bit of misdirect from something that could have been a darkly poetic end for the Toydarian junk dealer, though some have argued Vader killing Watto wouldn't have made much sense.

Marvel's new Legacy of Vader series features Kylo Ren learning more about his grandfather's past, as well as how to turn his own past into power in the dark side. However, I think it would be very cool if Kylo also learned more about Pé Amidala, his grandmother whom Anakin lost in Revenge of the Sith (and failed to revive in the canon Darth Vader comics).

So far, DC has published Absolute Superman, Absolute Batman, and Absolute Wonder Woman, each one revealing a darker origin and status quo for the new Absolute Universe's Trinity (and there are more heroes on the way). That said, my favorite moment from the AU thus far is a tie between the debut of Batman's incredibly massive Batmobile with its turrets and wrecking ball, or the destruction of Krypton in Absolute Superman that's somehow far more complex in its tragedy than in the OG comics.

There have been several incredible Star Wars characters who've first been introduced in the comics, and some who've since crossed over into live-action, like the Wookiee bounty hunter Black Krrsantan. However, I'm a very big fan of the rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra who's basically Star Wars' version of Indiana Jones. I also love Sgt. Kreel, the Elite Stormtrooper who had Vader's trust, and was even allowed to wield a lightsaber while leading Scar Squadron.

Something I always find pretty silly that's all across superhero media, be it comics, films, or TV shows, are the narratives that see the public turn against a hero due to a doppelgänger. Meaning that the villain starts killing people, and suddenly, the public thinks, "Wait, Batman has lost it, and now he's a murderer!" Of course, the public has no reason to trust masked vigilantes, but it's often a narrative type that feels pretty contrived to me.

Jonathan Hickman's Ultimate Spider-Man tells the older Peter Parker story that I have wanted to read for years. While The Amazing Spider-Man ongoing has not been the best it could be for quite some time, the Ultimate version of the character is thriving. I love how it presents familiar characters in a new light, and Peter's relationship with Mary Jane getting the spotlight again is sensational. If things continue as they are, I don't see The Amazing Spider-Man suring the Ultimate title any time soon.

The Bat-Family has multiple heroes who could pick up the Batman mantle if Bruce Wayne were to retire, die, or be otherwise incapacitated. That has already happened many times in the comics, be it in the main timeline or in alternate universes. Over the past few years, I feel like there has been a push for Damian Wayne, Bruce's biological son, to be seen as the character destined to be the future Batman. However, Dick Grayson, aka Nightwing, is Batman's best successor, in my opinion. He has all the experience needed, the leadership skills, and can make Batman more inspiring.

There have been some very impressive comics in the official Star Wars canon since 2015. Some of my favorites have included the 2015 and 2017 Darth Vader runs. The first run set after A New Hope saw Vader learning for the first time that the pilot who blew up the Death Star was his son whom he never knew existed, while the 2017 series set after Revenge of the Sith saw Vader's first days as the Sith Lord, featuring major moments like the construction of his first Sith lightsaber and the creation of his imposing fortress on Mustafar. I've also really loved the High Republic initiative that's been spanning across books and comics since 2021.

Spider-Man and Deadpool's interactions in Marvel Comics were hilarious. However, I don't think that friendship is close to being Peter Parker's best. Spider-Man and the Human Torch have a much more affectionate friendship, with the heroes' team-ups always being fun and engaging. Peter and Johnny Storm being of similar age definitely helps. I also think that their powers being so different adds to the dynamic, and the Human Torch connection leads to Spider-Man's beautiful relationship with the Fantastic Four, even ing the team at one point.

Nightwing is one of DC Comics' best heroes. He is just incredibly likable and a great leader. As such, there are many compelling comic book runs for the character, both on the darker side and the lighter. I think that for anyone wanting to get into Nightwing as a character, you have to read the Chuck Dixon run. That said, my favorite Nightwing run is the award-winning Tom Taylor & Bruno Redondo book. It is upbeat, charming, action-packed, and features the Dick Grayson-Barbara Gordon relationship, which I love, in a prominent role. It also has extremely creative art.

DC Comics' Flash family has some interesting characters, but none come close to Wally West and Barry Allen. The two heroes have alternated being the main Flash of the DCU a few times, which obviously leads to them being compared constantly. While I it that Barry might be the more iconic one, I'm more of a fan of Wally's personality. In of power, I also think that Wally's speed has already been proven to be way above Barry's, making him the most effective version of The Flash.

With 2026's Supergirl movie being adapted by Tom King's monumental run, I'm hoping to see other fantastic and unique comic stories brought to life in James Gunn's DCU. Directly adapting comic stories, with some changes, is similar to what made the DCAMU movies so successful in the 2010s. Tom King's Mister Miracle is another narrative that seems perfect for a film adaptation.