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Batman finds a threatening new foe in this week's new comics

With the recently released Fantastic Four film fizzling out in theaters, moviegoers might be developing a sour taste in their mouths for all things superhero. Fret not, this film was a fluke, and when the movies let us down at least we have comic books. Don't think you're golden, DC, you still made Green Lantern.

This week, we return to the main story on the Secret Wars side of things in Marvel, and Batman, not Bruce Wayne, discovers a new villain looking to take the streets of Gotham.

Let's take a look at a sampling of each side's offerings to see what's worth your read this week.

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Marvel Comics

Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde #2

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Sam Humphries, known for his work on the Legendary Star-Lord series, loves messing with our hearts. After getting engaged at the end of the Black Vortex crossover event, Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde were everyone's favorite cosmic couple, until the universe ended.

Now, a surviving Star-Lord is captured by an alternate universe Kitty and is being taken to Doom. But, it looks like this Kitty might be falling in love with Star-Lord as well. Ooooooo.

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Secret Wars #5

After the death of a major player in #4, God Doom is trying his best to cover his tracks, pinning the crime on the survivors of the Marvel Universe: Black Panther, Mr. Fantastic, Peter Parker, Miles Morales, Captain Marvel, Star-Lord and Lady Thor.

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In an attempt to find these universe-hopping harbingers of treason, Doom tasks his faux-daughter, Valeria, with assembling a team to hunt them down. Doom is scared, and with Thanos and his crew on the loose as well, he's got every right to be.

A-Force #3

The A-Force, Marvel's new all-female team of radical superheroes has discovered a traitor in their land of Arcadia. As they search for the double agent, the Thor Corps has arrived to shut them down, leaving us to believe that Doom is involved.

Medusa holds off the Corps and allows the others a chance to retreat and plan, but at what cost? You'll have to read it and find out. This is a golden jewel in the Secret Wars crown.

Planet Hulk #4

As warrior Captain America, with his trusty Battle Axe and Devil Dinosaur, continues his trek to the Red King of Greenland, he comes across Doc Green. If you've been keeping up, Green's identity won't be a mystery, but for new readers, there will be a payoff.

Cap is searching for Bucky, his brother in war, and comes to find that he is not where he expected him to be. What will Cap do next? I wouldn't want to be the Red King.

Other releases to look out for: Star Wars: Lando #2, Inhumans: Attilan Rising #4, Years of Future Past #4

DC Comics

Batman #43

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With Commissioner Gordon now donning the cape and cowl, and mechanized battle suit, he's trying his best to figure out what it takes to be Batman. With a story that started out rather slow, we must have faith in writer Scott Snyder to keep things moving.

With the introduction of a new ring leader on the streets of Gotham named Mr. Bloom, things are about to get hectic and bloody.

Also, Batman has a gun that shoots mini Batarangs. It's great, and this issue is a standout for the week.

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Batman Superman #23

In this issue, Superman tries to help out a group of underground-dwelling monster people as Batman coaches him from the outside. The people, void of a light source, seek to use Wayne Enterprises mobile Sun to give them power.

Everyone else however, sees this as an act of war, to which Superman is the ambassador. With dampened power, Clark Kent is forced to use his words and stealth to get to the bottom of things.

Starfire #3

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This isn't the Starfire you remember from the Teen Titans cartoon. This Starfire is older and new to Earth, learning the ropes in Key West, Florida.

The first few issues were rather weak, and focused more on Starfire's looks than anything, but missed the point that she can kick major ass. So, here we are. Starfire starts fighting and another hero is brought into the mix. Can't wait to see where this goes next.

Action Comics Superman #43

As writer Greg Pak continues to understand the core of what it means to be Superman, we get a follow-up to last month's issue dealing with police brutality.

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The short answer: it wasn't a cop! It was a monster!

Yes, that seemed like a bit of lame duck, but it works for the narrative. With the city of Metropolis essentially giving Superman the boot, he's started a grassroots movement to defend his city.

Other releases to look out for: Constantine the Hell Blazer #3, Green Arrow #43, DC Comics Bombshells #1

Winner: DC Comics

With a new, actually menacing foe in Snyder's Batman and Pak's understanding of the man of steel, DC wins this week's bout. Sure, Secret Wars is going great, but as we near the penultimate chapters, there's a bit of set up necessary. We forgive you for Green Lantern, DC.

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Indie Spotlight

Each week we'll put up one independently published comic you should read. This week it's...

Descender #6

From the writer of All-New Hawkeye, Jeff Lemire brings us a dystopian adventure through the stars as a young boy robot attempts to find his family after an apocalyptic scenario leaves him out of commission. As he travels with his companions, we taught that robots can have souls and memories of their own.

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In a world with tragedy and grief at every turn, it's comforting to know that everyone still has a bit of heart in them. You should read this.