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This week’s Top Comics to Buy for February 25 features new single issue work from a trio of my favorite cartoonists in comics: Dave Chisholm, Jesse Lonergan, and Nick Cagnetti. If you like bold and interesting comics art, there’s so much to love in each of their respective books, although as you’ll see in my recommendations below, the subject matter within these comics is all quite different. On top of that, we’ve got yet another great new Vertigo title, and more.

You can find all five of my top recommendations below, along with the list of 10 other books from the week I enjoyed, and the usual set of release rundowns … enjoy!

Top Comics to Buy for February 25, 2026

Is Ted OK? #1
Cartoonist: Dave Chisholm
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
This is a story about Ted and Sarah. Ted, isolated and paranoid, works for a mega-corporation owned by the world’s only trillionaire. He suffers from night terrors, obsessively draws the same mysterious figures again and again, all while listening to one track of music on repeat–oh, and the only “person” he ever talks to is a stray cat. His humanity is hanging by a thread. Sarah is a new arrival to the city, fighting her own demons, and her job is to remotely spy on Ted to ensure he doesn’t hurt anyone…or himself. When Ted’s mental state begins to crack, Sarah compassionately intervenes to help, and things go catastrophically wrong.
Why It’s Cool: I like when cartoonist Dave Chisholm makes darkly mysterious psychological comics, and his new book, Is Ted OK?, certainly fits that bill. This is a really intriguing, perfectly-paced and executed debut comic. If you like a touch of wonder and comics that aren’t afraid to get strange, you need to pick this book up.
Price: $4.99

Miss Truesdale and the Rise of Man
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Jesse Lonergan
Letterer: Clem Robins
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
After being attacked by a horde of monstrous creatures, Anum Yassa is dragged before their king who is part of an even darker legacy than she can imagine.
Why It’s Cool: It features artwork by one of my favorite cartoonists, Jesse Lonergan, and if that weren’t enough, it’s also one of an increasing number of Hellboy Universe titles that feels set on going out of its way to reward long-time and comprehensive readers of these comics. The cover really tips it, but there’s such an interesting layered plot concept at work here, executed perfectly by the artist. This is a must-read book if you have followed Hellboy at all.
Price: $4.99

The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #1
Writer: Chris Condon
Artist: Jacob Phillips
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher: DC Comics – Vertigo
New York City, 1941. Ezra Cain is a private investigator with a reputation for taking it on the chin if it means solving a case. But it’s his former life as an archaeology student that makes him the only man to track down an artifact that’s gone missing from the Museum of Natural History… an ancient anvil said to hold the power of the Greek god Hephaestus. If someone could harness that power, they could bend nations to their will. Science fiction quickly becomes Cain’s reality when a shadowy sect calling themselves the Brutal Dark appears in the city wielding resources that defy human logic. Now Ezra is the only thing that stands between them and their plot to overthrow America!
Why It’s Cool: For starters, it’s part of the newly-revitalized Vertigo imprint, nearly every book of which has been featured in this space. But this comic, perhaps more than any of the other titles in the line so far, would be here regardless. It’s a fantastic bit of adventure noir, with a great lead character and an intriguing mystery at its center. If you don’t put this one down wanting more Ezra Cain, I’ll be shocked.
Price: $3.99

Spirit of the Shadows #2
Writer: Daniel Ziegler
Artist: Nick Cagnetti
Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Publisher: Oni Press
As the deceased musician Erik Leroux journeys through an eerie underworld realm alongside the enigmatic Elizabeth, the truth of his forgotten past begins to unfold — one page at a time. But in the land of the living, danger brews as a vengeful witch named Helena and her arcane pet rabbit, Haruspex, mark Erik for destruction. But what dark grudge binds her to a man who no longer walks among the living? And how does it all tie back to Erik’s long-lost love — the mysterious Katrina? Ghosts, grief, and grim revelations collide in this twisted tale of love, memory, and the shadows from the past!
Why It’s Cool: This superhero story set in and around the underworld is one of the best-looking comics of the year so far, brought to life by the artwork of Nick Cagnetti, collaborating here with writer Daniel Ziegler. This book is just such a fun blast of macabre comics, with great characters, fantastic designs, and pacing that will keep you flying through those page turns.
Price: $4.99

Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1
Writer: Tyler Boss
Artist: Martin Simmonds
Letterer: Becca Carey
Publisher: Image Comics – Skybound
After a series of violent crimes wracks the Paris Opera House, Christine Dubois’s career is in chaos. But the show must go on, and Christine will discover that no one — especially the mysterious voice whispering from the eaves — is what they seem.
Why It’s Cool: This new comics take on the classic Universal Monsters has been fantastic across the board, to the point that earlier this year, I found myself thinking, “I can’t wait for this new Phantom of the Opera comic.” And I never thought I’d be excited to see this particular character adapted to the medium, so heavily predicated is it on music. But the line has been so good. And I’m happy to report this comic was just as excellent as I expected. Martin Simmonds artwork is as moody as music, and Tyler Boss’ script is an interesting take on the story. Add Becca Carey’s always-great lettering, and you’ve got another killer first issue.
Price: $4.99