Welcome, X-Fans, to another uncanny edition of X-Men Monday at AIPT!
Uncanny? Maybe I should I say… Ultimate, because this week, superstar writer and artist Peach Momoko joins us to discuss her upcoming Ultimate X-Men series. The first issue goes on sale March 6, 2024, and based on what we’ve seen of it so far, we can expect a fresh take on Marvel’s mutants that only a visionary creator like Peach could deliver. And because it’s Peach, of course, you know it’ll be overflowing with breathtaking visuals.
Read on to hear directly from Peach as she answers your questions, and get an eXclusive look at Ultimate X-Men #1.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Welcome to X-Men Monday, Peach! Let’s start with a question from X-Fan Ethan Brown, who asked, what was your first interaction with the X-Men as a fan? And how has that influenced your take on them in the new Ultimate Universe?
Peach Momoko: I wasn’t too familiar with X-Men before researching them when I creating Demon Days and now, Ultimate X-Men. But I generally always loved the concept of mutants using their power for and against humankind as well as each other. And that they are generally treated as outcasts from society.
AIPT: X-Fans Andres Galindo and Toku asked, how did the opportunity to handle writing and art on the new Ultimate X-Men series come about?
Peach: I was actually at Disneyland Paris teaching for the Marvel Art Atelier program when [Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief] C.B. Cebulski spoke to me about the project and asked if I was interested. It was a very happy surprise.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Owen said, we’ve seen you reinterpret the Marvel Universe before in Demon Days. What is it like reinventing the X-Men through the lens of this new Ultimate Universe that Jonathan Hickman established with Ultimate Invasion?
Peach: 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.
AIPT: X-Fan Russell observed that this take on X-Men seems to very much be a coming-of-age story. Were there any themes from coming-of-age stories you were particularly excited to explore in this series?
Peach: I am writing many of the stories looking back at my own experiences (and what I saw) during my own time as a student in junior high and high school. But also keeping in mind and comparing the similarities and differences of the environments that young children find themselves in today.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Cole wanted to know what made you want to use Armor in your reinterpretation of X-Men.
Peach: I was just looking through Japanese X-Men characters and saw Armor as a very interesting character to explore. I never write a story first and decide on character. I always choose a character and let the character tell their story to me.
AIPT: Two questions about Maystorm. First, X-Fan Iron asked, how did you come up with Maystorm and visualize her?
Peach: The inspiration for Maystorm was that the New Champions variant cover program that asked me to design a Japanese school girl that idolizes Storm. So I wanted to make sure I keep the key visuals of the Japanese school girl school uniform… and fuse it with the iconic Storm (especially took influence from her mohawk punk look). I felt this combination made the fusion fresh, fun, young, and a very natural combination.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: And X-Fan Will M. was curious what you can you tell us about Maystorm and her motivations.
Peach: Maystorm’s motivation? You’ll have to read my story to find out.
AIPT: X-Fans Ethan C.M. and Kingdom X asked, are you taking inspiration from or have you been influenced by any classic X-Men stories as you developed Ultimate X-Men?
Peach: My Ultimate X-Men isn’t directly influenced by classic X-Men stories. I like to believe C.B. and Jonathan Hickman chose me because they wanted something completely new and different, so I think sometimes no influences is a good thing!
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Nick said, as an artist, you’re known for creating incredible and sometimes horrifying artwork all at once, with extensive attention to detail. How has Ultimate X-Men allowed you to push your potential as both an artist and a writer?
Peach: I am not sure how Ultimate X-Men has pushed my potential as I believe I am always trying to push my potential in all and any projects. But if I had to point out something new that I have never done that probably pushed me is SPEED. For this project, I am 100% writer, 100% artist… on a monthly comic series. This was new and I needed to make sure I still deliver a quality that I am happy to share with the world on a monthly basis.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Finally, you’ve created so many breathtaking covers and commissions of both classic and obscure X-Men characters. Is there an X-Men character you never get tired of bringing to life?
Peach: I have never thought about that. I enjoy drawing so many X-Men characters.
AIPT: And we enjoy those drawings, so keep it up! But on that note, thanks for stopping by X-Men Monday, Peach! Remember, X-Fans, Ultimate X-Men #1 goes on sale March 6, 2024, so be sure to grab a copy before it sells out.
And, thanks to our friends at Marvel, we’re able to share an eXclusive look at the issue’s interiors.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Gorgeous! And if that wasn’t enough, here’s an Ultimate X-Men #1 variant cover from Betsy Cola…
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
… and finally, Peach’s cover to Ultimate X-Men #2, featuring Maystorm.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Until next time, X-Fans, stay exceptional!
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