Rise my X-Men! With issue #6 releasing today, we are wrapping up the 1st arc since the story started earlier this year. With Peach Momoko at the helm for story and art, how is Ultimate X-Men so far?
Minor Spoilers Ahead
With issue #1 released back in early March, the series begins with some very mature themes, dealing with depression and suicide. The opening page introduces us to Hisako Ichki (Armor) at her middle school graduation, where she receives a button with a small note telling her to meet someone at the mountain behind the school. Very quickly, we are introduced to the first villain, who torments Hisako and blames her for the suicide of one of her friends.
Each issue slowly introduces more X-Men and delves into their powers and backstories. Hisako only realizes she has powers after nearly getting run over by a car. We are introduced to Maystorm (No, not quite Storm), who discovers her powers after being bitten by a cat, and Nico Monuru, a mysterious goth student. The entire cast feels unique, and the banter between them is great.
Peach Momoko’s artwork is truly something special. Every page is a visual feast, with intricate details and a unique style that brings the story to life. I first discovered Momoko’s art through Marvel Snap last year, and it left me in awe. Her ability to blend delicate, almost ethereal visuals with the gritty realities of the story is remarkable. If only real life could be drawn by Peach Momoko!
In addition to her stunning artwork, Momoko thoughtfully includes a lexicon at the end of each issue. This provides explanations of various cultural references, items, and translations, which adds depth to the story and helps readers better understand the nuances of the world she’s creating. It’s a small touch, but one that shows her attention to detail.
While this series is part of the Ultimate line, there are few connections to the greater Ultimate Universe so far. We don’t yet know how the Maker was able to control the mutants, but issue #8 seems to hint that we will get an explanation.
Now, how is the first arc? Fantastic! Arc 1 is a solid story that also leaves plenty of hints about what’s to come. My one gripe is that I wish we had more understanding of the villain’s intentions, but I’m sure this will be explained further along. “Ultimate X-Men” is a story that showcases grief and friendship, making me glued to each page. I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a fun and unique X-Men story, or if you simply want to enjoy some beautiful art (buy the book!).
My goal with My Comic Crate is to help guide people into comics, finding stories that they can enjoy and relate to. If you have any ideas or recommendations, please leave a comment below!
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