Why Does Ultimate X-Men Feel So Different?

In 2023 Marvel Comics launched a new version of their Ultimate Universe line. Now situated on Earth 6160 the series relaunched with solo series such as Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Black Panther, and Ultimate X-Men. Ultimate X-Men by Peach Momoko has received an interesting reception tending to elicit a love it or hate it response with some feeling it is simply not X-Men. What is it about this work that produces such a strong reaction. We dive into the differences between Ultimate X-Men and the rest of the Ultimate Universe and Marvel line here on Casually Comics!
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Ultimate X-Men Breaks The Mold
• Ultimate X-Men Breaks ...
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0:00 Intro
2:08 Context
4:58 Art
5:56 Culture
6:42 Genre
7:39 Characters
10:10 Theme
13:21 Wrap Up
15:43Conclusion
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[@CasuallyComics]

Which Ultimate Title Is Your Favorite And Why?

[@YukianesaDrive]

Definitely Spider-man but with The Ultimates proper starting, that might change. I like them all so far. As far as this series being very Japanese... I'm glad for it. In general, I'm not fond of Marvel's obsession with New York. Even as someone who likes New York, it doesn't help the variety of the stories they tell. Between Black Panther, this and the Council that was introduced and has villains from all over the globe, I feel like the Ultimate comics will have a more worldly feel.

[@TheMaster4863]

If I was gonna favourite to least favourite it would be Ultimate X-Men because it's so different Ultimate Spider-Man because it's just a really good version of Spider-Man obviously you can tell I prefer the more slice of life storytelling Ultimate Black Panther it's a little slow but the political drama is interesting and the Ultimates it's only had one issue so far but just seems kinda generic

[@YukianesaDrive]

@@TheMaster4863 I really liked the angle of Hank trying very hard not to turn out like... Hank always does.

[@TheMaster4863]

@@YukianesaDrive yeah, I liked the stuff with Hank and Janet. I just wasn’t super invested in the rest of them mostly yet

[@YukianesaDrive]

@TheMaster4863 Doom might be neat, at least too... If he's ya know, significantly different from 616 Reed, which he seems to be

[@bensneb360]

I gotta give them credit, when they said they would try something different with this new Ultimate Universe, they really swung for the fences. Weather or not it all works out, I appreciate the big creative swing.

[@brettwood1351]

Hey, you want a X-Men book with Mutants being Feared and Hated, staring the likes of Wolverine, Cyclops and the usual suspects, well they've hardly stopped doing that in the 616. But X-Men has needed a different take to give them something new to work with for a long time, and this is filling that need.

[@jfoster8624]

​@@brettwood1351I mean the karkoa era was different it completely changed everything I wish it went on longer

[@robb1914]

@@jfoster8624Unfortunately 616 is back to square one because the new leaders didn’t like Krakoa

[@GenerationWest]

Like I said earlier, this book is interesting, it's just not a X-Men book or really a mutant book for that matter. More like a supernatural/horror manga. If it was called "Ultimate Armor", or "Ultimate New Mutants", but then eyes wouldn't be on it if it was called that.

[@dippypepsi1728]

Yeah me too, I thought the book itself was alright, with interesting art etc. and as you said, it's not an X-Men book.

[@cdavid0715]

Expectations can ruin your enjoyment of any piece of media, the fact this book carries the Xmen name its a double edge sword. It will make people notice it but it will also make more people dislike or even hate it than if it had another title

[@dippypepsi1728]

@@cdavid0715 100% that's true

[@willowpackerthestoryteller135]

I for one would read 100 issues of slice of life stories for every single X-Man, as a pre-teen struggling with their powers and growing up.

[@shirouemiya1650]

Did you perhaps enjoy Xmen Evolution.

[@justmindset]

If you haven't read it already, You might enjoy New X-Men / academy x (2004). It's got a similar vibe of slice-of-life / school life

[@Lonestarz95]

Compared to the 616 Xmen comics nowadays. I actually have been enjoying Ultimate Xmen. Its different, and I commend Momoko for trying something new.

[@brettwood1351]

Yeah. Armor isn't exactly a new character. And that's a thing. It feels like every new creative team introduces a new generation of mutants, but we mostly just default back to the O5 and Claremont era characters. Sure you may get one or two return for a team in a new run, but you can bet Cyclops, Jean, Gambit, Rogue and of course Wolverine are still going to be front and center. That "Youth" element, being the new generation, it's kinda lost when it's the same old characters so much.

[@nikolap490]

​@@brettwood1351Logan is presumed deceased in this universe so I don't think we'll see him here.

[@Lili-ib2rh]

Honestly, I like the use of lesser-known x-men characters and the art is very appealing to me. I think the only thing I'd change is the fact that being a mutant doesn't seem important in this story. Mutation has always been a metaphor for difference, and in a society like Japan where uniformity is considered the norm, it seems like a missed opportunity.

[@Rixec2]

I think it's something they may be building to. I mean, they've been trying not to show off their powers to everyone. That's a subtle way of them trying not to stand out. Even Mei, who does stand out more thanks to her hair and eye color changing, is only showing her powers to those she feels are like her. And even she is afraid when footage of Hisako got out. They have been keeping to the uniformity and indulging in their differences in private, but we may soon see what happens once the lid pops off.

[@luciuswhite4502]

I think the Shadow King equivalent does seem to comment or at least portray some dark aspects of japanese society. The fact that it's a college setting at start and suicides are so relevant to the story as well. It's also been established that the Rasputin Family and Storm use their powers publicly but nobody calls them Mutants yet. Mutants seem scarce, so these cases might be considered a fluke. Armor's fight going viral might be the first public incident that makes the people realize that anyone can be a Mutant and then repercussions may occur.

