I like to try to value mid-run comics in this column as much as I do new #1 issues, and yet this week’s Top Comics to Buy for July 1 is five new series launches. And, honestly, the next one or two up might have also been new #1s. Perhaps it’s the start of summer proper, but this is just an incredible week for new beginnings, from the return of Shaolin Cowboy to new books like Beast of Boriken or Dogsitter to a fun Marvel one-shot.
Check out my full list of five recommendations below, along with 10 other books I enjoyed, and the usual sets of release lists … enjoy!
Top Comics to Buy for July 1, 2026
Beast of Boriken #1
Writer: Julio Anta
Artist: Daniel Irizarri
Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics – Tiny Onion
In contemporary Puerto Rico, Loli Flores is a fierce activist fighting the overdevelopment of the island by outside investors. When a ground-breaking ceremony is violently interrupted by a supernatural force, Loli discovers that the stories of el Chupacabra are not just echoes from the past, but a brutal protector of generations extending back to the indigenous people of the island. As Loli uncovers the horrors firstand, el Chupacabra is on a parallel path with elemental destruction left in his wake.
Why It’s Cool: I’m a big fan of this entire creative team, as well as the sort of true crime but for cryptids concept of Tiny Onion’s True Weird books. And this first issue does not disappoint.
Price: $4.99
Dogsitter #1
Writer: Jamie S. Rich
Artist: Megan Levens
Colorist: Nick Filardi
Letterer: Crank!
Publisher: Ignition Press
Gemma Monroe should be reveling in her ’20s. Instead, she’s on a leave of absence from veterinarian school to save for rising tuition, stacking shifts at a flower shop and juggling her side gig as a dogsitter. Gemma’s favorite canine client — an Akita with an identity crisis — comes with the most demanding dog-mom: Portia Ross, a high-powered executive with deep pockets who sees Gemma as a pet project of her own. It’s delicate, but Gemma knows that getting her life back on track means this customer is always right. And the policy works… until Gemma locks eyes with the charming Neal Mandell, and what starts as a welcome casual fling unleashes a transactional love triangle that could throw her future to the dogs.
Why It’s Cool: In brief, this new romcom comic is just charming as all get out. It’s got your usual romance trappings, dogs (!), and wonderful art. Give it a shot!
Price: $4.99
Killer Influences #1
Writer: Joey Esposito
Artist: Valeria Burzo
Colorist: Inaki Azpiazu
Letterer: Alex Ray
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Killer Influences follows Melvin, a serial killer who is aspiring to be one of the most infamous to ever do it, a true American nightmare. His problem? He’s so efficient and methodical that he doesn’t have a brand. No one has connected his crimes—except for Kylie, an aspiring true crime influencer who is flailing at a small-town newspaper. When she comes across Melvin’s crimes and reaches out to him… she figures out how she’s going to become a star. She will give Melvin the identity he needs to be the iconic serial killer he wants to be, while she follows his exploits on her channel and becomes famous. Kylie and Melvin make a pact that will make their dreams come true and destroy their lives in the process.
Why It’s Cool: This book is so well-done, and it also features a really novel serial killer concept, one tied up in efficency, ambition, and mutual gain in interesting ways I’ve not quite seen done before in this genre. Absolutely loved this first issue and can’t wait to see where this story is headed.
Price: $4.99
Shaolin Cowboy – Staying A.I. Live #1
Writer/Artist: Geoff Darrow
Colorist: Ian Herring
Letterer: Nate Piekos
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
The Shaolin Cowboy faces an icy reception when he leaves his wasteland retreat on a mission of mercy, following the considered consul of a desert swallow and a horned toad, both endangered species. But none as endangered as the wandering ex monk becomes, once again because in this typical AMERIGUNN small town he learns euthanASIA is the new import duty on foreign imports!!!
Why It’s Cool: Is there a more reliable book in all of comics than Shaolin Cowboy? I’m struggling to think of. Geoff Darrow’s work here is just always so interesting, sharp, insightful, and fun. It’s a great combo, and it works well (unsurprisingly) in this new mini’s first issue.
Price: $4.99
What If The Ultimate Universe Survived The Secret Wars #1
Writer: Alex Paknadel
Artist: CAFU
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Starring Peter Parker, our beloved friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, as he is forced to survive in a not-so-friendly neighborhood after losing everything! What becomes of the original Ultimate Universe in a post-Secret Wars landscape? How did they defeat the Beyonder? And who does Spider-Man become after losing everything?
Why It’s Cool: I have had all things Ultimate Universe on the brain since enjoying last week’s conclusion to the latest iteration of it. And now this week we get this book, which blends in elements of the most recent Secret Wars event (which was somehow already 10 years ago!), and it’s a What If…so it’s all a pretty fun exercise.
Price: $4.99
10 Other Comics I Enjoyed This Week
- 100 Bullets – The U.S. of Anger #1
- Absolute Martian Manhunter #12
- Batman / Green Arrow / The Question Arcadia #4
- Batman #11
- The Deadman #2
- Iron Man #7
- Minor Arcana #16
- Nights #19
- Poison Ivy #46
- Royals #4
New #1s and One-Shots
- 100 Bullets – The U.S. of Anger #1
- Adventure Time Quadruple Feature #1
- Beast of Boriken #1
- Challenges of Doom – Mr Fantastic #1 (one-shot)
- Dead Acre – Black Badge #1
- Dogsitter #1
- Faceless and the Family – Maze of the Mechanical Aliens #1
- Killer Influences #1
- Last Starfighter #1
- Marvel Swimsuit Special – Brand New Beach Day #1 (one-shot)
- Power Rangers Unlimited #1
- Red Sonja Noir – The Plunder and the Princess #1
- Shaolin Cowboy – Staying A.I. Live #1
- Starhenge Book 2 A Kiss for Atticus #1
- Star Wars – Rogue One – Saw Guerra #1 (one-shot)
- Vampirella Summer Special 2026 $1 (one-shot)
- What If The Ultimate Universe Survived The Secret Wars #1
Graphic Novels and Trade Collections
- An Iranian Metamorphosis TP
- Batman and Robin Vol 3 – The Quiet Man TP
- Captain America Vol 1 Our Secret Wars TP
- Captain America by Mark Gruenwald Omnibus Vol 3 HC
- Complete Carl Barks Disney Library Vol 30
- Critical Role Legend of Vox Machina – Whitestone Chronicles Vol 3 The Briarwoods HC
- Declaration / Emancipation Illustrated TP
- Doctor Who – The Prison Paradox TP
- Get Jiro The Complete Collection TP
- Invincible Vol 16 TP New Edition
- John Carpenter’s Night Terrors Chaplain TP
- Purr Evil TP
- Sam and Twitch Case Files Vol 2 TP
- Savage Sword of Conan Reforged Vol 1 TP
- Starhenge Book 1 The Dragon and The Boar TP
- Ultimate Fantastic Four Epic Collection Vol 2 Frightful TP
- War of the Worlds Thunder Child HC
- X-Men Elsewhen Vol 1 HC
- X-Men Epic Collection Vol 14 Mutant Massacre TP
Read past editions of the Top Comics to Buy!
And check out the Beat’s most recent comics reviews!
