After Maystorm showcases her wind and electric powers against the Shadow, she and Hisako continue investigating the mysterious plague of teenage deaths orchestrated by that dark being. But they might not be the only mutants they know at school. And how did Mei go from being an average high school student and a fan of a storm power mutant into the confident and rebellious Maystorm? Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men #3 unveils Maystorm’s past and potential mutants for the pair to recruit for their investigation.
Momoko’s distinct visuals and voice continue to make Ultimate X-Men an impressive and stand-out title from the other X-Men and Ultimate comics and the big two titles. Much like Hisako’s first appearance of her powers, Maystorm exhibits her powers after a supernatural event and in response to a traumatic incident. Showcasing Maystorm as a fan of Storm connects the title to the more expansive Ultimate universe, specifically Ultimate Black Panther. Aside from the intelligent world-building, I also appreciate the teen-centered focus of the issue as we better understand Hisako’s and Maystorm’s friendship along with their other school relationships. With each issue following a day in the life of the characters, I enjoy this slice-of-life approach, which focuses on character building and crafting solid relationships. Momoko’s regular script adapter, Zack Davisson, continues to adapt the original comic for English comic book fans, where he keeps her vision and image intact.
The presence of supernatural events causing mutants continues to help Ultimate X-Men #3 be distinct from the Earth 616 mutants. It presents mutation as still otherworldly and different but deriving from a potentially different origin. Due to the Maker’s influence, the X-Men never existed, and only a few mutants survived. Maystorm’s awakening of her mutant powers is framed within a body horror lens as a mysterious force infects her following a cat scratch. With an eye appearing within the scratch wound, her powers emerged. Now, a mysterious high schooler and the Shadow are wreaking havoc while a resurgence of mutants appears through supernatural means. Including Nico as a mutant ties these characters more to this supernatural background. It presents a different type of X-Men from the horror angle and a mix of new and reinvented Marvel characters.
Momoko’s art continues to give the series its distinct and engaging art by balancing the slice-of-life elements with the different types of horror. Momoko’s artistic direction expertly balances the varied tones and moods of the issue and nails the emotional nature. Especially with her incredible facial expressions and stylized emotions, it all comes together wonderfully. And having letterer VC’s Travis Lanham work on the issue makes it even more impressive.
Ultimate X-Men #3 is another delightful issue by Momoko as she builds upon more of the Ultimate universe and its mutant lore. With a strong focus on characters, relationships, and a distinct direction, she makes Ultimate X-Men a can’t-miss series among the other releases. Ultimate X-Men #3 finds new ways to explore the ideas of mutants and bring in unexpected but welcome choices to significant effect.
Story/Art: Peach Momoko
Script Adapter: Zack Davisson Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle
