Top Comics This Week: January 7, 2026
A brand-new year of comics officially kicks off this week, and there’s no better way to start 2026 than with a fresh stack of new issues on the first comic release day of the new year! Whether you’ve been counting down the days since your last pull or you never miss a Wednesday at your local shop, Jan. 7 marks the first wave of new stories, new chapters, and new surprises for weekly comic readers. From caped crusaders to cult-favorite icons, these are the top comics worth grabbing as the year gets underway.
1.) “Batman #5” (DC Comics)
The Dark Knight continues his latest arc in “Batman #5,” as Gotham’s protector faces escalating stakes in a city that never sleeps. While full plot details remain under wraps ahead of release, this issue is expected to intensify the psychological and physical challenges faced by Bruce Wayne and his allies. Historically, this chapter follows the rich storytelling and art that have enriched the series so far, blending noir-tinged detective work with high-octane action, as Batman unravels threats lurking in Gotham’s shadows. This installment promises to push characters to their limits and expand the narrative threads woven in earlier issues — making it a must-read for DC fans.
2.) “X-Men #23” (Marvel Comics)
“X-Men #23” arrives amid Marvel’s “Shadows of Tomorrow” era, a relaunch of the X-Men line that builds off the “Age of Revelation” storyline and reshapes the mutant landscape for 2026. In this issue, readers can expect to see the fallout from the last major crossover event, with lingering tensions and unknown consequences for the team’s cohesion. Early previews allude to Cyclops’s ongoing journey — particularly his mysterious time-displaced counterpart — which hints at major character development and narrative twists that may reverberate through future X-Men titles. As Marvel continues to expand its mutant mythos, “X-Men #23” sets new stakes and deepens the emotional and thematic complexity of the franchise.
3.) “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #4″ (IDW Publishing)
For fans of the turtles’ gritty street-level adventures, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #4” marks the latest chapter in the continuing saga of TMNT lore. While specific story details are limited before release, this arc centers around the Foot Clan’s infamous leader and his machinations against the Turtles. The series has consistently explored the complexity of Shredder’s motivations and his fractured relationship with the Ninja Turtles, making for a character-driven narrative that often blurs the lines between villainy and conflicted honor. Issue #4 is expected to ramp up the tension and possibly push the conflict toward a dramatic turning point, making it essential reading for long-time TMNT devotees.
4.) “Vampirella #9″ (Dynamite)
The bloodthirsty queen of horror returns in “Vampirella #9,” a title that blends gothic horror, supernatural intrigue, and campy, over-the-top thrills. “Vampirella” has long been a fan favorite for her blend of horror iconography and modern storytelling — and this issue continues her journey through dark mysteries and deadly confrontations.
According to Dynamite’s preview, “Vampirella’s best and most trusted friend has seemingly returned from the grave. But is he “real” – an actual, sentient life form? Or is he merely an automaton crafted by the living algorithm ARIS, sent to complicate Vampirella’s own struggle to determine if she herself is an actual person?” Whether you’re a seasoned follower of Vampirella’s mythos or a newcomer drawn to horror comics, this installment is poised to deliver the chilling thrills the series is known for.
5.) “The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Shiver of Christmas Town #1” (Dynamite)
Taking a seasonal favorite into a whole new realm, “The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Shiver of Christmas Town #1” launches an all-new tale set in the beloved world of Tim Burton’s classic film. This first issue invites readers back to Christmas Town with fresh characters, new twists on familiar faces, and a story that captures the whimsical yet eerie spirit of the original. According to Dynamite‘s website, “It all begins with the unveiling of Dr. Finkelstein’s newest creation, specially designed to be the scariest creature ever to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve. But something has gone awry in the process, and the final result is more cute and cuddly than fearsome and menacing.”
Fans can look forward to creative expansions of the lore, imaginative visuals, and a narrative that balances nostalgia with surprising developments — perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted to revisit Jack Skellington’s universe beyond Halloween Town’s boundaries.
Jan. 7, 2026, brings a diverse range of comics that should satisfy most tastes, from blockbuster superhero sagas to genre-blending horror and family-friendly fantasy. Whether you’re following long-running arcs or exploring bold new stories, this week’s releases offer something worth adding to your comics pull list. Don’t forget to check out your local comic shop for variants and special editions that add an extra layer of collectible appeal to these exciting titles!
