Elijah Williams
Marvel Comics has unveiled the stunning variant cover by artist Mark Brooks for the inaugural issue of the new Ultimate X-Men series.
With the story and illustrations crafted by Peach Momoko, Ultimate X-Men is set to launch in early March as a part of Marvel’s fresh Ultimate Universe. The series revolves around Hisako Ichiki/Armor, a familiar face from the X-Men in the main Marvel Universe, and Maystorm, a novel character inspired by Storm, originally conceived by Momoko for the New Champions Variant Cover program. Brooks’ cover for the first issue showcases these two heroes, poised to herald a new era of mutants.
Feast your eyes on Mark Brooks’ variant cover for Ultimate X-Men #1 below:
Anticipating Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men
The official synopsis for Ultimate X-Men #1 is intriguing: “Hisako Ichiki is a typical teenager who craves a normal life — attending school, spending time with friends, and steering clear of the political turmoil ensuing after the events of ULTIMATE INVASION. However, destiny has other plans. In Japan, urban legends have come alive, bringing with them some extraordinary new powers… Meet Armor, Maystorm, and a band of new Ultimate X-Men like you’ve never encountered before!”
“Initially, I was apprehensive about being selected for such a significant project, but as I continue to draw and write the series, my confidence in my unique vision of ULTIMATE X-MEN grows,” Momoko shared with AiPT Comics. “ULTIMATE X-MEN isn’t a direct derivative of classic X-Men tales. I like to think that C.B. [Cebulski] and Jonathan Hickman chose me because they were seeking something entirely fresh and distinctive.”
Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men is the final of three ongoing series announced by Marvel as part of the initial wave of its new Ultimate Universe. Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto’s Ultimate Spider-Man set the ball rolling earlier this month, followed by Bryan Hill and Stefano Caselli’s Ultimate Black Panther in March. Marvel is set to announce more titles following the launch of Ultimate X-Men in March.
Interestingly, the legendary mutant Storm — the inspiration for Maystorm — will play a pivotal role in Ultimate Black Panther. It’s yet to be seen if and when these two characters will intersect in Earth-6160.
Ultimate X-Men #1 hits the stands on Wednesday, March 6, courtesy of Marvel Comics. The issue boasts a main cover by Peach Momoko.
