Hoo boy, the top spot for the Trade/Graphic Novel of the Week is a competitive one this week. But in lieu of making it a five way tie, I’m forced to make a decision here, and it’s the right one in the end. So, let’s get to my buys, recommendations, and curiosities from the week of comics, and it’s all led by a big ending and an appealing debut.

Comic of the Week: The Ultimates #24

While it’s been a rocky road getting there, The Ultimates comes to a close here, and I suspect it will ends its run as the most consistently great title from this iteration of the Ultimate Universe. This finale seems to promise a rematch with Banner, which is a nice and symmetrical way to close this story. It’s been a good run, though, and a rare modern Marvel comic that feels like it’s maintained a consistent and effective identity throughout. I’ll be sad to see it go, even if it feels like the right time.

Trade/Graphic Novel of the Week: Record Journey Vol. 1

While the typical rule is “tie goes to Brubaker and Phillips,” this week doesn’t bring a tie. Instead, the clear winner is Record Journey Vol. 1, a new manga release (or at least a release of an older manga) from Ryoichiro Kezuka that, as the solicit puts it, is a “collection of short stories…that explores the quiet, powerful intersections of music, memory, and everyday life.” I love that. But most especially, I love that cover, one that feels wonderfully lived in and filled with the memories of the person who made it. I really cannot wait for this one, as it feels like it could be a special comic in the end.