When the Maker attempted to create his idea of Earth, the X-Men never formed. However, mutants in Hi No Kuni – “The Land of the Sun” haven’t felt their influence. Check out the new iteration of X-Men in Ultimate X-Men #1 by Marvel Comics!

ULTIMATE X-MEN #1

Writer: Peach Momoko
Artist: Peach Momoko
Colorist: Peach Momoko
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Editor: Wil Moss
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: March 6th, 2024 

Previously in Ultimate X-Men: Peach Monoko creates a whole new team of X-Men in an entirely new universe! The perspective starts with Hisako Ichiki as she goes about her everyday life until her mutant power activates!

Trigger Warning: Self-Harm

Ultimate X-Men #1 begins with Hisako attending her middle school graduation after being absent for the last three years. She receives a second button from a boy, a form of affection, but loses track of the person who gave it to her. When she examines the button, she finds it attached to a note instructing her to meet at a temple. At the temple, she encounters a vengeful spirit, and we learn that Hisako’s friend, Tsubasa, was bullied and subsequently died. The spirit accuses Hisako of being responsible, leading her to flee. While riding her bike home, she is hit by a car, but her mutant power of Armor protects her and totals the vehicle!

The following day, she returns to the temple to retrieve her diploma, which she had left behind. The spirit reappears and attacks Hisako, but she summons her Armor to destroy the spirit. However, after the encounter, she receives a phone call informing her that one of Tsubasa’s bullies has died by hanging.

I wasn’t prepared to deal with a comic book about suicide. I was ecstatic to get Ultimate X-Men #1 into my hands because I have enjoyed some other titles in the revamped Ultimate Universe. I was intrigued by taking Armor’s perspective and seeing her story unfold. I was on board with including the spirit, which may be a type of onryō. However, the implication of a child being bullied and dying from an implied suicide really stuck with me. As someone who teaches college classes to high school students, I can see my students’ faces when I imagine this story. So, I am torn between two feelings. On one hand, I am saddened that this is a reality people deal with. On the other, I am intrigued by Peach Momoko’s approach to such a complex subject. She handled the subject with a great deal of sensitivity while paying tribute to her culture, and as a Chinese man, I can see elements of my own culture in her work, even if she references Japanese culture. Nevertheless, I can’t deny feeling uncomfortable.

Peach Momoko’s art is excellent throughout the comic, showcasing her classic style. Her watercolor blends with standard illustrations provide a new avenue that diversifies comic art. It’s also refreshing to see more East Asian creators in comics.

Despite my reservations, the comic is incredibly well-written and drawn. Peach Momoko has established an engaging tone in her stories, even if the themes are dark. With that in mind, I still think this is worth checking out. I’m also excited to meet the rest of the team in future issues. Ultimate X-Men #1 gets 4 out of 5 stars.

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Ultimate X-Men #1

83%

83%

Good Work

Ultimate X-Men #1 explored themes I wasn't prepared to handle, but it still delivers a deep, well-thought-out story.

• Writing

  8
• Art

  9
• Coloring

  8
• User Ratings (1 Votes)
  0.6