A Beautiful Bit Of Chaos: Reviewing ‘Ultimate X-Men’ #10

A crossroads. That is where things stand with the mutants, and Children of The Atom, in the Ultimate Marvel Universe. All curtains and shadows have been pushed away, leaving the reality of mutants bare before the masses.

Chaos begins to reign as Peach Momoko, Zach Davisson, and Travis Lanham move things to the next gear with Ultimate X-Men #10.

There sure is a lot going on here.

A few issues ago I was concerned that the amount of plotlines was stacking up. Because of that, the tight-knit character focused nature of the first arc was being a bit lost. At this point this feeling still remains, but much like the characters of this book, that feeling has evolved. Because of the revelations and movement of the plot, the chaos and bouncing from plot to plot, leaving so much untouched, adds to the frantic nature of the story.

Together, Momoko & Davisson have given this space and these characters such life. It’s no wonder that seeing it kind of implode a bit (which stories are meant to do more often than not) can throw the reader off just a bit. It’s by design after all.

I still wish there was time to spend with the main characters, and explore more of what is happening, but I trust this team. What has been crafted in this corner of the Ultimate Universe has been solid, and these unique views and voice deserve far more time to cook. It’s a trust that has been earned through the work delivered.

Especially since the artwork just really works to sell this story.

It’s so moody, and energetic, rough and raw when needed as well. There is a dire moment with Natsu here that is sad and horrifying at the same time. Momoko does not hold back, yet doesn’t go into super graphic territory. Emotions are raw and untamed in many respects, which fits with how much tensions are flaring in this particular issue.

Even as the ball bounced around wildly scene wise, the paneling choices and work done makes it flow so smoothly. This was a quick read, not because it was lacking anything, but the way it was laid out played into the heart-racing break-neck energy of the story. Thing after thing after thing happened, leaving no room for a breath to be caught.

All of the voices carry this toll, as there is a lot of words to be put out there. Lots of anguish, pain, anger, and more to allow our minds to hear every bit of tonal and emotional energy. Lanham also works solidly to place things where they hit most effectively, so that the words never become too overwhelming in one spot or another.

I’ll admit to being a bit lost at times, but the way that the story translates and the team works together makes such things as smooth as possible. This is a story taking place within a culture and space that is not within my normal sphere and there is a lot of plot chaos occurring. Characters are meant to feel overwhelmed as their world tumbles, and we the reader naturally might feel the same.

I’m not sure where it all will go, and if the balancing act will remain stable, but half the fun is seeing where it all goes in the end.

Ultimate X-Men #10 is now available from Marvel Comics.