Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points!
For this entry, we are heading back into Marvel’s Ultimate line. HISAKO ICHIKI is not your average student. After the death of her friend Tsubasa, Ichiki is forever changed. A Shadow creature is haunting her.
The figure is attacking those who bullied Tsubasa. As the body count rises, so do Ichiki’s suspicious nature. With the dark being lurking, Ichiki may have found an ally in Mei Igarashi. Can the two stop the Shadow before another body is killed?
ULTIMATE X-MEN #3 by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson and Travis Lanham looks to provide those answers and much more!
Let’s take a closer look at what’s unfolding now/
ULTIMATE X-MEN #3 by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson and Travis Lanham (Marvel Entertainment)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The chapter presents a few new avenues in Ichiki’s story. The flashbacks to two years prior sets the tone for how long the Shadow has been creeping around. Readers get the sense of the long game being played here. The writing reflects the unknown factor and how that composes Ichiki’s character in the present. They also get a deep insight to the mysterious friend Mei.
Her story is that of pain and a shattered homelife. Once her story plays out, the themes circle back to the mutant aspect of her world. It makes the budding friendship with Ichiki more organic. This builds towards a strong closing moment as another change is heading into Ichiki’s way.
The art continues to crush this series. Flashback sequences elude to the sinister motives being planted. It is a counter to the more happier times of Ichiki and Mei. Both seem like they have made a much needed friend due to their backgrounds.
Readers are treated to a two page spread showcasing Mei’s powers. This comes on the heels of uneasy imagery of the Shadow in play. Momoko doves into the emotions of Mei to connect her more throughly with readers. The sense of wonder and failure crowd the young girl’s panel. This all changes in the closing moments. The parting image leaves readers off on more of a question than a shocking moment. It is solid storytelling all around with this book.
FINAL POINT: 8
HISAKO ICHIKI and her world continues to provide a unique take on the X-Men mythos. Momoko shifts gears to Mei’s story which delivers on impactful writing and images. Once things come back to the present, there is a sense of wonder as a new player enters the game. This will be one to look out for on NCBD.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Ultimate X-Men #3. Thanks for reading.