Shadows Of Superiority: Reviewing ‘Ultimate X-Men’ #6

Stories, much like life, is a series of steps taking us from destination to destination, and an eventual endpoint. Stories that are written well are those where each step feels truly fulfilling rather than a task.

Ultimate X-Men has been a number of truly engaging steps, leading to this sixth issue where the true path becomes so much clearer. Another amazing entry from Peach Momoko, Travis Lanham, and Zack Davisson.

Hot damn, this was good.

A slice of life soap opera drama full of powerful people building up to do heroic things. Who belong to a group of people that are ‘different’ than most humans, looked upon warily by those that are ‘regular’ just or existing. Sounding familiar?

Momoko took everything X-Men, distilled it down to the base level, and baked it into a dish of Japanese origins and makeup. Taking a tale we know so well and making it personal for herself and others at the same time. One of the points of the Ultimate Universe is putting new, unique, spins on things that we already think we know well. Ultimate X-Men embodies how to do this type of universe and storytelling right and well.

I’ll never tire of opening a book to Momoko’s distinctive, fun, heavy, ominous, light, rough, and powerful artwork. There is something so beyond unique about it and everything it can accomplish. With the almost watercolor-like appearance, it feels so light and free while also being very much grounded and heavy at the same time.

We’re presented with a lively space where the characters are doing youthful things, while digging up dark history. Rolling it right into a shadowy battle, bringing the heroic aspects to the forefront once more, while still enriching the universe. Again, it’s clear that the steps of this journey are well planned both in substance but also execution. There is no fat to be trimmed here, or moments that slow the roll or bore the audience to be found.

Lanham’s lettering work flows smoothly with everything, taking all that Momoko is trying to fit in and making it melt into the pages. Emotions, tones, and power are heard with each word that is read in the mind or out loud. Coupled with the work that Davisson does to help translate and adapt the script each month. Together this trio is doing beyond amazing work.

I could gush about this book for many more words, but that would just be taking up space to take up space. Much like this series, I aim to be straight and to the point as much as possible.

Ultimate X-Men #6 is now available from Marvel Comics.