Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This might be the worst new comic week of the year — and Marvel and DC both played a big role in that mess. If 2026 needed to get its disaster week out of the way early, this might be it. Two major event comics land with a thud, delivering confusion, stalled storytelling, and zero payoff for readers who expected these books to matter.
We start with Ultimate Endgame #2, a follow-up that somehow manages to be more incoherent and less engaging than the first issue. Instead of pushing the Ultimate Universe forward, the book collapses under endless exposition, unfocused ideas, and sidelined characters. What should feel like a major moment instead reads like a rough draft that never got tightened.
DC isn’t in better shape. DC K.O.: Boss Battle should be dumb crossover fun, but instead becomes an overstuffed jumble of characters, half-finished fights, and missed opportunities. Even with strong names involved, the issue never finds its footing, leaving readers wondering who this comic was actually made for.
Then it’s time for the week’s must-read comics:
Thundarr the Barbarian #1 — Jason Aaron (writer), Ho Che Anderson (artist)
A loud, unapologetic 80s throwback packed with action, energy, and barbarian excess. Over-the-top in all the right ways, with momentum and attitude that immediately stand out in an otherwise miserable week.
Flash Gordon #15 — Jeremy Adams (writer), Eder Messias (artist)
The conclusion of Jeremy Adams’ Flash Gordon run delivers a satisfying full-circle ending. Strong character work, clever manipulation of rival forces, and a reminder of how good this series was from start to finish.
Planet of the Apes vs Fantastic Four #1 — Josh Trujillo (writer), Andrea Di Vito (artist)
A shockingly fun crossover that fully understands both properties. Fast-paced, genuinely funny, and the best Fantastic Four comic in years, capturing classic Marvel energy without feeling forced.
Video Sponsor — The 616 Comics
For the best retailer-exclusive variants in comics, check out The 616 Comics.
Visit https://the616comics.com! Use code THINKINGCRITICAL to get 10% off their exclusive covers.
🎧 Want More No-BS Comic Talk?
The latest Hot or Not Podcast is live right now, covering even more weekly releases and deeper discussion.
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Back Channel Memberships
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:48 Ultimate Endgame #2 Absolutely Sucks
03:27 DC K.O.: Boss Battle… WTF Was That?
06:58 Thundarr the Barbarian #1
08:21 Flash Gordon #15
09:53 Planet of the Apes Vs Fantastic Four #1
Follow the Channel
📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thinking_critical
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thinkingcrit
📘 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1368359010382132
💬 Discord: discord.gg/uHM3Z68
🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/thinking_critical_yt
Contact Wes
🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/Wes_from_TC
📧 Email: wesdigscomic@gmail.com
🔊 Automatic Dubbing Disclaimer
This video includes YouTube’s automatic dubbing feature for non-English speakers. Translations may contain minor errors and do not always reflect tone or expression. You can switch back to the original English track in the settings if needed.
This might be the worst new comic week of the year — and Marvel and DC both played a big role in that mess. If 2026 needed to get its disaster week out of the way early, this might be it. Two major event comics land with a thud, delivering confusion, stalled storytelling, and zero payoff for readers who expected these books to matter.
We start with Ultimate Endgame #2, a follow-up that somehow manages to be more incoherent and less engaging than the first issue. Instead of pushing the Ultimate Universe forward, the book collapses under endless exposition, unfocused ideas, and sidelined characters. What should feel like a major moment instead reads like a rough draft that never got tightened.
DC isn’t in better shape. DC K.O.: Boss Battle should be dumb crossover fun, but instead becomes an overstuffed jumble of characters, half-finished fights, and missed opportunities. Even with strong names involved, the issue never finds its footing, leaving readers wondering who this comic was actually made for.
Then it’s time for the week’s must-read comics:
Thundarr the Barbarian #1 — Jason Aaron (writer), Ho Che Anderson (artist)
A loud, unapologetic 80s throwback packed with action, energy, and barbarian excess. Over-the-top in all the right ways, with momentum and attitude that immediately stand out in an otherwise miserable week.
Flash Gordon #15 — Jeremy Adams (writer), Eder Messias (artist)
The conclusion of Jeremy Adams’ Flash Gordon run delivers a satisfying full-circle ending. Strong character work, clever manipulation of rival forces, and a reminder of how good this series was from start to finish.
Planet of the Apes vs Fantastic Four #1 — Josh Trujillo (writer), Andrea Di Vito (artist)
A shockingly fun crossover that fully understands both properties. Fast-paced, genuinely funny, and the best Fantastic Four comic in years, capturing classic Marvel energy without feeling forced.
Video Sponsor — The 616 Comics
For the best retailer-exclusive variants in comics, check out The 616 Comics.
Visit https://the616comics.com! Use code THINKINGCRITICAL to get 10% off their exclusive covers.
🎧 Want More No-BS Comic Talk?
The latest Hot or Not Podcast is live right now, covering even more weekly releases and deeper discussion.
Support the Channel / Join the Community
Support Thinking Critical on Patreon for Exclusive Content
🔗 patreon.com/thinkingcritical
Back Channel Memberships
🔗 youtube.com/@Wes_From_TC/join
🛒 Official Thinking Critical Merch
🔗 redbubble.com/people/T-Critical/shop?asc=u
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:48 Ultimate Endgame #2 Absolutely Sucks
03:27 DC K.O.: Boss Battle… WTF Was That?
06:58 Thundarr the Barbarian #1
08:21 Flash Gordon #15
09:53 Planet of the Apes Vs Fantastic Four #1
Follow the Channel
📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thinking_critical
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thinkingcrit
📘 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1368359010382132
💬 Discord: discord.gg/uHM3Z68
🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/thinking_critical_yt
Contact Wes
🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/Wes_from_TC
📧 Email: wesdigscomic@gmail.com
🔊 Automatic Dubbing Disclaimer
This video includes YouTube’s automatic dubbing feature for non-English speakers. Translations may contain minor errors and do not always reflect tone or expression. You can switch back to the original English track in the settings if needed.
