FOC PICKS FOR 2/23/2026
Hello CHU Nation! It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for new releases, as I’m sure you’re all aware. The big two being D’Orc and White Sky, both mentioned in this article at FOC. But even with that who could have predicted their trajectory to be what it was in such short time. My gut says Nectar may be the next one up as it’s FOC was prior to the latest excitement in new Independents.
Well, there are a few new Indy’s showing up in this week’s FOC, but otherwise mostly covers, some old characters in new titles, and reprints. Let’s dive in!
Use code CHU2026 at Third Eye Comics to save 15% off all orders (including pre-orders below).
COVERS
It’s not very often we get a Todd McFarlane variant on a new book…and typically it’s a Spawn book. But this week we get a treat with a Toddfather Battle Beast cover. And even though its’ not his best work, it’s a special treat and for that it’s the Dirty D Cover-of-the-Week!
There is an even NEWER symbiote wearing hero on the scene sporting the red-and-blue Spidey inspired look on the streets of Earth 616…but it’s not Mary Jane Watson, and it’s not Eddie Parker! But it IS someone that Peter Parker knows well…someone both he AND Spider-Man have had many encounters with…someone looking to use this new web-slinging identity to make their much-deserved comeback! The saga of the new fan favorite Red-And-Blue alien costume takes a whole new turn, kicking a classic Spider character into a whole new direction that they have no intention of giving up!
A new Venom / hero combo? Perhaps. But highlighting this more for the homage of the classic Web of Spiderman #1 Charles Vess cover from the 1980s.
A defining chapter begins in Wonder Woman #31, as Tom King and Daniel Sampere launch “Wonder War,” a sprawling, future-set epic that positions Diana at the center of the darkest possible timeline. The Justice League is dead. Villains rule. Lex Luthor has bent the knee. And the Matriarch—introduced in Wonder Woman #25—now reigns as Queen of America.
Set twenty years ahead, the story pairs Wonder Woman with her grown daughter Trinity in a battle that’s equal parts family drama and war epic. Compassion and justice collide with authoritarian conquest, turning “Wonder War” into a generational fight for the soul of the DC Universe—and one of the most ambitious Wonder Woman stories in years.
Matriarch is back. And although she’s featured on Cover D, Dan Mora variant covers tend to do well on the aftermarket over time.
NEW 1’s
Batwoman. Daughter. Sister. Soldier. Hero. But since she was 10 years old, Kate Kane has lived in the shadow of a prophecy and the machinations of a religion devoted to the end of all things. How do you fight the devil when the devil is real? And how do you win? Acclaimed writer and co-creator of the modern Batwoman Greg Rucka returns to the story of Kate Kane alongside visionary artist DaNi for a DC Next Level series that will redefine Batwoman and her mission for a new generation.
Not a fan of this DaNi Batwoman. But Batgirl has been a pleasant surprise of a title. So who knows.
Soldier-turned-superhuman assassin for hire Slade Wilson has made hundreds of enemies in his day, and now one of them is taking his world apart piece by piece. The hit is out on Deathstroke as he evolves into his purest form…a terminator out for revenge and ready to kill anyone who stands in his way. Prepare for brutal violence with over-the-top action and intrigue from the twisted mind of writer Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs, Uncanny Valley) with pulse-pounding art by Carmine Di Giandomenico (Flash).
New Deathstroke series. There’s also an Eom variant.
The Main Man’s back, baby! And his ride is a motorcycle that moves at the speed of sound, but only if that sound is a rippin’ guitar solo, and you better hop on before he leaves you in the dust with all the bastiches he’s fragged for money or convenience! It’s a guts-soaked path from DC K.O. to the end of the universe, where Lobo is going to scratch his name and number in the Source Wall with a cool knife. Don’t miss the mayhem, special guests, or tasty, tasty continuity! Don’t you do it!
New Lobo series in time for his debut in the Supergirl film, by the team of Skottie Young and Jorge Corona. There’s an Eom variant for this one as well.
REPRINTS
There are more than a few store exclusives for this printing. Will not be hard to find.
Many forget Todd McFarlane did some Detective Comics covers for this story arc.
I spoke to Jason Howard at NYCC about his Transformer reprint character covers. He pointed out that not every issue gets them or gets them in order. Some issues take longer to sell out for various reasons, and if a trade is coming out of an arc it this may delay reprint of books in the arc. That’s the case with issue #7, as it’s finally getting a 2nd print despite later books in the run having gotten them a while back.
Case in point, issue #23 reprints (Decepticon and Autobot variants) are below.
I don’t think anyone is sleeping on this book now…expect heavy orders of the 2nd print. Pick on up if you wanted to read it.
First Wonder Woman in title. The yellow and red text may look cool in foil.
GIMMICKS
Card game is just around the corner. If you’ve been grabbing these trading card variants, don’t stop now!
INDY SPOTLIGHTS
Jill Hewett, community leader and wife of a respected police officer, has turned up with a gunshot wound in a tunnel connecting the Will Haven Gated Community with the neighboring Open Arms Collective. And now, the VP of the HOA and the Kitchen Steward of the Collective have stumbled upon her body at the exact same time—instantly casting blame across the divide. Forced into an uneasy alliance to discover the truth, they’ll need to work together to uncover the secrets both communities hold to figure out who’s responsible for this crime—and what they could possibly gain from it. And what was Jill doing in that tunnel in the first place?
Parting Thoughts
No pick or drek of the week. Nothing stood out from the pack.
Have a great week!