The Ultimate line in Marvel is a bold attempt at revitalizing the comics brand with something that feels relatively new. Produced straight out of the new Ultimate Universe created by Jonathan Hickman, Marvel has selected one of their most popular artists in recent times to helm their ULTIMATE X-MEN #1 launch by giving it to one of their biggest breakout artists in the past few years, Peach Momoko.
“At first, I was worried about being chosen for such an important project, but the more I draw and write the series, the more confident I am with my own vision of ULTIMATE X-MEN,” said Momoko in an interview with AiPT Comics. “ULTIMATE X-MEN isn’t directly influenced by classic X-Men stories. I like to believe C.B. [Cebulski] and Jonathan Hickman chose me because they wanted something completely new and different.”
To commemorate the occasion, Marvel has approved a variant cover featuring Armor and Maystorm by the talented artist, Mark Brooks. It’s a bit of a surprise, given that Momoko’s already very famous for her signature cover art style, though if anyone in the business could make a cover that feels different and grounded, it would most definitely be Mark Brooks.
Launching this March, Momoko’s ULTIMATE X-MEN #1 will be a unique spin on the character utilizing Japanese mythology without any callbacks to any of the classical X-Men stories. It will begin with an original tale that follows Armor character Hisako Ichiki, along with the Storm-inspired creation out of the “New Champions Variant” program, known as Maystorm.
The trailer for ULTIMATE X-MEN #1 will be revealed later this week. The official series launch will start on March 6th, coinciding with runs of Ultimate Black Panther and Ultimate Spider-Man. You can read Marvel’s official statement below.
New York, NY— January 30, 2024 — This March, see the X-Men like you’ve never seen them before in ULTIMATE X-MEN #1! The third series of Marvel’s thrilling new Ultimate line, ULTIMATE X-MEN #1 will be written and drawn by visionary creator Peach Momoko. Momoko will kick things off with fan-favorite X-Man Hisako Ichiki, AKA Armor, along with Maystorm, the Storm-inspired character she created for last year’s popular New Champions Variant Cover program.
Armor is a teenage girl who just wants to live a normal life – go to school, hang out with her friends, ignore the political strife broiling over after the events of ULTIMATE INVASION – but life has other plans for her. In Japan, urban legends have sprung to life and brought some unusual new powers with them…
“At first, I was worried about being chosen for such an important project, but the more I draw and write the series, the more confident I am with my own vision of ULTIMATE X-MEN,” Momoko told AiPT Comics in last week’s X-Men Monday column. “ULTIMATE X-MEN isn’t directly influenced by classic X-Men stories. I like to believe C.B. [Cebulski] and Jonathan Hickman chose me because they wanted something completely new and different.”
ULTIMATE X-MEN #1
Written by PEACH MOMOKO
Art and Cover by PEACH MOMOKO
Variant Cover by MARK BROOKS – 75960620798500161
Virgin Variant Cover by MARK BROOKS – 75960620798500118
On Sale 3/6
