Ultimate X-Men #1

Ultimate X-Men #1 ultimately sets itself apart by being a comic no one saw coming. It certainly utilizes elements of X-Men lore, but emphasizes itself first as a magical girl story featuring an irresistible lead, wondrously depicted powers, and undeniable teen pathos. Read Full Review

Ultimate X-Men #1 is an eerie and original addition to the new Ultimate Universe that will have readers new and old on the edge of their seats. Read Full Review

Aesthetically, Ultimate X-Men #1 is unlike any X-Men comic ever published. In base terms, however, it is the quintessential X-Men story. It is about growing up, overcoming trauma, and coming to terms with who you are. It is a great start to what promises to be a great series. Read Full Review

MomokosUltimate X-Men #1provides a fresh twist on the mutant mythology within the new Ultimate Universe. The series will please not only long-time fans but fans of her previous Marvel work as well. With a bold visionary approach to the long-running mythology, the upcoming story possibilities are limitless.Ultimate X-Menis truly ultimate. Read Full Review

While Ultimate X-Men would maybe be more well-suited for the title Ultimate New Mutants, it is in that bold declaration of difference the book shines as an honest yet still spiritually faithful reinvention of Marvel's mutant world. Read Full Review

Fans are in for a truly unique treat with Ultimate X-Men as it feels right at home with its teen main character introducing us to mutants in a brand new way. It doesn't feel like X-Men per se, but it captures the weirdness of super-powered enemies and the isolation of being a teenager all alone. There may not be a team yet, but it's a compelling story of a young girl discovering she has powers at an age when outside armor is more needed than ever. Read Full Review

Ultimate X-Men #1 is Peach Momoko’s masterpiece Read Full Review

Peach Momoko delivers a unique reading experience with Ultimate X-Men #1. Everything from the design to storytelling approach gets you enamored with what Momoko is building with this series. While more X-Men elements need to be added so this doesn't feel like a solo series, the foundation that's been created has a lot of potential. It all leads to Ultimate X-Men being a strong addition to both the X-Men and Ultimate Universe franchises. Read Full Review

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

Ultimate X-Men #1 utilizes bold artwork to craft a unique X-Men debut. Read Full Review

The new vision of Marvels Children of the Atom delivers a darker and haunting introduction with the first chapter. Momoko brings imaginative storytelling to welcome readers into Hisakos world. It is one that will stand out from the crowd and has plenty of room to grow further. Read Full Review

Ultimate X-Men #1 takes the concept of “a different take on the superheroes you thought you knew” to an extreme with a Manga-inspired horror story that looks and reads like a comic from Viz rather than Marvel. Momoko's character work and atmosphere hit the nail on the head for a horror Manga, but the story is so far removed from every other Marvel Ultimate title, that it almost feels out of place. Read Full Review

It's a quaint start to what could be an intriguing little story, but it has very, very little to do with the X-Men or mutants in general. Read Full Review

This is the prettiest and strangest non-superhero superhero book I think I've ever read. Hopefully we start seeing more "X in this X-men book. Read Full Review

axdn

Mar 08, 2024

This was fantastic and new. This doesn’t look or feel as an X-Men book,(which is what the Ultimate line of comics should always be about). Can’t wait for what comes next!

derbycomics

Mar 09, 2024

Who knew the X-Men universe could get a makeover this stunning? Peach Momoko's Ultimate X-Men #1 is unlike any X-Men story I've ever experienced because this ain't your typical mutant comic. Momoko throws us headfirst into a world steeped in unsettling horror vibes, but it is so much more. Momoko weaves a narrative rich with emotional depth and touches on serious mental health topics. Beneath the surface of shadowy figures lies the beginning of a powerful coming-of-age story. Hisako/Armor’s struggles with self-acceptance and the weight of extreme, traumatic guilt. Momoko handles these serious themes with incredible grace and heart, making you truly invested in Hisako's journey. She didn’t try to do too much with this first issue an d I think it really helped her introduce us to this new world. Of course, no Momoko comic is complete without her signature artwork. The classic manga style is simply gorgeous, adding another layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. The way she portrays the fantastical elements alongside the grounded reality of Hisako's world is nothing short of breathtaking. I felt like I was watching a Studio Ghibli movie play out on the pages in front of me. Ultimate X-Men #1 is a phenomenal launch for this new series. It's a haunting reinvention of Hisako’s origins with her powers, packed with horror, heart, and Momoko's stunning artwork. I can’t wait for the next issue and to finally meet Maystorm! more

Hailey

Nov 19, 2024

I love Momoko so this was an instant pull for me and boy it did deliver. Feels like anything except the X-Men but weirdly not in a bad way. Very intrigued in what happens next.