[@CopingwithPanels]

Mutation was originally just a way to have a team of super powered people without needing an origin. That was the original motivation for it. The allegory came really only seriously into play with Claremont.

[@artist0154]

I think is important that is treated differently from the usual X-men, the X-Men are in USA, a very political, conflictive and rigid country, being there is like being in the eye of the storm, but other countries dont work or think like that, I get that X-men are a symbol for the outcast, the oppresion, and different, but even that is treated for better or worse in other countries In India they have a third gender part of their religion, law and culture to the point that they are treated equally, in Latam we are so mixed that we dont care about your race cause we all came from slaves, natives and conquistadores, in SEA they have diverse religions, beliefs and traditions and they are ok with all of them living together So is not that weird to think that mutants are treated differently in other countries too, specially in an elseworld

[@diebesgrab]

Before this video I was only vaguely aware that the Ultimate universe was being revived, was unaware of this specific title, and had zero interest in anything Marvel related that had the word Ultimate attached to it. Now I wanna read this. It sounds refreshingly subtle and willing to take its time compared to most superhero comics. Plus the art looks great. Like, basically the complete opposite of what I expect from Ultimate Marvel.

[@virgilbarrios3174]

I really like how different this X-Men is. You can feel just how isolated Hisako and the other mutants are because of the absence of Xavier and Magneto. I know some people think it feels like a Junji Ito manga, but I think, especially after issue #4, it's more reminiscent of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable.

[@Dougeb7]

I enjoyed this, as well as your first vid on UXmen. The biggest draw for me is Armor. Her powers and the visual depiction of them are really cool. I'm still on the fence though. So many comic book decisions.

[@kelpietales4503]

I think if it was called Ultimate (New) Mutants it be more accepted by critics but then not get much as attention a la X-Men brand along with remind the fear of the MCU X-Men becoming just The Mutants. The pacing plus the monthly release seems to get in the book's way. This book does seem to be building up to something, as well as more recognizable mutants (Psylocke) and the role mutants play in the new Ultimate universe and most likely be turned against them. The themes and elements are soemthing you would find in X-Men books before but done in a work manga-esque way. I get some of the frustrations of this book, but its also frustrating that this book is doing something new with X-Men in its own space and people are not giving it a chance because no Wolverine or hang-ups about manga or what have you. Comics already are working with balancing something new and fresh while incorporating traditional characters, stories, themes or at least not alienating them. Not to mention good old status quota. Plus the thing with ensemble books while there's always the characters that are most popular and sell the book l, there's more obscure ones who may have fans who would like to them in more or be careful not to burn out an iconic line-up. Marvel is already putting out some traditional X-Men books in 616 as well as the '97 cartoon. I also say this as a Titans fan sick and tired DC and fanbase have trouble looking past the initial NTT seven despite loving that era too. Plus, this still looks more interesting than the X-Men manga from th early 00s that was more or less Kitty Pryde in a harem manga.

[@freman007]

Maybe people don't want their beloved manga associated with the dumpster fire that is Marvel Comics?

[@alexanderticonuwu7591]

There's a Kitty Pryde harem manga? The heck?

[@kelpietales4503]

@@alexanderticonuwu7591 yep I had to track it down again but it is really called X-Men: Misfits and weirdly enough was written by Raina Telgemeier herself in 2009. There was a sequel planned but was cancelled. It's an odd relic of the 00s anime/manga boom and forced a lot of X-Men characters and elements into shoujo manga tropes some not making sense like Iceman becoming the cold loner type, with a big twist of Kitty being the first female student at Xavier's in years so all the boys are interested in her of course. Yeah, I get the criticism for Momoko 's X-Men but it still feels more "X-Men" than past examples.

[@mandodiaz7647]

I just want to say thank you. I read ultimate x-men as a kid and when this series popped up again, I dismissed it as Marvel cashing in again on a popular name. This seems to be fresh new take I wouldn't have known otherwise.

[@birdknight6616]

I'm a weirdo who likes the weird and unconventional so I think I may actually pick up Ultimate X-Men. I just have never read a Peach Momoko work so I have no idea what to expect.

[@yamatokira4335]

If you like Japanese manga, then this book is for you. You know Japanese manga, right? Comics with light intimate story, slice of life thing.

[@birdknight6616]

@@yamatokira4335 You're asking someone who checks Mangadex daily and owns Vinland Saga volumes. I'm absolutely the target audience for this.

[@JanArrah]

@@yamatokira4335 A) Manga is Japanese. Japanese Manga is redundant because manga is Japanese. There are other names for works that are say, Korean like Manhwa or Manhua for Chinese works. And yes while Japan may use the term Manga for all comics, in English, we don't. So again, Japanese Manga is redundant. B) idk what you think Manga is, but that's one genre. It's not even a fraction of a percentage of all Manga. Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon barely has any slice of life moments as they run from one crisis to the next, dying and fighting evil. Hunter x Hunter is filled with fights and adventures as is YuYu hakusho. While there are slice of life Manga, not all Manga is slice of life.. and Peach Momoko's other work, Demon Days is way more action packed and less slice of life than this.

[@JanArrah]

@@birdknight6616 If you like Ultimate X-Men, you should ABSOLUTELY check out her Demon Days series. It's a fantastic and inventive reimagining of the Marvel Universe as distinctly Japanese and it's soooo good. It's also fun to guess at what some of the characters are and who they are for the wider Marvel..

