## Brace Yourselves, Comic Fans, It’s a Marvelous Monday!
Forget your midweek slump, because June 4th, 2025, is shaping up to be a monumental day for Marvel Comics. ComicsBeat is calling it their “best week in a long while”, and trust us, they know their stuff. From groundbreaking new series launches to long-awaited continuations, this week’s releases are packed with the kind of thrilling stories and jaw-dropping art that’ll have you racing to your local comic shop.
Beyond the Big Two: Hidden Gems in Other Publisher’s Catalog
While Marvel and DC often dominate the headlines, a wealth of compelling stories emerge from independent publishers. This week, we highlight two such gems that offer unique perspectives and captivating narratives.
Be Not Afraid #1
BOOM! Studios presents Be Not Afraid #1, a chilling horror comic that expertly blends religion, parenthood, and small-town paranoia. The story revolves around Cora Reims, a farm girl who gives birth to a Nephilim—the offspring of an angel and a human. As the child ages, his monstrous nature becomes increasingly apparent, bringing plagues and terror to the community.
The narrative’s chilling tone is amplified by Lisandro Estherren’s striking artwork, which conjures images of gothic horror and unsettling otherworldliness. Francesco Segala’s color palette further enhances the atmosphere, employing stark contrasts and muted tones to create a sense of dread. Be Not Afraid #1 stands out in the crowded indie scene with its thought-provoking themes, masterful artistry, and genuinely unnerving storytelling.
DC Pride #1
DC Comics continues its celebration of LGBTQ+ representation with DC Pride #1, an anthology comic that weaves together a diverse cast of characters in a compelling shared narrative. This year’s issue takes a significant step forward by adopting a new shared story format, transcending the anthology structure of previous years.
A century-old queer speakeasy in Gotham serves as the central location, drawing together heroes, villains, and civilians from across the DC Universe. When the beloved establishment faces closure, its patrons are inexplicably transported to a strange alternate dimension. This intriguing premise allows for a multi-faceted exploration of love, loss, identity, and acceptance, featuring engaging stories penned by a talented team of writers including Vita Ayala, Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Maya Houston, Sam Maggs, Tim Sheridan, Josh Trujillo, and Jenny Blake.
The artistic talent on display is equally impressive, with a diverse roster of artists contributing to the anthology’s vibrant visual tapestry. From Don Aguillo’s dynamic action sequences to Skylar Patridge’s delicate character studies, each page pulsates with life and emotion. DC Pride #1 represents a powerful statement of inclusivity and a testament to the enduring strength of LGBTQ+ storytelling in comics.
The Wednesday Round-Up: New Releases You Won’t Want to Miss
With a plethora of new comic book releases hitting shelves this week, it can be challenging to navigate the vast landscape of stories waiting to be discovered. Morningpicker has compiled a curated list of noteworthy releases across various publishers, highlighting titles with strong creative teams, compelling narratives, and genre-bending concepts.
- Imperial #1 (Marvel Comics)
From the cosmic-scale storytelling master Jonathan Hickman arrives Imperial #1, a sweeping epic that promises to reshape the Marvel Universe. With art by Iban Coello & Federico Vicentini and coloring by Federico Blee, this comic is a visual feast, delivering stunning cosmic vistas and intricate character designs.
- Absolute Batman #8 (DC Comics)
In the ongoing Absolute Batman saga, Scott Snyder continues to explore the darkest corners of the Bat-mythos. This installment features the acclaimed artistic duo of Marcos Martín and Munsta Vicente, who deliver breathtaking visuals that perfectly capture the gothic atmosphere of Gotham City.
- Batman – Dark Patterns #6 (DC Comics)
Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman’s exploration of Batman’s psyche delves deeper into the monstrous side of Gotham with Batman – Dark Patterns #6. This issue promises to unravel the mysteries surrounding Arnold Wesker/Scarface, delivering a chilling and psychologically gripping tale.
- Exquisite Corpses #1 (Image Comics)
James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh bring their signature blend of horror and action to Exquisite Corpses #1. This event comic pits a group of skilled assassins against each other in a deadly game of survival. With a star-studded creative team and a high-octane premise, Exquisite Corpses #1 is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats.
- The Sickness #7 (Uncivilized Comics)
Lonnie Nadler and Jenna Cha’s unsettling thriller The Sickness #7 continues to explore the psychological and societal consequences of a creeping pandemic. This issue promises to deepen the mystery surrounding “The Man” and his influence on the world.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks. This June, Marvel Comics is swinging for the fences, delivering a lineup that has even the most jaded comic connoisseur buzzing. From the emotional punch of “Captain Marvel” to the mind-bending twists of “X-Men,” and the sheer spectacle of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” this month showcases a breadth of storytelling that reminds us why we fell in love with comics in the first place. These aren’t just standalone issues; they’re building blocks for the future of the Marvel Universe. The ramifications of these stories will be felt for months to come, shaping the destinies of our favorite heroes and introducing exciting new faces. This isn’t just a good week for Marvel; it’s a statement of intent, a declaration that the House of Ideas is back and ready to dominate the comic book landscape. As we eagerly turn the pages of these new adventures, one thing is clear: the future of Marvel Comics is brighter than ever. And as readers, we’re along for the most thrilling ride of our lives.