Top 10 Must-Read Comics Debuting in September 2026

September 2026 brings a wealth of comic releases that demand attention. The launch of X-Men: DNX marks a pivotal moment as Chairman Hank McCoy’s brutal attack on Magneto leaves the villain’s survival uncertain. Meanwhile, DC Comics’ The Flash, under the direction of Ryan North, remains essential reading. Other notable releases include Jason Aaron’s Bug Wars: The Coming of the Wardoom, Sleepy Hollow: The Witches of the Western Wood No. 5 by Delilah S. Dawson, and Mad Cave Studios’ The Dirt Beneath the Devil No. 2, a sophomore issue that continues the promise of its acclaimed first installment. With so many options, here are the standout titles to add to your pull list.

Amazing Spider-Man No. 1000 (Marvel Comics)

In Amazing Spider-Man No. 35, Peter receives a harrowing call from Cormac “Mac” Crane informing him that Aunt May has suffered a stroke. While May has faced perilous situations before, this moment carries added weight due to her age and the milestone of the 1000th issue—an occasion that seems destined for a significant turning point.

“Spider-Man faces his greatest fear and his most frightening new villain in decades…RAVAGE!” -Marvel

A new adversary, Ravage, is set to enter Spider-Man’s world, and Marvel hints that this fresh villain will play a crucial role in the fate of Aunt May.

Absolute Batman No. 24 (DC Comics)

Barbara Gordon is not Batgirl in the Absolute Universe; she is the Bat, and she makes her official debut in Absolute Batman No. 24. Her arrival is more than a visual change—Bruce Wayne is in crisis and desperately needs a lifeline to pull him back from the abyss. The introduction of the Bat mirrors the pivotal moment when Tim Drake took on the Robin mantle after Jason Todd’s death, but Barbara is a seasoned adult. Her direct link to Jim Gordon, whose demise ignited Bruce’s descent into paranoia and conspiracy orchestrated by Scarecrow, gives her a unique perspective. Moreover, her distance from Bruce Wayne may allow her to reach him in ways that allies such as Harvey and Martha cannot.

Kingdom Of Zod (DC Comics)

Issues: Supergirl No. 17, Action Comics No. 1102, Superman Unlimited No. 17, Superman No. 42, and Superman: Kingdom of Zod Special No. 1

Although Dru-Zod remains the antagonist, his comeback in the Superman crossover “Kingdom of Zod” has been as spectacular as it is devastating. Armed with the Eradicator (now called the Eradicatrix), Zod has overwhelmed much of the Super Family. Compounding the threat, Green Kryptonite is spreading across the globe, infecting non‑Kryptonians. The situation grows even grimmer when Zod’s wife eliminates her husband for perceived weakness and hijacks Booster Gold’s time machine to travel to the past, intending to save Krypton. Should she succeed, the timeline could unravel, potentially erasing Earth‑0.

Any Given Smile No. 1 (IDW Publishing)

Building on Hannah Rose May’s Smile: For The Camera, Eisner‑award nominee Stephanie Williams brings her acclaimed talents to the Smile universe. In an interview with CBR, Williams noted, “It is really scary because (the Smile Entity) wants everyone to smile. So if you happen to find a host that will be on a big stage, what does that look like?” The original Smile films have been celebrated for their inventive horror, and the IDW Dark adaptation retains that spirit—perhaps even surpasses it. Unbound by CGI constraints, Any Given Smile can push the boundaries of imagination further than ever.

Batman: Bad Seeds (DC Comics)

Batman: Bad Seeds opens with Poison Ivy surrendering Gotham to the Parliament of Trees, resulting in the city being consumed by flora and innocent lives lost—though Ivy is indifferent, believing it secures her safety. Yet the unchecked growth threatens to engulf the entire planet. The Bat Family is expected to intervene, but the real intrigue lies in how they overcome their own obstacles: Oracle is imprisoned, Tim Drake has temporarily abandoned the Robin mantle, and Nightwing is struggling. This crossover also marks Verity Pennyworth’s inaugural major operation, adding another layer to the team’s dynamics. Among the many titles woven into this event, the key issues to watch include Batman No. 13, Batgirl No. 23, Batwoman No. 7, Detective Comics No. 1113, Nightwing No. 142, and Poison Ivy No. 48.

Mister Nemo No. 3 (Mad Cave Studios)

Mad Cave Studios presents Mister Nemo, a modern retelling of the classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” that honors the spirit of the original. Nemo continues his fight to liberate the oppressed from tyrannical rule. The initial two issues delivered high‑octane action while introducing a cast of allies poised to join his cause. With issue No. 3, the series promises new characters and deeper insight into Nemo’s motivations for embarking on this crusade.

Redcoat No. 20 (Image Comics)

Simon Pure—despite repeatedly insisting he is far from pure—reunites with his wife and children, who accept his past and look forward to a fresh start. Their joy is fleeting, however, as the true Benedict Arnold betrays Simon, murdering his family in a brutal scene within their own home. Arnold’s cold justification: “It’s just who I am.” Image Comics hints that this issue will reveal whether an immortal can truly perish, and it appears to be the point where Simon Pure abandons hope in love and humanity—an ending that may serve as a stark new chapter for the character.

Mortal Thor No. 801 (Marvel Comics)

Following 14 issues of Mortal Thor, Sigurd Jarlson sets out on a quest to locate Thor. The Enchantress, currently serving as the All‑Mother of Asgard, will use every means at her disposal to halt the Odinson’s return, despite Sigurd’s proven resourcefulness that surpasses any mortal. Al Ewing’s Thor run has been consistently top‑tier, and the momentum shows no sign of waning. Expect appearances from legendary Asgardian beings, Loki’s schemes, and the inventive storytelling that only Ewing can deliver. This issue marks the outset of Thor’s comeback—essential reading for fans.

Exquisite Corpses: Fox Mask Killer No. 1 (Image Comics)

The Fox Mask Killer stands out as one of the most skilled and enigmatic figures in Exquisite Corpses. Her allure lies in the mystery surrounding her past, with only hints of a tragic event involving her daughter, linked to the contestants and killers Lady Carolina and her twin sister—secrets that will be uncovered in this forthcoming mini‑series launching this month. Writer Che Grayson (Absolute Catwoman) is poised to deliver one of 2026’s standout mini‑series, revealing why the Fox Mask Killer earned her reputation as the world’s premier assassin and exploring the driving force behind her quest for vengeance.

Geiger No. 25 (Image Comics)

Rounding out the list is Geiger No. 25, a milestone issue that has taken its toll on protagonist Tariq Geiger, his allies, and readers alike. In this pivotal installment, Tariq confronts President Griffin in a clash that promises to be lethal. Anticipate tragedy for Geiger, his two‑headed wolf Barney, or Nate the Nuclear Knight. Following the series’ conclusion, the Redcoat/Geiger crossover “Radioactive Revolution!” will commence, featuring a showdown that eventually gives way to uneasy alliance—standard fare for such narratives. Yet the true highlight may be the friction between Simon Pure and Tariq Geiger, which could finally illuminate the secret behind the atomic bombings.

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