Ultimate X-Men continues to be the X-book I am most excited to get each month, and this third trade installment demonstrates why. Peach Momoko and Zack Davisson’s take on our merry mutants continues to stand apart from typical superhero fare with its dreamlike visuals and introspective storytelling. This volume, The Realm of the Mind, explores both inner and outer chaos as Hisako (Armor) confronts the Shadow King and her own fears in a distorted reflection of reality. The result is a visually striking, emotionally charged collection that blends surreal horror and youthful rebellion. It’s a strong book with an ambitious and fascinating concept complemented by beautiful art that elevates some of the weaker plot moments.
Marvel
This volume collects Ultimate X-Men #13–18, continuing the saga of Hisako and her fellow mutant “punk” outcasts as they rebel against the manipulative Children of the Atom. As tensions rise between Armor and Maystorm, the team’s fragile unity is tested by betrayal, loss, and the reemergence of the Shadow King. The story culminates in Hisako’s descent into the Astral Plane, where her internal turmoil begins to reshape the world around her. What begins as a rescue mission soon becomes a meditation on identity and trauma.
Momoko and Davisson’s writing continues to work well in this volume. The dialogue feels sincere and grounded, even when the story moves into more abstract territory. Each character has a clear voice, though a few moments pass more quickly than they probably should. Some of the pacing, particularly during the rescue scenes, feels a bit rushed, but the emotional focus on Hisako and Mei keeps the story anchored. As always, Momoko’s art is the real draw. Her watercolor style gives the pages a soft, dreamlike quality that adds depth to scenes that might otherwise play as pure horror. The Astral Plane sequences are especially striking, combining beauty and unease in a way few superhero comics attempt. It creates the sense that each page is its own small painting, perfectly matched to the story’s tone.
Marvel
Ultimate X-Men Vol. 3: The Realm of the Mind showcases Peach Momoko’s singular vision of the X-Men mythos. It’s intimate, eerie, and unlike anything else in Marvel’s current lineup. While the story occasionally stumbles in pacing, its emotional depth and breathtaking art make it a standout volume. Additionally, it’s rather approachable even if you missed the first volumes in the series. It’s a confident, imaginative work that proves how flexible and personal superhero storytelling can be in the right hands.
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