Share this
Creative Team – Peach Momoko(writer & artist). Zack Davisson(script adapter). Travis Lanham(letterer). Peach Momoko(cover artist). Meghan Hetrick, Peach Momoko, Lucas Werneck(variant cover artists). Jay Bowen & Kat Gregorowicz(design).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
Be sure to check out the review for Ultimate X-Men #3! Hope you enjoy!
More Mutants?
When reading this Ultimate X-Men run, it’s best to keep in mind that you really have no idea what’s going to happen. This run does a great job keeping you on your toes at every turn. Starting Ultimate X-Men #4, we begin with Hisako and Mei at school contemplating whether or not their colleague, Nico Minoru, actually has powers. Her parents are psychics and apparently the real deal. She’s seen reading the fortunes of other students in class. I’m curious how Minoru will come into play with Hisako and Mei. She was able to identify them as mutants rather quickly so there’s clearly something we don’t know about her.
Something I really appreciate about this Ultimate X-Men run is that the world of superpowers and mutants is constantly expanding, adding depth to the storyline using new players. You don’t know who to trust or who is being used by the Shadow. In Ultimate X-Men #4, we get a look at a new mysterious mutant that, based on their actions, isn’t here to be Hisako’s friend.
Amano
Moving on, Hisako gets on her bike to drive home in the rain when she encounters a very gloomy looking boy named Amano. According to Amano’s mom, he’s been going through a deep depression since he was close to the children that ended their own lives. He demands answers from Hisako claiming she knows more than she’s letting on about the deaths when she’s confronted by Amano. That’s when everything starts to make some sense with Amano. The sinister Shadow that’s been tormenting Hisako has control over Amano.
The Art
I really love the cultural tone of the run. This book in particular does a great job at showing the normalcy of teenagers in high school, while highlighting the dark undertones of the everyday life of Hasiko. The subtle colors helps add a layer emotion over a grim storyline. One thing I loved is how Mei’s powerset is illustrated. Her powers are larger than life and it shows so very clearly in each panel she uses them in. Peach Momoko continues to prove she’s a master of her craft.
The Writing
Ultimate X-Men #4 does an excellent job at continuing the story whilst giving the reader even more to work with every time a new character is introduced. The mystery that surrounds the new characters is very compelling and creates more levels of excitement. The comic does a great job at creating comfort characters like Mei. It’s nice to see Hasiko and Mei’s friendship continue to flourish when Hasiko needs her best friend and Mei doesn’t hesitate.
Creating a story about a mutant who just happened upon her powers with no knowledge where they came from or why to showing the character having a firmer grasp is no easy feat. The slow burn showing the stakes growing higher and higher is perfectly handled.
Final Thoughts
Ultimate X-Men is such a unique way to experience the mutants and the fourth issue continues that. Every new character or new part of the plot is added just at the exact right pace. Peach Momoko and the creative team hit another home run with Ultimate X-Men #4
I give this an 8 out of 10
This article was written by me, Megan! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Ultimate X-Men #4, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