[@matthewrowlett1564]

The lack of the "Mutant opression" theme actually makes sense... given the setting. It's written in a more modern setting, and in modern times, people are a lot more accepting of these things... plus, its set In Japan, and a LOT of Japanese Manga represent the country as more accepting of things like this... I'm surprised though, that there's no reference to OTHER Japanese Mutanta yet... it's an alternate universe, Hiro Yoshida could appear as. Classmate of theirs, for example... a new Ultimate Sunfire would be cool.

[@DesperadoDingo]

Doesn't seem like you've read any Ultimate books. Yoshida is in the Ultimate books. Not this one, yet. And without further spoilers, this world has its own gimmick as to why things might be playing out the way they are.

[@isaacmartinez2359]

I agree a lot of people are under the misconception that Japan is very confirmative but that’s not true it’s has people who go against the grain just like anywhere else it’s just our perception has been shaped through the media available to us about it

[@dreamcast2k1]

I think the ultimate X-men is great! I love that it’s different from the rest of the books sometimes it’s ok to do different things every once in awhile

[@andrewknight2918]

ALWAYS learn something new. I'm reading this and everything you said causes the book to make a whole lot more sense.

[@mantanox12]

I think it’s great so far. It’s young mutants coming into their powers and finding friendships with others who share that experience. It’s essential the X-men theme. The hated and feared aspect will come as the world gets to know mutants more. I can’t wait to see more

[@incendiesproductions]

Exactly. The implication so far from the book is that the populace of Earth-6160 generally don't know about the existence of mutants yet, but the events that are happening now in UXM are likely going to lead to that change happening.

[@mantanox12]

@@incendiesproductions right! I wish people gave the series more time to find some footing for itself before judging too hard. Momoko has to essentially craft not only the X-men, but the very idea of Mutants and how they’re perceived in this new world. I’m sure we’re going to get a deeper exploration into those ideas very soon.

[@chidaluokoro9104]

same

[@tyresselittle747]

Dude, your comment is perfect. Answer why this uxm book is x-men, but a different spin concept that not many people. See, but they only care for it to be traditional x-men look.

[@tyresselittle747]

​@mantanox12 1,000,000,000, agree, bro. I can already tell this ultimate title will be a hidden gem once it get to 15 issues later down the line.

[@quantumsurge7250]

I watched the X-men anime as a kid, so I was already aware of Hisako as a character, which entices me to read this. I really want to give this series a go but I have yet to be able to get my hands on any issues.

[@CasuallyComics]

Yay, someone else who remembers the X-Men anime!

[@darryldavis6063]

I always wanted another season of the Anime.

[@ggt47]

X-Men EVO was *my* X-Men.

[@Ellthom]

I am one of those people LOVE Peach Momokos art (like seriously her style made me get out my pencils again I love her style), but the story has sadly not been for me. But I do get the appeal.

[@bennywark3103]

Yeah the art is beautiful

[@Kira22558]

Art style looks cool.

[@marveler8994]

As someone who hasn't read the comic my opinion doesnt really mean much, but I'd kinda expect a book titled "Ultimate X-Men" to feature a team of some kind along with the usual themes of X-Men. I'm a big fan of Momoko's art but I can very much understand the frustration. It's kinda like making a new series called "The Avengers" but 80% of it is about Jack of Hearts or something lol

[@isaacmartinez2359]

I think unlike the avengers, which has an ever changing roster, this is doublely true for the X-Men who’s main cast is always brought to the forefront of people’s minds which makes those expectations even more powerful So yeah I agree

[@drewk7330]

I'm literally obsessed. it's my favorite ongoing because of how fresh and different it feels. I love the more street level, interpersonal aspects of X-Men more than the multiversal grand expanded universe aspects. I was a fan of peach from demon days (which I still hope one day will continue) and this feels like only she could tell this story. not a lot of comic book writers seem to have such a unique POV.

[@TheMaster4863]

so this is my first introduction to X-Men in the comics so I love it and I'm not really bothered by the differences from what it's supposed to be, which I guess is the cartoon? I'm a fairly new Marvel fan and have mostly just read Japanese comics until this year

[@leephillips4402]

In 2000 the Ultimate Universe was created because someone wanted to write more Teenage Spider-Man stories, now it's been brought back so we can finally get some good adult Spider-Man stories.

[@brettwood1351]

It turns out we really do want a married to MJ Peter with kids that's a bit older. Who Knew? Oh wait, we did.

[@leephillips4402]

@@brettwood1351 next we'll find out we don't want Barry Allen, the Wolverine/Jean Grey/Cyclops love triangle, constant references to The Joker falling into acid or a new Secret Crisis every month.

[@aqwkingchampion13]

@@leephillips4402 What’s wrong with Barry? I know Wally’s more popular, but from what I’ve seen of Barry, he’s a good character.

[@Mayckon.D.Colman]

​@@aqwkingchampion13 In my buble Barry is much more popular due to the CW show and the new animations and games always been Barry since mid 2000s. For me, I'm tired of Barry just like I'm tired of Batman. It's always the same story about his mother, his father and Reverse Flash. Every Flash run since 2011 always starts good with Barry, he strugles with his parents' questions and it's revealed that it was Thawne. I'm sick of it and, I went back to read the Wally run and it was awesome. He decovered the speed force. Fought demons, aliens, had up and downs with Linda, all in a compelling way for the most part and always growing. I mean read the Jeremy Adams run on Wally. It was so refreshing to read something diferent with a not boring character. I didn't know I needed the Flash and some Hulk Hogan pastiche to fight a lot a dudes in skin tight clothes but I loved it and I never get that with Barry. Sorry for the text but it's just how it is for me. I wage it's different for other people.

