Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast.
For this entry, we are checking out the latest from the relaunched Marvel Ultimate Universe. With two major hits coming via Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate Black Panther, fans have been checking out the new vision of Marvel’s heroes. The latest installment has much hype behind it. It’s not only due to the franchise but the visionary creator steering the project.
ULTIMATE X-MEN #1 by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson and Travis Lanham looks to redefine what fans know of the Children of The Atom.
Let’s take a deeper dive at what is unfolding here.
Editor note: Some of the subject material is very intense in dealing with suicide. Marvel has put in a note for the 988 extension of the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at the conclusion of the issue. Reader discression is advised.
ULTIMATE X-MEN #1 by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson and Travis Lanham (Marvel Entertainment)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The issue begins with Kirigaya Minami Middle School in Japan. HISAKO ICHIKI is walking through the school grounds for graduation. A classmate runs over to her and gives her a “second button.” Readers find out that symbolizes a crush. She claims it’s from a boy. When Hisako looks over, no one is there. Thinking it’s a rank, she looks at the button. Attached to it is a note. It reads asking Hisako to meet up at the temple behind the school.
Hisako goes and sees someone familiar: her friend Tsubasa. However, she tells herself the vision isn’t real. Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerges. It hands Hisako a Red OMAMORI (charm pendant). The figure begins to reference Tsubasa.
Readers find out the tragic tale involving him and his death. With the figure pressing the issue, Hisako begins to flashback to memories. The overwhelming feelings push her to run away. As she’s peddling on her bicycle, Hisako comes right into the line of a moving car!
What happens next sets Hisako on a path of discovery. Who is this mysterious figure bringing up the past? What is the secret behind her OMAMORI? The story does head into darker territory as Hisako is confronted with the shadow figure’s next move. The final image leaves no doubt this isn’t your typical X-Men story.
ULTIMATE X-MEN #1 by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson and Travis Lanham (Marvel Entertainment)
Momoko sets the stage for a very different X-Men tale. Hisako is written with many levels to her character. When readers see her first, she is an outsider that has gone through some trauma. The confrontation with the Shadow figure (Shadow King?) drives home her broken state. Dealing with Tsubasa’s death at young age, the writing reflects the devasting effects of that event.
Once the issue shifts into the pendant’s secret, the story leans into Hisako solving the mystery. The confrontation is very dark and emotional. Its’ fallout mirrors the themes. This leaves readers with a strong sense of eerie doubt as to what lies ahead.
The art is incredible with Momoko’s unforgettable style. The introduction to the shadow figure is subtle but scene stealing. The flashback sequences paint the picture of youth innocence taken away. Tsubasa’s fate is bold and disturbing in its’ near full page panel.
The pendant’s reveal is loud with a two-page spread signifying the event. The latter portion of the chapter brings out a wide range of emotions from Hisako. It leaves readers with many questions heading into it’s next phase.
FINAL POINT: 7.8
The new vision of Marvel’s Children of the Atom delivers a darker and haunting introduction with the first chapter. Momoko brings imaginative storytelling to welcome readers into Hisako’s world. It is one that will stand out from the crowd and has plenty of room to grow further.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Ultimate X-Men #1. Thanks for reading.