Still haunted by the mysterious Shadow and her powers appearing, Hisako Ichiki investigates a mysterious message given to her in a dream. Hisako is not the only teenager with powers when she meets the mysterious Maystorm. The pair investigate a supposedly haunted abandoned school to learn more about the Shadow and why they are haunted. Peach Momoko follows up her excellent first issue with Ultimate X-Men #2, which furthers her distinct vision of mutant kind on Earth 6160.
Once again, the fundamental strength of the series lies in Momoko’s unique reimagining and take on the X-Men mythos. Ultimate X-Men feels like the pure creative extension of Momoko, where she is not limited by editorial mandates to make the material replicate the public consciousness’s understanding of the franchise but to make it distinct with selective familiar elements such as the inclusion of Hisako. It simultaneously feels like X-Men but not the traditional version in the best way possible. Considering how unencumbered Earth 6160 is, I favor Momoko taking these big swings of reimaging decades of canon and history and seeing what interests her in the X-Men series. She has a new playground to explore, and I appreciate her slowly building the ultimate X-Men universe. Much like how heroes are now appearing, it makes sense to gradually reveal another teenage mutant like Maystorm to develop Hisako’s character more and help her not feel so alone with her powers. Much like the readers, Hisako is learning more about mutants in the universe.
Momoko also further ties in mutant identity, growing up, and horror with the presence of the Shadow. Although their identity is not explicitly stated, long-time X-Men fans will be keen to recognize who it might be based on familiar imagery and actions. Outside of her horror writing, her art nails the horrifying and creeping dread experienced by Hisako and Maystorm in the abandoned school before revealing the decomposed face of the ghostly security guard. Similar decisions craft a different and unique tone to Ultimate X-Men. By blending Japanese folklore and horror, it makes her version of X-Men distinct from not only the previous title but the mainline titles as well. It feels like X-Men by Peach Momoko and Peach Momoko’s X-Men. Script adapter Zack Davisson deserves praise for translating and adapting the comic for English readers, where it still reflects her vision.
Outside of her strong writing, Momoko’s stunning illustrations and colors contribute to the title’s unique identity. It truly looks like no other book is coming out from Marvel at the moment. Her art also separates Ultimate X-Men from the other Ultimate titles by not needing to follow the visual styles of those books. VC’s Travis Lanham lettering elevates Momoko’s already strong writing and art.
As the Ultimate universe slowly expands, Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men is one of the boldest and most visually gorgeous comics distributed by one of the big two publishers. I am highly invested in the series and need to know how she will translate beloved stories, characters, and story elements through her distinct lens. I cannot wait to see in what new directions she goes next.
Story/Art Peach Momoko
Script Adaptation: Zack Davisson Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Story: 9.8 Art: 9.8 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