[@CodeNameX001]

​@@leephillips4402 I still argue that making a Scott/Jean/Logan throuple was the greatest thing House of X ever did

[@padrebrendon]

I really like this book. BUT… I really like Peach Momoko’s style and I’m familiar with manga and its tropes. If someone asked me for an X-Men book to start with, I wouldn’t recommend this. Not because I don’t like it, but because it’s so different from your regular X-Book. It wouldn’t really give you a feel for what X-Men books are like. Also, I can understand why some fans might be disappointed. The big selling point for the new Ultimate Universe for many was a Spider-Man book that went back before some of the things that divided fans, most especially “One More Day.” If that’s what people expected from the line, they might have expected an X-Book that jumped back before Krakoa, before the Phoenix basically turned Cyclops into a villain, before Schism, before the move to the west coast and the X-Men’s earlier attempt to make a mutant nation. A return to the school. And while there is a return to school, it’s not the return many would expect or want. But again, I really like this book. I like Peach Momoko. I like the way she’s playing with familiar X-Men tropes through the lenses of Japan and manga. But I can see why others don’t, including plenty of people whose opinions on comics I generally respect. De gustibus non est disputandum.

[@therussiancomicbookgeek]

Love your videos ❤

[@wolv0223]

Why does Ultimate X-Men feel so different? Well, the short answer is: It *is* different. Almost everything about it is different. The art style that is non-traditional for an American comic book. The story is set in Japan, a departure both nominally and culturally (hence the "LeXicon" that Sasha mentions). The central "X-Men conflict" of Mutants vs. "a world that hates and fears them" has not yet started (though latest issue [time of -recording- commenting] seems to be setting it up), whereas the Man vs. Mutant struggle was on display all the way back in the original _X-Men_ #1. And then, of course, tonally, there's the slice of life/horror mash-up that Sasha mentions, whereas X-Men can be... many things, but tends toward more traditional superhero tones (action and/or soap opera; some of which we are [as above, ToC] starting to get in [New] Ultimate X-Men). The very concept of mutants is being tied to magic rather than science, at least so far, another peculiarity. Even as a New Ultimate title, it somewhat flips the premise of the universe on its head- the New Ultimate books are twists on the mainstream versions, but in a way that subverts the original Ultimate Marvel books; . Ultimate Peter Parker was a high schooler, akin to the earliest days of Spider-Man, whereas New Ultimate Peter is a father in his 30s, even older than modern mainstream Peter. The "Ultimate Marvel" Ultimates were a government super-team whereas the "Ultimate Universe" Ultimates are a rebel team, more akin to the modern Avengers rather than the early post-Civil War gov't-incorporate Avengers that the Ultimates are more akin (though Ultimates predated Civil War, to be clear). But for X-Men? It keeps the school setting of early X-Men and the original Ultimate X-Men, with teenaged characters, but picks less common characters to use alongside original creations in a largely revamped mythos- it could not be farther from the mainline X-Men books. It also hasn't really touched on the wider plot surrounding the Maker, making it almost like its own AU rather than "X-Men, but in a world where heroes are only just rising from underneath the Maker's oppression". It breaks the mold of the original Ultimate Marvel series, but it also breaks the mold of the Ultimate Universe and the main line of comics.

[@geekprotagonist1139]

Fantastic video very good break down

[@lnrdo]

Thanks for this overview, was just the thing I needed to decide on whether to give this version of Ultimate X-Men a look or not :) I'd been mostly paying attention to the winding down of the Krakoan Age in the main X-books and tie-ins, mini-series, etc. This title was kinda off my radar until now, but I'm intrigued by the tonal differences and cultural elements you described. I loved Peach Momoko's art from Demon Days too, so I'm eager to dive in and see what it's like

[@BlahNetworkBro]

I’m glad you’re covering it again! After reading ultimates I picked the book up to catch up and learn more about the ultimates universe, unfortunately I haven’t been rewarded with much more world building info yet but I am enjoying the serious and grounded emotional tone! I would like to potentially catchup on ultimate spiderman or black panther but they seem to be more popular and harder to find in stock!

[@ascorvinus]

It highlights the problem with marvel’s editorial approach. Cebulski asked, “How would you like to do Ultimate X-men?” when he should have asked, “what characters would you like to work on?”

[@glenngatlin8475]

I'm enjoying this run!!! Cool art and cool take on the X-MEN!

[@thewhitewolf8699]

Really interesting video and really looked into why the book feels different from the other ultimate stuff in a really informative way. It's a complex irony...Comic book readers often complain about the super hero punching stuff troupe or power fantasy's but the very second a artist steps out of that this massive discourse happens. People spoke about Daredevil Born again like this as they Did Watchmen and they are now regarded as classics...In part at least cos they do stand out.

[@douglasphillips5870]

I like when the ultimate universe goes its own way. Marvel's canon time-line is more consistent that DC so when you play with existing characters in alternate universes it can blend in people's minds with canon

[@indifferentsmiley]

People I think are really polarized by change because they think a change is forever. They probably feel like this is setting a precedent for some overhaul of all marvel comics, but really it's obviously its own thing. Art is absolutely beautiful.

[@CodeNameX001]

In general, I like it as it's own self-contained story. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it and it actually accels in some areas. Then again, I'm a big manga reader, so a lot of concepts don't feel "foreign" to me. My only criticism isn't of the work itself, but it's placement as THE X-Men title of the new Ultimates line. It could've been a New Mutants and worked just as well, but "X-Men" as a name carries a certain weight and expectation behind it, and by putting out a work that's so far removed from the concept (aside from "Mutants in a school") can be very alienating to the reader. That said, I'm still going to keep reading it. I just like it more as it's own self-contained story than as a headliner X-Men title.

