Ultimate Spider-Man, The Question, and the best comics of the week

As we get closer to the end of the year, you’ll start to notice a lot of cliffhangers and big moments taking place in the world of comic books. This is to prepare readers and to get them pumped for what’s coming. It’s also why there are always a lot of No. 1 issues being released (Absolute Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman, Psylocke, etc).

This week’s comic books combined great premiere issues and prep for next year. For example, this writer’s pick of the week.

The Question: All Along the Watchtower No. 1 (pick of the week)

• Writer: Alex Segura
• Artist: Cian Tormey

Writer Alex Segura started this series with deep thoughts from Renee Montoya (The Question) by bringing up her alcoholism, why she’s no longer with the Gotham City Police Department, and where her life is going. It let readers know this wouldn’t be just a punch-and-kick comic book. Things are going to get deep and thought-provoking with a lot of mystery in between.

On top of the amazing writing was beautiful artwork from Penciler Cian Tormey and colorist Romulo Fajardo Jr. Together, they matched the picture with the mood of the scene and captured everything great about Renee Montoya. Look for this to be one of the best comic book creative teams of the year.

Ultimate Spider-Man No. 11

• Writer: Jonathan Hickman
• Artist: David Messina

One of the complaints about Ultimate Spider-Man in the past has been that there isn’t a lot going on. That wasn’t the case with this issue. What started with Spider-Man showing his improvement as a fighter quickly turned into why Earth-616 Peter Parker keeps his identity hidden. I suspect that the talk Peter had with MJ and later with Uncle Ben will come to life before the year is over. 

The Power Fantasy No. 2

• Writer: Kieron Gillen
• Artist: Caspar Wijngaard

If you see Kieron Gillen’s name on a comic book, it’s a must-read. When you see artist Caspar Wijngaard doing the art, you know it’ll be visually stunning. Four issues in and that hasn’t changed for The Power Fantasy. The one thing that has is this writer’s want for the next issue. 

The more you learn about the main character, the more you want to know. For example, this issue explains who destroyed Europe and why the most powerful people in the world are scared of her losing control.

As I’ve said in previous articles, get on The Power Fantasy now if you enjoy a good story.

Wonder Woman No. 15

• Writer: Tom King
• Artist: Daniel Sampere

Wonder Woman is dealing with the death of Steve Trevor the best way she can. She's getting revenge on the people who killed him by taking away their riches. Donna Troy, Cheetah, Cassie Sandsmark, and Yara Flor stole, destroyed, or murdered everything America’s secret society uses to fund their dirty and disgusting endeavors and they do it with style and flair.

The guy controlling their investments was killed by Cheetah. Cassie sunk the ship holding their money. All of the other assets? The ones in the bank were stolen by Yara and the 67-carat diamond was cut out of Solomon Grundy’s stomach by Donna Troy.

Normally I don’t pick the action-packed issues for best of the week. But artist Daniel Sampere made the most violent scenes look gorgeous. Plus, Tom King brought out the bright personalities of Wonder Woman’s family.

Storm No. 2

• Writer: Murewa Ayodele
• Artist: Lucas Werneck

Ororo Munroe is among the toughest heroes in comics, but even she isn’t perfect and needs help at times. Writer Murewa Ayodele highlights this with the second issue of Storm in two ways. First by showing how the mutants of Krakoa may have abandoned people in need. This almost leads to her not getting the medical assistance required to keep her alive. Then, because of her other problem, she is forced to talk to a certain former Sorcerer Supreme to deal with the magical issue that’s ailing her.

This seems to be the week of the amazing artists. Lucas Werneck’s interpretation of Storm is among the best I’ve seen. Especially her hair; he's managed to show the fullness and texture of it like no one has. There's also the scene where she flies, glides on water, and kicks a guy in the chest. It was masterfully done.

What comic books are you reading this week? Is there a series that wasn't on here? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow BlueSky, Instagram, and Twitter.