The threat of mutants has become more present in Ultimate X-Men, which has revealed a cult to the public. The revelation of mutants continues in Ultimate X-Men #9 this week, as Peach Momoko has mutants clash, and we get a closer look at Maystorm.
In Ultimate X-Men #9, Maystorm checks on her parents, Surge makes a move on a father, and the source of mutant power from the Children of the Atom cult becomes clearer. After you put this issue down, it’s obvious this series clearly falls into a rhythm as the story can ping-pong between the main “good guys,” the cult, and the school. The latter element continues to heavily steep the series in grade school DNA, reminding us these mutants are all quite young while they deal with newfound powers.
Ultimate X-Men #9 opens with Surge overhearing folks on the train talk about the scary mutants among them. The body was found from the previous issue, going by the term #meatcase on social media, and it has made mutants seem like the boogeyman. Meanwhile, Maystorm is reminded she should check on her parents. It’s the perfect intro as Surge and Maystorm eventually come to blows: mutant power versus mutant power.
You need to chill, dude.
Credit: Marvel
Before the big fight, there was a nice check-in at the high school, and some interesting cultural elements of Japan were on display. We get some insight into how Japan celebrates a Bunka-sai. Once again, Momoko fills us in on Japanese customs in the back matter. This scene also helps lift up Armor’s ongoing anger issue.
At the cult, the other check-in is with the Shadow King, aka Shinobu Kageyama. This scene hints at why so many young people in the cult have mutant powers. Momoko leans into her horror side in this scene, with a Wolverine-looking man in complete distress with cords coming out of his mouth. Poor guy.
Momoko masterfully draws the big fight with cool energy effects and a keen sense of Maystorm’s personality. She’s very expressive, juxtaposing well-off Surge, who is angrier than anything else. If this fight scene tells us anything, mutants need teachers to hone their powers.
If I had any complaints, it’s the awkwardness of the villain, who shakes and sweats like a cartoon villain. It’s hard to take him seriously as a threat. There’s also Maystorm’s dad, who is caught seemingly cheating with an underage kid. The dialogue softens this a bit, normalizing the behavior, but it’s still an odd element that sticks out yet is meant to be no big deal.
Ultimate X-Men #9 builds on the series’ momentum, blending mutant action with cultural elements and character-driven storytelling. The heightened threat of mutants is palpable as Momoko deftly weaves together storylines, bouncing between the protagonists, the cult, and the high school setting. Each element reinforces the youth and inexperience of these characters, especially as they grapple with newfound powers.
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