The highly anticipated moment has arrived for fans of Peach Momoko’s unique take on the X-Men. In Ultimate X-Men #11, the team will finally don their superhero costumes, marking a significant step in their evolution. This comes after months of anticipation since the launch of the series, which has captivated readers with its distinctive horror manga aesthetic and fresh interpretation of classic characters.
A Unique Vision for the X-Men
Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men has carved out a distinctive niche within Marvel’s relaunched Ultimate Universe. Momoko, serving as writer, artist, and colorist, employs a blend of watercolor techniques and charcoal rubbings, resulting in a visually striking and haunting atmosphere. Her art is heavily influenced by Japanese manga, body horror, and the horror genre, creating a captivating yet unsettling experience for readers. She has cited Naoki Urasawa, the legendary manga creator of Monster and 20th Century Boys, as an inspiration. This unique approach sets her series apart from other superhero comics, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic mutants.
Manga Influences and Body Horror
Momoko has openly discussed how Japanese manga, body horror, and horror, in general, have profoundly shaped her visual style. While she has reassured fans that the series won’t be “full-blown body horror everywhere,” she has indicated that these elements will be present to add “spices here and there,” contributing to the series’ disturbing yet captivating atmosphere. Her art style elegantly blends cuteness with gore, using delicate watercolor brushstrokes to create a visceral and unforgettable experience. This fusion of seemingly disparate elements is part of what makes her work so compelling and sets her apart.
The Rise of the Masked Mutants
The upcoming Ultimate X-Men #11, slated for release on January 29, 2025, will see the team, led by the newly-introduced character Maystorm, embrace their roles as superheroes. After experiencing a significant event, the “raid on the Children of the Atom,” the mutants are no longer hiding their powers. They have chosen to conceal their faces. This development suggests a shift towards a more traditional superhero dynamic, though likely with Momoko’s unique twist. The solicitations for the issue highlight the rise of masked mutants, indicating a move to embrace a more classic superhero motif.
Maystorm Takes the Lead
Maystorm, a character created by Momoko, is set to take the reins and lead the X-Men. The character is described as a Japanese fangirl who idolizes Storm and has similar weather-controlling powers. Maystorm was initially introduced as part of the “New Champion Variant Cover Program,” making her inclusion in the Ultimate X-Men series a significant moment for the character and an example of Momoko’s creative vision. Her leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of this new team.
Character Designs and New Additions
The series has already introduced several intriguing characters, with Hisako Ichiki, known as Armor in the main Marvel universe, taking center stage. Momoko chose Armor because she was intrigued by the character’s powers and her Japanese heritage. This marks a significant shift for Armor, who has been a B-team character in the past.
New Mutants Join the Fray
In addition to Armor and Maystorm, Ultimate X-Men #4 saw the debut of Surge and Nico Minoru into this Ultimate Universe. These new designs, alongside two characters created by Momoko named Mori and Natsu, showcase the series’ diverse and exciting cast of mutants. These characters, hailing from both the main Marvel Universe and entirely new creations, demonstrate Momoko’s commitment to breathing new life into familiar concepts. The introduction of these characters highlights Momoko’s ability to blend existing lore with original ideas to create a fresh take on the X-Men.
A Departure from Traditional X-Men
Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men series is not designed to be a retelling of classic X-Men stories. It is an entirely original narrative not inspired by previous classic runs. This is one of the main reasons why she was chosen to take on this title. The series focuses on exploring real-world social issues faced by modern-day kids, such as the impact of social media, both positive and negative. Her approach allows the series to stand alone while remaining true to the core essence of the X-Men.
Unique Art Style and Storytelling
Momoko’s distinctive art style employs watercolor paints to create splashy backgrounds that dramatically contrast the series’ darker themes. She uses dark graphite and charcoal to shade in shadow monsters, enhancing the series’ unsettling atmosphere. This combination of techniques gives the comic a unique look. In addition to her artistic talents, Momoko has also had to learn the speed needed for a monthly title. She has previously only worked on graphic novels and variant covers.
The X-Men Evolve
With the introduction of superhero costumes, Momoko’s X-Men are taking another step towards embracing their heroic potential while still maintaining their unique identity. Ultimate X-Men #11 is more than just a showcase of new costumes. It represents the culmination of a character development and narrative threads that have been building since the series’ inception. The issue’s narrative promises to explore the complex dynamics between these characters as they navigate their new roles. It also will address the challenges of leadership.
What to Expect in Ultimate X-Men #11
The preview of Ultimate X-Men #11 shows Nico Minoru and Mori delving deeper into the mystery surrounding the team, while Maystorm faces a difficult conversation. While the new costumes are not previewed in the pages, Peach Momoko’s cover art teases their design. This approach keeps the new costumes under wraps until the comic’s release, adding a layer of suspense and anticipation for fans.
Where to Find the Comic
Ultimate X-Men #11 is set to release on January 29, 2025. It will be available at comic book stores and online retailers. It is available for pre-order now at several retailers, ensuring that fans can secure their copies. The comic promises to be a must-read for fans of Peach Momoko’s art, the X-Men, and anyone seeking a fresh take on the superhero genre. The series has proven to be a truly unique title in the Ultimate Universe.