[@josoldino2670]

Personally I'm all the way in the "love" camp, mostly for the art witch is simply fantastic. The fact that is so separated from everything else is a plus for me, it feels fresh and that it can go in so many directions. Also I'm loving the magical girls vibe, he horror elements, and the slow burn mistery. It's also been a way to introduce some of my manga obsessed friends to the marvel universe, witch is another big plus. I think it's the Ultimate title that i'm enjoying the most so far

[@jameljenks2584]

I may check this out.

[@parrata]

Oddly enough, while a Ultimate (6160) Spider-Man fan, I didn't pay attention to the other titles. And this video just totally caught my attention. EDIT: 11:10 Maybe that's a good thing regarding world-building. In a twisted way, The Maker still wants to create a perfect world. If I was a Marvel character who could and was willing to warp reality to build a "perfect" world, I would either erase mutant segregation or erase mutants themselves from existence. The Maker doesn't benefit from a global and systematic prejudice against a specific type of a meta-human, even if I can totally see it emerging here and there organically. Also, it's important to remember that Japan (now unified with the Koreas in a nation called Hi No Kuni) in this world is ruled by Viper and two mutants (Silver Samurai and Sunfire). No way the later two would not punish mutant prejudice.

[@DesperadoDingo]

Great comment and points, glad someone else in the comments has cracked this title before.

[@parrata]

@@DesperadoDingo i haven't read ultimate X-Men yet (again , I didn't planed to before this video), but I did read Ultimate Invasion, where many mutants and meta-humans were the rulers of their nations. As a side effect of The Maker's design, it makes sense mutantdom is more accepted at least in said nations.

[@M567dk]

I have to say that I enjoy this new take on Ultimate X-men as it is good visually due to the artist take on the world and its characters. I find it interesting given how it is not focus on the main usual X-men members, but still has the whole outcast thing in a much familiar high school setting. I cannot wait to see where this series goes and how it might tie into the greater narrative of the Ultimate Universe when it does or when the writer/artist feels it should.

[@zettovii1367]

Think this would have been more openly accepted, if it was presented as a spinoff title at best, if not a stand alone series. It's not only very disconnected to everything else that's going on in the Ultimate Universe, but there is also the issue that despite using the name X-men, it doesnt even utilize any of the core characters associated with the name. While I see they have teased with a incarnation of Rogue, they generally have put their focus on C tier characters... All without a Cyclops, Jean, Wolverine or Xavier in there. Seriously, at this point itd be more fitting to just call them "The X-girls", since on top of being a different lineup, they have exclusively been school girls so far.

[@BigMoneyGripMCV]

love it so far - coming from a fan of 80's X-Men as well.

[@bossbradley]

Man, this book is fantastic!

[@raymondbermudez555]

Should have been named "Ultimate Armor".

[@eastvandb]

This sounds awesome. I'm waiting for a trade paperback, and I'm really looking forward to it.

[@pangeasgarden8463]

This video offers some clarity into the thought processes that could be attributed to this new approach to X-men. I'm not a big fan of the work (I think this is attributed to the fact that I'man older reader than most), but based on your interpretation of this series, I am inspired to craft a narrative in which this approach could be a back end set up for a broader story where the major mutant players are not what the Maker could have predicted. Am I making sense?

[@Rixec2]

I love the new Ultimate X-Men. It's very different, yes, but the feel of X-Men is still there in a new way. It may feel off putting, but the story is clearly meant to be so with the J-horror tone. The X-Men have always been outcasts of society, suffering prejudice. We see how the characters are dealing with feelings of isolation due to their powers and how others react to them, but through Japanese values, as there's generally a vibe of not standing out, that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. As such, they've been trying not to use their powers publicly to avoid any backlash, but now that they've been caught on film that could lead to persecution. Mutants still aren't well known, but we can see what happens as they are made so, especially with the connection to the various deaths happening. And the body horror Peach Momoko is going for fits very well. We have seen plenty of body horror in X-Men. Wolverine having adamantium forced onto him, Rogue being unable to touch someone for long, mutants like Nightcrawler who cannot hide who they are, and so on. Truly diving into that element is fascinating and can lead to new questions about the powers. I also like that we are focusing on lesser known characters. I love stories about the characters not as big. Sure, Peter Parker, Wolverine, Steve Rogers, and so on are all great, but they tend to be tied down more because they are well known. It's hard to have any real change. Lesser known characters like Miles Morales, Kamala Khan, X-23, and here, Hisako and Mei, have a chance to do more, change more. There is so much more freedom to be had now. Even if they never become the big things like the others, I appreciate them for all they can do different.

[@apollolux]

With all the attention the new Ultimate Spider-Man's been getting recently, I'm surprised this Ultimate X-Men hasn't gotten more press as well.

[@tylordeboer7610]

Honestly, the new Ultimate X-Men reads more like a manga than a comic with its Japanese sensibilities. But I love the more manga like aspects of it. It’s the different approach I like the most. It feels like a Slice-of-Life series you’d find in a manga magazine. As a manga fan, this is probably why this is my first ongoing I’ve picked up from Marvel. As for the more typical X-Men feel some want, there’s plenty of X-Books that seem to be leaning towards what you think of when it comes to X-Men. The Ultimate Book lets them do something different.

[@xavierlaster]

I like the idea of different art styles being implemented for different regions in this new ultimate universe. That way you can have the same character still feel fresh in crossover stories.

