This week’s Top Comics to Buy for October 1 combines big superhero swings with clever and interesting indie comics experimentation, and the result is a pretty exciting group of books. DC’s Absolute Evil #1 one-shot had the feel to me of an old school, pre-event table-setter, complete with a shocking high stakes moment I won’t spoil here.
But, of course, more about all my picks below. And as a reminder, if you enjoy my weekly recs, I’m currently funding a horror comic of my own on Kickstarter. It’s called Macabre Valley, and you can learn about it/support it here … thanks!
Top Comics to Buy for October 1, 2025
Absolute Evil #1
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Giuseppe Camuncoli & Stefano Nesi
Colorist: Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Publisher: DC Comics
The emergence of superheroes has caught the attention of the world… and it’s certainly caught the attention of the people who run it. Ra’s al Ghul, Veronica Cale, Elenore Thawne, Hector Hammond, and the mysterious Joker have worked at cross-purposes until now, but this growing threat requires new ways of thinking… and new partnerships. An insidious betrayal from within their ranks is imminent, and if they don’t take action, they’ll lose control of a planet that was built to be their playground!
Why It’s Cool: There’s a bigger over-arching narrative at work with DC’s Absolute Universe comics, and in this one-shot we finally get our first direct taste of it. I enjoyed how well-executed this comic was, as well as it had an almost old school feel of setting up bigger superhero storylines to come. And what’s an event table-setting issue without a truly shocking moment? We definitely get one of those here. Should also note that Justice League: The Omega Act Special #1 hits this week, and is also good, big concept DC Comics fun.
Price: $5.99
The Author Immortal #1
Writer: Frank Barbiere
Artist: Morgan Beem
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Designer: Sasha Head
Publisher: Image Comics
A story about the stories that shape us — and the power they still hold. Hector Ramirez is a failed writer who gets the opportunity of a lifetime: to help reboot the fantasy book series that defined his childhood. But when he discovers the original author has mysteriously vanished into his fictional world, Hector is pulled into a realm where stories are alive, and some are willing to kill to stay in control.
Why It’s Cool: A love a good story about stories, as well as the people who make them, and this one is definitely top tier. A complex and surprising issue with a less than admirable main character, The Author Immortal is just a fantastic first issue. You can read my full thoughts about it here.
Price: $4.99
Batman #2
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Jorge Jimenez
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: DC Comics
Injured, cuffed, and tossed in the back of a GCPD paddy wagon with a dozen uncuffed and violent criminals, Robin (Tim Drake) will have to use everything he’s learned from the Dark Knight if he hopes to survive his own dark night. Will Batman arrive in time to help him, or will this mission change the way the city and the GCPD view the Dynamic Duo forever?
Why It’s Cool: This second issue of the brand-new Fraction/Jimenez Batman run was just as good as the first. It picks up right where the first chapter left off, and continues to explore ideas around Batman’s relationship with crime, cops and being a contributor to a better society. Plus, there’s some good old Batman-Robin banter.
Price: $4.99
Good Devils Don’t Play Fair With Evil #1
Writer: David Brothers
Artist/Letterer: Nick Dragotta
Publisher: Image Comics
From Nick Dragotta (East of West, Absolute Batman) and David Brothers (Time Waits) comes three tales that hit like a truck. Who will rule the roost in the post-apocalypse? Will the greatest boxer alive actually live up to his self-proclaimed legend? And just who will survive in America?
Why It’s Cool: Have you been enjoying artist Nick Dragotta’s total superstar turn on Absolute Batman? Would you like to see Dragotta at his most interesting and experimental? Well then, friend? This one-shot is for you. It’s smart and bold and loaded with well-done commentary. Pick it up.
Price: $5.99
Ultimate Wolverine #10
Writer: Christopher Condon
Artist: Alex Lins
Colorist: Bryan Valenza
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics
WOLVERINE VS. OMEGA RED! The Eurasian Republic leaders have learned that their prize weapon has joined the Opposition! And Wolverine busts out a secret weapon when Omega Red comes to reclaim him…
Why It’s Cool: Rounding out my picks for Top Comics to Buy for October 1 we have Ultimate Wolverine, a book that is fast becoming my favorite X-Men comic in ages. This issue is action-packed and consequential, and the whole book seems to be leading to an epic showdown between some familiar characters, just recast in less than familiar roles. I love it.
Price: $4.99
Other Comics I Enjoyed
Absolute Green Lantern #7- Batgirl #12
- Be Not Afraid #4
- Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League #3
- JSA #12
- Kaya #30
- Life #6
- Poison Ivy #37
- Rook Exodus #7
- Star Trek: Red Shirts #3
New #1s and One-Shots
- Adventure Time: The Bubbline College Special #1 (one-shot)
- DC’s Zatannic Panic #1 (one-shot)
- Department of Truth #0
- G.I. Joe – Cold Slither #1 (one-shot)
- Gotham Academy First Year #1
- Gunpowder Prophets Death in Texas #1
- Justice League: The Omega Act Special #1 (one-shot)
- Kill All Immortals II #1
- Last Day of HP Lovecraft #1
- Master of the Universe Andra #1 (one-shot)
- Minor Threats – The Last Devil Left Alive #1
- Savager #1
- Spider-Man Noir #1
- Spirits of Violence #1
- Starship Godzilla #1
- White Tiger Reborn #1 (one-shot)
- X-Men Age of Revelation Overture #1 (one-shot)
- X-Men From the Ashes: The Undertow #1 (one-shot)
Graphic Novels and Trade Collections
Archaic TP- Atlas Comics Library Vol. 6 Shiver As You Read HC
- Behemoth TP
- Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes Book 3 TP
- Carnage Modern Era Epic Collection Vol. 1 Carnage USA TP
- Complete Megaton Man Universe Vol. 1 The 1980s TP
- Ghost Rider Epic Collection Vol. 3 Deathrace TP
- G.I. Joe – A Real American Hero Compendium Vol. 2 TP
- Godzilla vs. The Marvel Universe TP
- Hyde Street Vol. 1 TP
- Immortal Thor Vol. 5 Death of the Immortal Thor TP
- King Spawn Origins Book 1 HC
- Knights vs. Samurai Vol. 1 TP
- Kraken TP
- Marvel Masterworks Man-Thing Vol. 2 HC
- Nubia Too Real TP
- Predator vs. Spider-Man TP
- Ripperland TP
- Sonic The Hedgehog: On the Go Vol. 1 GN
- Spider-Man Noir Hard-Boiled Origins TP
- Star Trek Vol. 5: When the Walls Fell TP
- Star Trek Voyager Omnibus TP
- Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons – The Rise of Hellfire TP
- Two-Face Trial Separation TP
- World of Black Hammer Omnibus Vol. 5 TP
- X-Men Age of Krakoa Dawn of X Omnibus Vol. 1 HC
- X-Men Gold and Blue Mutant Genesis Omnibus HC
Read past editions of the Top Comics to Buy!
And check out the Beat’s most recent comics reviews!
