Thursday Throwdown: The biggest battle of the week!

Every Thursday, 2 of the hottest new comics go head-to-head—and YOU decide which one comes out on top! Join the battle by following us on Twitter and voting for a winner every week.

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The Main Event!

Thursday Throwdown: Absolute Batman #15 vs. Ultimate Spider-Man #23

Welcome back to the ring for this week's Thursday Throwdown! Tonight, we have a heavyweight grudge match between two penultimate issues from the two largest companies in comics. In the DC corner, a chilling, psychological introduction to a terrifying new nemesis. And in the Marvel corner, a high-stakes, emotional family fight hurtling toward the end of an era! Get ready for the bell!

In the Left Corner: Absolute Batman #15

Stepping into the lights, shrouded in decades of dark history, it’s the master of dread, Absolute Batman #15! This issue marks the grand introduction of the Joker in the Absolute Universe. The main character, Batman (Bruce Wayne), is the subject of a terrifying history lesson, as Alfred Pennyworth finally reveals the story of the man they know as the Joker. The Joker's real name is Jack Grimm V, the scion of a dynasty of media moguls whose wealth is approaching trillionaire status through online gaming and software development. The fighting style of this issue is pure psychological horror, delivered by the reunion of writer Scott Snyder and legendary artist Jock. Alfred reveals that the Grimm family is the most powerful crime family in history, secretly funding both sides of every conflict while their ancestors have been tormenting the world for centuries, leading Alfred to suspect there has only ever been one Jack Grimm. This is a chilling masterclass in villain-building, setting up the ultimate dark reflection of Batman himself.

In the Right Corner: Ultimate Spider-Man #23

And in the opposite corner, a weary but determined father fighting for his family, it’s the urgent, emotional champion, Ultimate Spider-Man #23! This title is the penultimate issue of the critically acclaimed series, which has redefined Peter Parker as an older, married father of two. The main character, Spider-Man (Peter Parker), is engaged in a ticking-clock brawl to save his son, Richard Parker, who has been influenced by Doc Ock and is now in mortal danger. Writers Jonathan Hickman and artists Marco Checchetto and David Messina deliver a cinematic, high-stakes fight that finally features an "earned" showdown between Spider-Man and Kingpin. The battle is a rush of "brutal brawls" and "epic Spider-Man swings," showcasing Peter's emotional drive as a protector of his family. This issue moves subplots forward, including Uncle Ben and J. Jonah Jameson getting the truth out, accelerating toward a universe-ending finale with urgency and spectacle.

The Winner is: You decide by voting in our Twitter Poll.

Will it be Absolute Batman #15? Or will it be Ultimate Spider-Man #23?

Who gets their hand raised?

Let us know by voting on Twitter.

Absolute Batman #15

Ult. Spider-Man #23

As we dissect this week's comic book releases, it's evident that the field remains diverse and dynamic. While some titles shine brightly with creativity, others remind us that not every story is ready for the spotlight. Remember, every week offers an opportunity for new favorites to emerge, so keep searching for those that resonate with you!