[@BigMoneyGripMCV]

I enjoy Peach' interiors, similar for me, to Goseki Kojima Lone Wolf and Cub.. love it

[@aquatroy]

Because of your review and recommendation, I read Ultimate X-Men 1 and enjoyed it. However, I'm waiting for the TPB. The story felt like it was meant to be read more like a graphic novel then a monthly.

[@magnaz888]

I LOOOOVE how much of a risk they are taking plus I was a huge fan of Demon Days/Wars so I'm into it.

[@YTLawnGnome]

I have been reading all 4 titles and so far each one is very enjoybale. Spider-Man is by far my favorite. However, X-Men has so much mystery to it. Because I am dying to see how it is eventually going to fit in with this universe.

[@afroscifizianzcomix7836]

Good video 👌 I love Ultimate X-Men. I wanted something different. I'm glad it is set in Japan. Peach Momoko's work is refreshing. I don't want Cyclops, Wolverine or Jean Grey. Maybe The Ultimates can shed some light on what happened to the "traditional " X-Men. Ultimate X-Men is fine as it is.

[@stevenbock1961]

Art wise it makes me think of Chris Bachalo on 90s Generation X. It also gives me early New X-Men (Academy X) vibes.

[@dandragon8595]

For me I enjoying the story very much. But from my perspective some not all X-Men audiences might not want to or enjoy reading this story. It probably comes down to two factors again from my understanding and view point, one is because its not using characters that both the general audience and comic book readers know, and the second reason is the style is more like a manga or Japanese type of story telling rather then traditional western or American style story telling.

[@BaithNa]

Or maybe ita just bad storytelling and a bait and switch?

[@TheMaster4863]

@@BaithNa it's not bad

[@gunfighter009]

The 3rd factor worth keeping in mind is just how slow the pacing is. Its extremely decompressed

[@TheMaster4863]

@@gunfighter009 yeah and that’s probably a bit of cultural and genre difference of like manga will draw out every little action sometimes whereas American superhero comics will often do like your in scene and then the next page it’s a different scene and location. I wouldn’t say either is bad, both work for what they’re used for, it can just seem odd if you’re not used one or the other

[@gunfighter009]

@@TheMaster4863 manga that draws out action like that is usually weekly though which makes a big difference over something being released monthly

[@andrewmagracia2088]

Luv it.. ty4 ur vid 😊

[@KeeKage37]

I have to admit, while not as big and bombastic as X-men titles usually are with there depiction of mutant prejudices. I can appreciate the lesser tone take in Ultimate X-men. As someone who’s consumed a tons of anime and manga. I know that Japan kinda has this “freezing out,” or ostracize process. Or just bully people that tend to try and stand out or don’t fit in. This is something that happens both at school and at home. And leaves lots of people feeling isolated and alone. It’s not as in your face as say “the friends of humanity,” or “purifiers.” But I can still feel like this fits the core theme of the X-Men.

[@Taydar]

The Momoko part is what interests me.

[@timhaldane7588]

Haven't read it, so all I can say is it seems like a strange branding decision to call it X-Men while having almost nothing about it be recognizably X-Men.

[@daveluna7931]

I actually like it !! It feels different but very good

[@xHx23x]

I will always say that the great thing about being an x-fan is that there is always a book you will like cause there is always so many and they can be set in different universes and still work. The original Ultimate X-Men experimented with weird stuff too. Karent Grant's weird X-team? I love this cause is different and features underused characters in a new setting. Of the new line I am looking more forward to NYX than the others. I loved Krakoa cause it took us away from that mansion for a while. I think if people aren't vibing with it there will always be s traditional book at some point, so its fine. I like it when comics choose boldly, cause even if it doesn't work there was an attempt at new things

[@leephillips4402]

I don't mind X-Men doing something out there, Batman and Spider-Man do out there stuff all the time. If Spider-Man didn't we wouldn't have the Spider Verse movies, two of the greatest Superhero movies ever made. The original Ultimate Universe devolving into The Boys with Marvel Characters pretty much instantly was worth it for that.

[@DetectiveMaxHamm]

I love armor but i just wish they had more xmen

[@Sfyft]

This feels like a missed opportunity because, like other people have said in the comments, it take place in Japan. Japan is known for people just trying to fit in and outcasting anyone who doesn't try to follow rules and traditions, basically anyone who tries to stand out. The X-Men or even other mutants awakening in Japan is a cool concept, whether they are in high school or even older people. The story could have been about people discovering ther mutant abilities and fearing the rest of the community discover them and outcast them, but soon realize the monotony and dullness that surrounds them and maybe start to realize that their powers may be a blessing in disguise and truly start to feel proud of being a mutant and the things they can do that those around them can't. This could then lead to there being two factions: One where people use their abilities to try and help people, and the other that use their abilities to try and hurt or take control. This is an interesting concept, but it just feels like a high school drama/mystery with superpowers. Maybe I'm wrong and it will lead to something far more better than even I would have thought of. Only time will tell.

[@sirelfinjedi]

You ask great questions. What makes an X-Men book and X-Men book. There are mutants in lots of comics, so it must be more. I'll be thinking about this for days!

[@cecillbill]

I love Peach Momoko's art, and trust her to tell a great story, especially since I loved Demon Days and Demon Wars.

