Ultimate X-Men and the best comic books of the week

Ultimate X-Men and the best comic books of the week

As someone who’s been following the comic book world for quite some time now, I can confidently say that this week was a real treat for fans! With standout titles like Uncanny X-Men setting the stage, it felt like Marvel and Skybound/Image Comics were in a league of their own.


The Uncanny X-Men clearly stood out as the exceptional comic book of the week. With outstanding writing by Gail Simone and captivating artwork by David Marquez, they produced a truly impressive collaboration that reached its peak. So impressive, in fact, it warranted its own dedicated article (which you can find here).

However, “Uncanny X-Men” wasn’t the sole comic to captivate readers this week. Instead, it was Marvel and Skybound/Image Comics that ruled the top picks. So, let’s delve right into them!

Ultimate X-Men No. 9 (Pick of the week)

  • Writer: Peach Momoko
  • Artist: Peach Momoko

Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men has been unfolding gradually yet engagingly, with great care taken to establish the characters and their environment before delving into the challenges of being a mutant. However, this careful pace is broken in issue No. 9 as news breaks about a cult known as The Children of the Atom, who are spreading fear by claiming that mutants are dangerous.

“I’m Akihiro… the first Homo Superior. I’ve given my blood… my power… my everything to the Children of the Atom.”

Akihiro

In this intriguing tale, I’m on a journey to discover who was the first mutant in this universe. Unlike the Ultimate Universe where Wolverine was genetically engineered as the first mutant, here it’s Akihiro who is donating his blood to create more of us mutants. Interestingly, in this alternate reality, Akihiro is none other than the son of Wolverine, adding an exciting twist given that Akihiro hails from Japan, a detail consistent with the main continuity.

G.I. Joe No. 1

  • Writer: Joshua Williamson
  • Artist: Tom Reilly

Skybound/Image Comics have vigorously publicized the launch of G.I. Joe No.1, and fortunately, it met expectations. The comic introduced the team for the first time in this universe, but their initial encounter didn’t go smoothly. They aren’t functioning cohesively as a team yet, their technology isn’t fully functional, and it appears that one of them might have lost their life during their inaugural mission. Nevertheless, all these challenges make this issue intriguing.

“Even in a training simulation, we almost died! Surely any real battle will be our graveyard!”

Baroness

In order for the main characters to truly shine, they must first face adversity and appear weak before becoming powerful. The plot wouldn’t hold interest if they immediately triumphed without any challenges. This makes their eventual victory more satisfying and believable – like watching the journey of ordinary men turned extraordinary heroes, as in the song about Hercules.

Amazing Spider-Man No. 61

  • Writer: Joe Kelly
  • Artist: Ed McGuinness

The run by Zeb Wells on Amazing Spider-Man has ended, and now Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness are taking over. To kick off this new phase, we’ve got an exciting twist: Spider-Man teaming up with Doctor Doom! And if that isn’t enough action for you, how about watching Spidey face off against the 8 Scions of Cyttorak and meet his end eight times?

“Nothing in magic comes without a cost… the cost of defying the very foundation of mortal existence… is pain. inconceivable pain.”

Spider-Man

In addition, Peter Parker’s initial demise occurred when he was torn apart by a black hole. Phil Coulson, who transformed into Death during 2024’s Infinity Watch, refers to this type of death as “spaghettification,” stating it is one of the least common and most painful ways to perish. However, that was just his first demise. Contemplate what the following ones might entail.

NYX No. 5

  • Writers: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing
  • Artist: Francesco Mortarino

“But if we stand together… if we choose every day to protect each other… then we can be a city for everyone.”

Kamala Khan

In essence, this comic went beyond being mere entertainment; it served as a global message. Instead of combating hatred with violence, which is not the solution, it advocated love as the only effective means. Unlike their adversaries, Ms. Marvel, Sophie, Anole, Prodigy, and Wolverine (Laura) opted for peaceful protest to unite mutants against the Truth Seekers, demonstrating that their detractors are misguided. The comic book was a potent representation of the X-Men’s core values.

Transformers No. 14

  • Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
  • Artist: Jason Howard

In the latest issue of Transformers, I was captivated to learn about the roots of Starscream’s name and his decision to side with the Decepticons. Daniel Warren Johnson masterfully expanded on this storyline, revealing where Starscream’s bloodlust and animosity towards Megatron stemmed from – it turns out, it was Megatron who ignited these feelings within him.

“Never again will I be the property of anyone! I will be the master of my own destiny! The captain of my own fate”

Starscream

The Decepticon commander employed mind manipulation to make Starscream carry out killings on his behalf. Over the course of time, Starscream grew fond of the violent acts. Yet, it’s clear that this situation breeds his contempt towards his superior. Let’s observe how he behaves when Megatron resurfaces. There’s a possibility that Megatron might still hold sway over him.

Read More

2024-11-20 20:01

Previous post Wicked debuts with strong Rotten Tomatoes rating
Next post Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looks sensational as Vogue Czech’s December cover star after Kristin Cavallari calls fling with Jason Statham her ‘hottest hookup’