It’s a massive week for comic fans, especially if you’re following the evolution of the Ultimate Universe or the gritty Absolute DC line. From major milestones to high-octane indie debuts, here are the top 5 releases you need on your pull list for the week of February 18, 2026.
1. Ultimate Spider-Man #24 (Marvel Comics)
The “Goodnight, Sweet Prince” issue is finally here. This issue marks the grand finale of the first major chapter in Jonathan Hickman’s reimagined Spider-Man mythos. Fans have been captivated by this older, married Peter Parker, and issue #24 promises to wrap up current threads while setting the stage for what’s next in the Ultimate line.
- Why it’s a must-read: It’s the end of an era for the most successful “Ultimate” relaunch title.
2. Absolute Batman #17 (DC Comics)
The Absolute Universe continues to be DC’s boldest swing in years. In this issue, the spotlight shifts to a redesigned, “Absolute” version of Poison Ivy. Writer Scott Snyder and artist Eric Canete (stepping in for this arc) are reimagining Dr. Pamela Isley in a way that aligns with this universe’s more brutal, grounded aesthetic.
- Why it’s a must-read: The debut of Absolute Poison Ivy is one of the most anticipated character redesigns of the year.
3. Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #1 (Marvel Comics)
Marvel is kicking off its next major mutant milestone with this oversized #1. Following the scent of his own trauma and a feral new threat named Tyler, Logan finds himself in a race against a super-soldier corporation known as PRIMEWARRIOR.
- Why it’s a must-read: It features the return of the classic villain Nuke, fully armed and upgraded for the modern era.
4. Death Fight Forever #1 (Image Comics)
If you miss the neon-soaked, hyper-violent aesthetic of ’80s arcade games and action flicks, this is your book. From Head Lopper creator Andrew MacLean and artist Alexis Ziritt, this series follows the Biggle brothers as they fight inter-dimensional crime bosses.
- Why it’s a must-read: It’s a “Double Dragon meets Contra” fever dream with high-concept meta-commentary on the action genre.
5. Black Panther 60th Anniversary Special #1 (Marvel Comics)
Six decades of T’Challa! This landmark one-shot features an anthology of stories from creators who have defined Wakanda over the years. It’s both a celebration of the past and a look at the future of the Black Panther mantle.
- Why it’s a must-read: Massive anniversary specials like this often contain “seed” stories for the next several years of Marvel’s cosmic and political storylines.
Honorable Mentions
- The Muppets Noir #1 (Dynamite): Roger Langridge returns to the Muppets for a hard-boiled parody.
- Uncanny X-Men #24 (Marvel): The “From the Ashes” era continues to heat up as the core team faces a new internal schism.
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