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

It's taking awhile to actually get anywhere imo but it's an interesting change

[@sovietpersonman]

Out of the all the ultimate books this was the one I was actively interested in because of how different it looked to mainline X-men and so far I'm really enjoying it. Also quick correction I don't Nico is calling herself a mutant but she is talking about her two friends that are both based off mutant characters from the 616 (Cyclops and Molly Hayes)

[@Hooksongs]

I just dropped all the Ultimate Universe titles, but this was the only title (while not for me) that was doing something interesting. Truly changing what an X-men title is. That is what the other titles aren't getting right, too similar... to predictable and not terribly creative. Just my opinion though, if you enjoy it, read it. Rock on!

[@greenguy369]

Other than the fact that it feels more like an Armor solo than an X-men book...I'm sure its a lot of fun.

[@robertstryjak1973]

I personally really like this take on X-Men but I'm also really into manga and the kind of person who's happy to wait three weeks for another chapter of a slice of life story where the main character being half-dragon is mostly used to explore different themes instead of dramatic action. Long story short, this Ultimate X-Men is very much to my liking but I understand others might hold a differing opinion.

[@smartmouth1819]

I never heard of this book... and now i HAVE TO read it

[@lanternsown3525]

Interesting it sounds like a wild ride.

[@UnCagedChristian]

I love Ultimate X Men and Peach

[@saidi7975]

... meh, they can do whatever at this point. I guess favoring the 80s-90s x-men makes me a dinosaur so, fuck it, I roll with it...

[@Tiggeralt]

I'm in the "love it" camp, especially now that we're a few issues in and we're getting a larger group of characters, it's starting to feel less like an Armor solo book and more like an ensemble piece.

[@buraddorun3043]

It's working for me. I appreciate the focus on characters not widely used in 616, and also the new characters getting introduced. And i like that it's different, even tonally, than the X-Men beats in the 616. I do hope that it connects well to the rest of the new Ultimate Universe, however. It's all very interesting, where it came from and where it's leading, what with the Maker due to break free eventually. How would he have stopped the mutant heroes from riding un an entire reality, anyway? The X-gene exists there, apparently. What did he do to stop the more well-known mutants we aren't seeing? How will this younger generation of B- and C-listers step up? There's a lot of space and ideas to work with! But where it is now is fine. I enjoy seeing the characters grow and live in this different "world" of Japan, or Hi no Kuni. It has a lot of slice of life feel, but I feel like big battles and normal superhero stuff is coming. I like it.

[@MarkStorey-dc4tm]

I'm enjoying it and like how different it is.

[@A1ml33y]

I'm ❤ing this new version of the Ultimate X-Men

[@georgefeliu2383]

My take is Marvel took a shot at experimentation to get new readers. While I'm not against it, X-men was as much need of a good reboot as Spider-man. I think they would have brought old readers to the book if it had more of a classic feel.

[@thepokekid01]

I feel like I would be interested in a Japanese Take on Mutant Persecution. I don't think that would mean it would take the form of something that resembles white racism, and I think that's an issue many can't understand even if they know it on a logical level. The whole white is default is so permeated in western culture that it's hard to discern. At the end of the day, "let Momoko cook" is what I say. There will always be more and other X-Men stories... especially now, lol. The idea of Mutant Persecution in a Japanese political commentary sort of way could be interesting as it starts about the issue of conforming and really traditional ideas of what it means to be Japanese in Japan, but I can quickly see that spilling out into topic of how immigrants are treated in Japan and the scare of declining birth rates, as well as what it means to be lgbtq as a Japanese person, and just the general idea of a "half" and what is considered "a Japanese person". It would be controversial, but interesting and probably the most relevant time to talk about these things as it seems like more japanese young people are moving away from those ideas. I can easily see that all coming to the surface after this core plot is resolved, but even if they don't go that direction, I'm interested in it because it's so different.

[@milestrombley1466]

It is a unique story, but it should have been called something else. Ultimate Armor.

[@NickholasWilson-wv5rm]

I Like the ultimate universe

[@leonxdz]

An xmen book that isnt dealing with any of the usual bs of comic books in general and with unique artwork? That sounds amazing tbh

[@shirouemiya1650]

I like this.

[@nicknguyen6117]

I want to love Ultimate X-Men. It was the reason I started reading the new Ultimate universe. I just absolutely love Peach Momoko's artwork. I loved all the ultimate stuff I read except for X-Men. It just felt like a mediocre manga to me, and I have read a TON of manga. I just pick up the new issues to peruse the artwork now.

[@robertboden2744]

I dig the idea of this X-Men, it's something different and new, seems like alotta fun....but I'm also the guy that thought Bruce should be dead and Dick and Damian should still be Batman and Robin

[@ravenwilder4099]

I'm wondering if the plan is for Ultimate X-Men to be an anthology title. Start off with a story arc by one creator focusing on a specific character in their own corner of the world, then the next story arc is by a different creator focusing on a different character in a different corner of the world, and so on like that, with just little bits here and there connecting them. Like Season 1 of Heroes.

[@kailevil3444]

That would be interesting.

[@JKevinCarrier]

I wasn't aware of this book before now, but it looks pretty interesting. I'm impressed that Marvel is going along with it being so different, both stylistically and thematically. But the cynic in me thinks that sooner or later, these characters will get folded into the larger universe, and be morphed into the "Marvel House Style", which will be a shame...

[@Dunybrook]

All I remember about the original Ultimate universe is how weird and pervy and sexist it was in the name of trying to be edgy. Having a woman writer almsot has to be a refreshing change of pace.

[@Therese504]

I'm not generally a fan of manga but DANG this is such a breath of fresh air!! I love it & absolutely can't be bothered with the rest of this latest Ultimate universe cash grab

[@quantafreeze]

If they stopped the main continuity, I would be bothered, but I like the changes the Maker has meddled in.