ResearchReader

Mar 16, 2024

I find the complaints about this book so odd. This is the START to Ultimate X-men. Not the X-men yet. Just the prelude if you will. And do you really want it to be the same cast. Everyone who actually loves X-men should be excited to get something different than what we are currently getting in the main universe (which calling a dumpster fire is putting it politely). This is a refreshing start. We have a student, a school and unexplained power. The bones of the X-men are here and I am so excited to see what Peach will do with this. I enjoy Peach's art so for me this is great. Just wins all around. And for those who say this is too much like manga so it is not a real comic, please take off your fedora and relax a bit. Enjoy the ri de. Tl dr, this is a blast of fresh air to a polluted diseased x-men franchise. I have high hopes. more

maljoss

Mar 12, 2024

I don't know if it's X-Men, but it's really good. I've never read anything from Peach Momoko before, and based on this issue, the loss is mine. The art is the obvious selling point for this comic, but ths story was suprisingly good. This doen't feel like a typical x-book, and that's a good thing. My complaints about the other Ultimate books (Spider-man and Black Panther) stem from them feeling like too much fan-service, and too much like stuff I've seen before. Ultimate X-men provides something that's been lacking, in my opinon, something different, and unexpected. It's also nice to see another comic that's set outside of the US. In a world without Professor X, there's no reason not to explore other options. The story is a slow-burn, with horror overtones. Reminds me of Rumiko Takahashi and Junji Ito. My only concers are 1) this may be too different for X-fans, and may not get the chance to become all it has the potential to become, and 2) that Momoko will only be around for the first arc or so, and subsequent creative teams will take the comic in a more mainstream direction. Hope I'm wrong. Either way, I'm along for the ride. more

HuckEverlasting

Sep 05, 2025

Woah this art rips

Von Esper

Mar 06, 2024

This was very good, but it didn't feel like it had anything to do with the X-Men. I understand that Momoko wanted to do something different, but this is completely unrecognizable. Hopefully she introduces mutants that we know and care about, and hopefully she still keeps the core ideas around the X-Men. This is just the first issue, and it was a fantastic read. I'm eager to see where this goes while remaining hopeful that we move closer to the X-Men concept.

retcon_D

Mar 13, 2024

Unlike anything we've seen with an X-Men book, which is exactly what the Ultimate line of comics promises. I'm onboard.

Toonstrack

Mar 19, 2024

The art and presentation is gorgeous and unique, much more akin to manga influence than traditional comics. Peach Momoko is a very unique new talent in the industry and she's determined to make her mark and im glad marvel is supporting her in big projects like this. This first issue provides both cultural notes for non Japanese audiences but also a horror like introduction to this world and the enticement the main character exists in. It deals with serious topics and seems to be surrounding themes of suppressed feelings being forced out. Using this as a catalyst to feature the usual themes of the X men is a brilliant idea if executed well. I dont wanna give away much of the story but definitely check this out for one of marvels most unique books. more

AmericanHealthcare

Mar 05, 2024

This is load-bearing artwork holding up a threadbare script, but I enjoyed it. $5.99 is a lot to ask for an issue that reads like a minimalist, by-the-numbers first chapter of a generic magical girl manga when $11.99 will get you the whole first volume of any magical girl manga you want. The art, the feeling of being distinct from all the other Marvel books, and the novelty of seeing where this fits into the new Ultimate stuff make it worth sticking around. The plot setup is fine while the characterization is weak, but this book deserves some time to do its thing. Even if it is just standard young X-Men manga/magical-girl style, that would by no means be the worst thing in Marvel's lineup right now, and I would welcome it.

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• Screaming Enigma
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Psycamorean - Mar 5, 2024

Have you read Peach Momoko's other Marvel work like Demon Wars? I feel like you described her entire output thus far.

AmericanHealthcare - Mar 6, 2024

I think this is my first time reading her writing. I only knew her as someone who does cute covers.

Screaming Enigma

Mar 07, 2024

When the initial three Ultimate series were announced, the creative team for Spider-Man seemed like a smash-hit and the creative team for Black Panther seemed to have a good amount of potential. However, to me, the announcement that Peach Momoko would be writing and drawing this was the most intriguing of the three. Not because Momoko would be writing and drawing a book, as she's not a stranger do doing that. It's the fact that, as far as I know, all of Momoko's stories for Marvel thus far have been, more or less, self-contained. This book, though, is a part of the new Ultimate Universe shared by other creative teams. All of that said, though, this was another nice start for this new line. It's can be a bit bare when it comes to the dialogu e and even the character work, but there's enough to make it work with what's, perhaps, the star of the show: the art. Momoko's art could very well be the reason multiple people are checking this out in the first place and, in that regard, this is a pretty good book. Considering everything, though, I'd say it's a good read. It's nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking, but I enjoyed it for what it was. I think it has the potential to get even better as more issues come out and I really hope it does. more

Mout

May 15, 2024

This is what the Ultimate titles should strive to be. Wonderful

K-23

Jun 03, 2024

I can clearly see this direction being divisive and your opinion will vastly depend how open you are to the concept. This book is the farthest from any conception of what an X-Men book is and is more in line with an anime/manga series. That said, I thought the first issue was great and really looking forward to more.

