REVIEW: ‘Ultimate X-Men’ Issue #2

Ultimate X-Men #2 is published by Marvel Comics, written, art and colors by Peach Momoko, script adaptation by Zack Davisson and letters by Travis Lanham. This is part of the new Ultimate Universe. As Hisako follows the mystery of the shadow creature, she also makes a new friend.

There is a blending between serenity and horror within this book. When Hisako is sat by herself, approached by this newcomer, there is a charming feeling, with a warmth brewing through the page. The pacing is slow but calming and inviting. There’s a sense of childish adventure and excitement. But that then gets invaded by the Shadow. When it appears, it instigates dread and terror. The darkness is impossibly bleak, and the warring emotions battle it out.

The world expands slowly within Ultimate X-Men #2, still focused on the story of the young Hisako. It makes the series palatable and engrossing. There’s a constant curiosity about where the story will go. Shadow displays some more capabilities that make him unnerving and repulsive, and the rudeness of its release is shocking. By the end of the comic, the book seems to be progressing further, with many avenues opened up.

The book’s cast increases minutely, but that increase is a huge surprise. Utilizing the newcomer raises many eyebrows, considering who has already appeared in other series. The difference between the two youngsters is fantastic. Hisako withdraws herself, while the other is much more extroverted. Hisako’s life practically forced her into being a recluse.

The brutal death of her best friend has shattered her soul and her confidence, so she has shrunk within herself. The dialogue between the duo is fascinating, as much of it looks like Hisako hasn’t spent time talking to other kids her age in a long time, which leads to strange ramifications. Meanwhile, the words emanating from Shadow are spectacularly sinister. It has the hallmarks of all great villains: the ability to get under the skin of his victims

The art is achingly beautiful and traumatic all at once. The creepiness of the Shadow invades the peace and the beauty of the rest of the comic. There’s a terrific energy to the young kids, with wonderfully expressive faces. The design for the new characters is masterful, truly reinventing them from their main universe counterpart. The world around Hisako is pretty and descriptive. However, from her point of view, it often feels like she’s not taking it in. Other kids can be silhouettes or faceless shapes, which can raise suspicion, given the book’s main villain. The imagery generated is horrifying, making the skin crawl and bones shudder.

The watercolors used to paint the comic gives it a unique texture and style. It also compels Momoko to use lighter, more natural shades. Hisako’s hoodie, which is bright red, is the most vibrant aspect of the issue. That is pushed further when her armor forms around her, serving as brief signs of the superhero genre this book lives in. Then when Shadow appears, that darkness can be impossible to lift. The style looks like the strands have been drawn on in pencil. When you stare deeper into the black mass, swirling lines give the shape its volume and weight. The lettering has some fantastic moments of dynamism. That said, the text for Shadow can be tough to read.

Ultimate X-Men #2 continues Momoko’s masterpiece. Momoko’s influences are all surfacing within this series to a phenomenal effect. The Studio Ghibli comparisons are easy to make, but the horror elements are just as important and noticeable. Moulding the Japanese styles and stories into the series truly utilises the remit of the new Ultimate Universe straying away from America. At the moment, the book doesn’t feel tied to anything, instead being a genuine auteur adventure. Everything about it is fresh and deeply captivating.

Ultimate X-Men #2 is available where comics are sold.