[@mathieuleader8601]

wow the thumbnail reminds me of Shamans King's artstyle

[@RandomManEntertainment]

Honestly the art is really I love Peaches work. My issue is it really feel like a X-Men book. I am willing to give some what of chance. But overall to me its this is better then the 616 X-Men.

[@dewayneispierre4125]

It feels like this is going to be a simulation run by sinister in order to bring the X-men into the story quid pro quo vs overpowered team on behalf of The Maker.

[@russellwhisenant5554]

I haven't read it so I don't know everything that's going on much less everything that's been foreshadowed. That said from your description it doesn't sound like there's actually a team. You can debate what's most important in singling out which team of mutants are truly "the X-Men", but they are a team. The X-Men are found family bonded by a common ideology (Xavier's dream) who have internal frictions and rivalries but still trust each other with their lives in a fight. You can debate how much of that is essential, but doesn't sound like this has any of that going on. If we don't even have a team that we definitely don't have the X-Men. I realize they couldn't change the name when this project turned into something else, but as it is calling it the new mutants would be a bit of a stretch. Calling it X-Men is just a complete misnomer.

[@BenChanNYC]

Maybe I missed it, but does the book have an in-universe reason to be called, "X-Men" or has the term not come up? (it'd be interesting if in this universe it's just a catchall term for mutants)

[@DesperadoDingo]

Hasn't come up yet. Given the conceit of this Ultimate Universe, there's an unaddressed mystery as to... How the X-Men or mutants got taken off the board, so to speak.

[@vincentbatten4686]

I am consistently mind boggled by how so many comic book readers are so formalist and conservative in their desires for story and art. And to clear the record I'm not referring to partisanship. I'm talking about the fact that they have a narrow perspective of what kind of stories they will like and the level to which they will complain about its sheer existence. Everything has to be the same but also new. It needs to be a new take on the same old story. The comments about the art are incredibly obtuse to me as well. Everyone has tastes, but you're going to tell me Andrea Sorrentino, Chris Samnee, Alex Ross, and Fiona Staples are similar enough to be seen as "comic" artists, but Peach Momoko and other artists draw "manga" art. Those words are literally just names for the same medium across two languages. Even if they were for some reason different mediums, you don't think they should or could be fused? I don't see people saying that about American animated television productions or live action movies. Why is manga the thing people can't accept? This all seems so tiring. When the big two so rarely move against the grain, I wish people would celebrate that they are doing something different. For those who don't enjoy it, I welcome critique, and I think genuine insight is interesting, but this attitude of things just being too different is bizarre to me. At the very least, I wish people could concede that enough other people are enjoying something and determining that this just must not be for them and moving on with their lives. The problem I see is that some comic fans are crushed under the weight of their own suffocating solipsism that they don't understand that everything isn't supposed to be for them. Anyway, I'm sure this sounds more venomous than I intended. I'm mostly just baffled by these ideas. I wish the criticism dealt more honestly in trying to meet the work on its own terms rather than being upset that the work isn't something it very intentionally never wanted to be. If we were stuck in that mindset I would guarantee the majority of comics fans' favorite works never would have been made. I hope people can learn to expand their horizons from time to time, but if you enjoy having your very narrow tastes, there are plenty of people catering to it and that's a good thing. You should go celebrate those artists.

[@tyresselittle747]

How the way you point out fans that heavily dislike these ultimate lineups especially uxm. Is how I feel too, these people don't know how to take a hint and accept that these books aren't for you and just move on to other titles. Instead of just complaining ever single time just because. Your favorite comic isn't following what you like 🙄

[@juansanchez209]

In trying to criticize those with narrow preconceptions and unwillingness to accept other opinions, you actually also come across like somebody unwilling to accept the opinions of those who prefer what they would consider to be a more traditional approach Personally? I really like this book, but I also completely understand the arguments of those who don’t like it. And I can’t even refute those arguments because they’re well-founded IMO, all I can do is say that I personally disagree and find enjoyment in it for the same reasons that others dislike it

[@freman007]

@@tyresselittle747 "It's not for you" is a poor argument when that's the tagline for pretty much every North American comic these days. If they're "not for you", then who are they for? Is this supposed target audience actually buying these comics in sufficient quantities to justify these books' existence? Remember, in Stan Lee's day, if book sales dropped to 20,000 a month, they'd be cancelled. These days there're very few titles that can even manage that. Manga of course exceeds it easily, but then manga exists in a meritocracy, where if you don't produce products people want, you don't stay in business. As for the named artists, yes, Andrea Sorrentino, Chris Samnee, Alex Ross, and Fiona Staples do use a particular style associated with North American comic books. I dislike Fiona's Saga story BTW. Momoko's style is closer to that of manga artists, and I read a lot of manga. Far more than I do Western comics. That you can't tell the difference rather invalidates your rant.

[@alexanderticonuwu7591]

​@@tyresselittle747 The real response isn't "It's not for you". If we keep saying that, nobody would read anything but the 6385th story of Spider-Man's life sucking. "Give it a chance" is the right words. If they like a medium, they should suck it up and give a comic a shot regardless of art or story before deciding if they like it or not. We shouldn't gatekeep people, we should ask them to try something new.

[@theodorejenkins6066]

The reason they say the art is manga art because manga typically has a very distinct look that's very different from comicbooks. In my opinion a better look but as casuallycomics always says ymmv

[@ComicSwag]

Havent read any of thd new ultimate universe stuff but it's an ultimate universe I dont mined if there trying to do something different & I also wouldnt be against the idea of retelling the original stories with modern art & not as dialogue heavy as the old x-men books