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Nico Minoru infiltrates a cult in Ultimate X-Men #16 by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson and Travis Lanham, Marvel Comics.
Disclaimer: For the purpose of avoiding the current arc in the series, this review will focus only on the plot involving the character of Nico Minoru.
PREVIOSLY ON ULTIMATE X-MEN
The sorceress Nico Minoru had infiltrated the Children of the Atom. Although Nico’s intentions were clear, her methods were not. There was no explanation of how she infiltrated the cult. Nor how she found their new temple. What was entirely clear was the fact that Nico was way over her head.
Even though she had a map of the premises that helped her navigate the facilities, she was alone behind enemy lines. Through the entire issue there was an eerie feeling. As if Nico would be easily caught at any moment. For example, there was a close call with Maester. The leader of the cult himself. Also, Surge greeted her after she thought Nico looked familiar.
FUTABA’s WARNING
While Nico played spy inside the cult, others plotted from the outside. Issue 15 had the full appearance of a character named Futaba. If her character design wasn’t obvious, she’s the ultimate version of Anna Marie (Rogue). Or at least that’s my guess.
Kind of hard to ignore, with the white hair and the gloves. Regardless, Futaba met with Tatsuya, Psylocke’s older brother, to discuss all the information she had on the Children of the Atom. Long story short, the cult is a front for genetical experimentations. But that’s just the beginning.
CHILDREN OF A LIE
First, experiments require subjects. Secondly, the experiment efforts are aimed at finding the “true Homo Superior”. Or a master race of mutants. Of course, all of this is sponsored by The Maker. Hence why Viper from the Maker’s Council is seen supervising Maester and giving him orders.
The reason for this chat with Tatsuya was to warn him. If for any reason, Nico or Kanon are caught inside the cult’s facilities, they would be in great danger. More than likely Maester would retaliate and make an example out of Kanon.
*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #16*
FROM THE SOLICITATION:
“The dawn of a new mutant cult? It’s springtime in Hi No Kuni, the period for renewal and new beginnings. But what’s new is not always what’s better, as Hisako’s dark era spreads…” (MARVEL)
A NEW ALLY
Issue #16 begins with a flashback to explain a few things that went unanswered. First question that rose from issue 15 was: How was Futaba so knowledgeable on the Children of the Atom? Well, we got the answer here. It was by pure chance.
Nico left her grandmother’s journal at a restaurant by mistake. It just so happened that Futaba found it. When Futaba returned the journal to Nico they ended up exchanging intel. Thus everyone acquired a better understanding of the cult.
THE X-MEN ARE IN TOWN
Another highlight from the same flashback was a news article that covered a local gang committing vandalism around Hi Ni Kuni. This new group of rags and tags call themselves the “X-Men”. Mori shared the article with Nico. Nico managed to figure out that Mei was the one calling the group the X-Men. Nico recalled a conversation where Mei suggested their group be called the “X-Men”. This happened all the way back in issue #10. Besides Mori, Mei, Nico and Kanon, the group is made of strays from the Children of the Atom for the most part. On one hand, they were gathering all the mutants that deserted the cult. Which by all metrics was positive. But on the other hand, they were gathering way too much attention to themselves.
SISTER GRIMM
During the infiltration of the Children of the Atom, Nico was going as Grimm. A mutant with magical powers. Clearly a nod to the main universe version of Nico Minoru who went by Sister Grimm originally. Previously, Nico was seen performing magic tricks for the children of the cult. While it worked to win over the other children and sort of blend in, it caught the attention of the administrators. So in this issue she was more cautious.
FINDING HISAKO
Eventually, Nico ran into Hisako. But there was a problem, Hisako did not recognized her friend Nico. Hisako walked away with a blank stare. No reaction whatsoever. Of course, Nico followed but she lost track of Hisako on the maze that is the facility. Unfortunately, Nico was caught snooping around by the leader of the cult himself, Maester.
It was a close call. But a mutant child convinced Surge to vouch for Grimm in front of Maester. So Nico’s tactics were not in vain. After all, one of the children she ingratiated herself with saved her from Maester’s suspicions. However, she was not out of the woods yet.
SURGE
From issue #9 we know that Surge’s character is not afraid of confrontation. For she already went toe-to-toe with Meistorm. So it was just a matter of time before she engaged in a squabble with another character. This time it was Nico Minoru. Surge did not appreciate that she had to vouch for Grimm. Because Grimm was new and a stranger to her. Finally, Nico tried to contact her friends on the outside via phone. During her attempt, she was caught in the act by Surge. Sparks were bound to fly.
MAGIC vs. STATIC
Right then and there, just a few steps outside the doors of the Cult. Grimm, or rather Nico Minoru engaged Surge in a battle for her survival. Although we the readers are aware of Surge’s abilities and how capable she is. We were privy to Nico’s magical prowess. Not to this extent. Of course, Nico has stepped in to save the day before by using her magic abilities. But it always seems to be out of pure instinct. This time she showed control and poised over her abilities. Just complete domination of herself and her opponent. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when Maester intervened.
HOW ABOUT THE ART?
Peach Momoko continues to gracefully blend japanese traditional watercolor art style with comic book storytelling. Even though this is american based comics, Momoko draws heavily from Japanese folklore and traditional beliefs. Often featuring supernatural beings like ghosts, demons, and other yōkai. Introducing readers around the world to her culture via the comic book medium.
OVERAL GRADE: 9/10
Peach Momoko has been working multiple plots since the very beginning of this series. This review was purposely focused on just Nico’s character to showcase her plot alone. However, if we were to follow each plot alone we would see just how rich the whole story really is. While this a character driven series, there’s also an entire section of this world being built in the background.
The evil doers of Hi No Kuni have proven to be more than capable. They are elusive, resourceful and motivated. All thanks to Momoko’s writing. Maybe this is not our typical X-Men. But this is also not your typical universe.
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