Read our review of Ultimate X-Men #1 from Marvel Comics, with art and writing by Peach Momoko, as the X-Men join the Ultimate Universe.
We reviewed the book on the Stack podcast. But in the interest of highlighting more about the title, here’s a summary of the conversation with our thoughts. And if you prefer the longer audio version, that’s below as well!
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Ultimate X-Men #1 Review:
In this premiere issue, we’re meeting a new iteration of Armor who is just discovering her mutant powers. Meanwhile, the ghost (maybe) of an old friend is haunting her, and more weird things wait in the wings.
“One of my most anticipated titles so far of the year… Peach Momoko is taking her singular sensibilities, both to the X-Men and The Ultimate Universe,” said host Alex Zalben. “I had no idea what this possibly could be. And now that I’ve read this book, I have no idea what this possibly could be.”
“That’s the charm of this,” added Justin Tyler, “is that it is the more surprising, interesting take. But this actually is a little more traditionally narrative than some of the more dreamy books that Peach Momoko does because I thought this was great.”
Added Zalben, “[It] feels like there’s a lot of influence of J-horror going on here in this book, particularly with the shadowy figures that are stalking her. I really dig this take. Peach Momoko’s art is always absolutely stunning… I assume it’s watercolors that she uses, I love the wash that she gives everything. This feels completely separate from Ultimate Black Panther and Ultimate Spider-Man. We’ve talked a little bit about how both of those are good but they seem slightly over the plate. This is out of left field, I guess to continue the baseball metaphor.”
“This is miraculous on numerous levels,” said Pete LePage. “Creative storytelling, [and] letting art lead the narrative… I was just super-impressed.”
“Marvel, more of this,” continued Zalben. “Please take big chances… They have 17 books coming out this week. A couple of them could be big swings [like this].”
Ultimate X-Men #1 Official Synopsis:
Visionary creator PEACH MOMOKO (DEMON DAYS, STAR WARS) creates a new generation of X-Men for an all-new universe! Hisako Ichiki is a teenage girl who just wants to live a normal life – go to school, hang out with her friends, ignore the political strife broiling over after the events of ULTIMATE INVASION – but life has other plans for her. In Japan, urban legends have sprung to life and brought some unusual new powers with them…Meet Armor, Maystorm and a group of new Ultimate X-Men the likes of which you’ve never seen before!