RafaM

Apr 07, 2024

Wow, didn't know marvel could look like this. Momoko's wobbly style and goofy drawings go perfectly with a psychological horror X-Men origin story, which goes perfectly with X-Men. Kinda reminds me of the TV series about Legion, which was way more trippy than this but also deal with stuff like trauma and how it affects a powerful individual. Only 7,5 for now because it's a little rushed, too many things the author wants to dump on us at once, but hopefully it'll follow an interesting path.

Kenjamin

May 24, 2024

Art: 3.5/5 Story: 3/5 Total: 6/10

Maximus

Apr 03, 2024

My main criticism is that this is not "X-Men", this is something else that borrows the "X-Men" title. I don't like that. I have read many X-Men stories, and, in my opinion, Peach Momoko can't bring to the table the type of story that I expect from a book with the title "X-Men". If the book is called "ULTIMATE X-MEN", that doesn't help her case. Ultimate: noun 1. the best achievable or imaginable of its kind. 2. a final or fundamental fact or principle. A book called "Ultimate X-Men" should be an attempt to present all the elements that make the X-Men great in a single place, but there is none of that here. This is something else. And that's to be expected from someone who has no attachment whatsoever to the franchise, s omeone who barely appreciates it. "I wasn't too familiar with X-Men before researching them when I was creating Demon Days and now, Ultimate X-Men" That's what Peach Momoko said in her interview with AIPT. Her words. Not mine. Hers. Of course I already knew that before reading the interview, but it is good to have confirmation. Screen Rant also interviewed her and I also found something interesting there: "Editor's Note: Peach Momoko’s answers were translated from Japanese with the help of her husband and manager, Yo Mutsu, and have been lightly edited with permission for clarity and perspective." That mean she doesn't speak english? Why does she even bother to work with Marvel Comics? She is clearly popular, she could publish this story in her native language elsewhere in a more suitable format and I bet she would get better paychecks. The money is not in Marvel right now, nor in DC, the money is in the manga, she should take advantage of that. I don't understand why she chooses to work at Marvel, it's clearly not because of attachment to the franchise. Whatever. The story itself is quite compelling and it's very well told, I think Momoko is very talented. This is good japanese storytelling, the only reason why this is not manga is because it reads from left to right like the american comics (manga reads from right to left). When this was announced I thought that, despite I think this was a wasted opportunity for Marvel, maybe I would enjoy it because I like Armor. And I did enjoy it while I was reading it, but not because of Armor, that Joss Whedon character is not quite here, Hisako could have any other name and the story would work. This book could have any other title that is not "X-Men" and the story would work. This story doesn't need to be set in a Marvel Universe. That is my complaint. THIS IS NOT X-MEN. Why? Because the X-Men are a team of heroic mutants formed by Charles Xavier with the purpose of protecting a world that hates and fears them. No matter what universe it is, that's what the X-Men are meant to be. The team is called "X-Men" because of Xavier. The team represents the dream of Charles Xavier of peaceful coexistence between mutants and the rest of humanity. Here there is NONE OF THAT. There is no Xavier. There is not even a team here. There is no X-Men in a book called "Ultimate X-Men". Maybe there will be a team at some point in the series, but if there will be, why don't you show me that first and save this story for an origin issue later in the series? This comic is very well crafted, it looks like it will be a good supernatural story in the japanese tradition. I still don't quite get what happened exactly to Hisako's friend (he was bullied so I suppose he took his own life) but my only real technical complaint would be that this type of story would work better in another format, a larger format, a graphic novel format (like manga). This is a good comic book, but it is not a good X-MEN comic book. Nothing here resembles the X-Men, not even taking into account that this is a different universe. The X-Men movies were clearly different from the comics, but they were good (of course I'm talking about only the first two) because they had all the recognizable elements of the franchise. That's not the case here. Peach Momoko is not trying to include any of the recognizable elements, she's doing her own thing, which would be fine if she wasn't borrowing the "X-Men" title. It's just not right to use an established IP as a platform to present something completely different, it's deceptive. The X-Men is an established brand, that means the public already has an expectation that the book must meet in order for it to sell, but Peach Momoko is not even trying to meet any expectation, because she doesn't want to write an X-Men story, she wants to write a story about high school girls fighting ghosts (or demons) using their newfound pseudo-magical powers. It looks like a interesting story, but it doesn't matter how good it is because it's disrespecting the costumers by giving them something they did not pay for. I have no doubt Peach Momoko is very capable of telling good stories, but she is not capable of writing good X-Men stories simply because she clearly has no interest in doing so. Not even Hisako's powers have a slight resemblance to the X-Men lore, here they look more like a magical thing than a genetic accident. If this wasn't called "Ultimate X-Men" it would be good, but it is called "Ultimate X-Men" while not presenting anything that resembles the X-Men, so, thumbs down. more

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RafaM - Apr 7, 2024

brooo calm down

Mout - May 15, 2024

bro had a breakdown over cute and nice artwork

Hex - May 16, 2024

Dawg this is the FIRST issue. Let it cook.