The unique journey of the comic series “Ultimate X-Men” deviates from typical mutant tales. While it remains an exceptional book, it’s clear that it doesn’t follow the traditional path of a mutant comic. Over the past fourteen issues, creator Peach Momoko has been focusing more on developing the world and the emotional depth of characters rather than delivering high-octane action sequences. However, this approach has shifted significantly over the last two issues. The Shadow King, a primary antagonist in “Ultimate X-Men”, has drawn the X-Men into the Astral Plane for a confrontation that is more a sinister test than a traditional battle. In “Ultimate X-Men” #14, the conflict on the Astral Plane intensifies as both the X-Men and their adversaries, the Children of the Atom, become serious about annihilating each other.
The structure of “Ultimate X-Men” deviates from the typical American superhero comic format and leans more towards a horror manga or anime style. This unique approach appeals to some readers as it offers fresh perspectives for the X-Men, while others may find this a drawback. Regardless, Momoko skillfully crafts captivating manga/anime narratives, and issue #14 of “Ultimate X-Men” is a testament to this talent. It delivers an impressive anime battle scene that certainly lives up to the standards set by iconic anime battles.
Ultimate X-Men #14 Throws In Some Great Anime Tropes
The depiction of combat sequences in American comics versus manga/anime is notably distinct. While both employ sequential storytelling, manga seems to offer a more seamless sense of motion. This difference can be attributed to the unique ways each medium utilizes background and motion lines for conveying movement. For instance, artist Momoko demonstrates an affinity for choreographing fights in her work, as evident in Ultimate X-Men #14. The battle within this issue is particularly engaging, especially when Surge, a member of the Children of the Atom, confronts Maystorm who had intervened against Shadow King and Dark Armor. Their encounter is filled with numerous manga/anime fight scene conventions.
A notable feature in manga and anime fights is the shouting out of attack names. Shows like “Dragonball/Dragonball Z,” “One Piece,” “Naruto,” and others employ this technique, and it’s used in “Ultimate X-Men” #14 by Momoko. In this issue, Maystorm uses her Hanafubuki attack, with the other X-Men announcing its name as they watch the fight. One-on-one battles are another common aspect, with spectators often commenting on the action. This is also seen in the comic, as Nico and Kanan observe Surge and Maystorm’s battle, voicing out attack names and identifying each fighter’s vulnerabilities. This narrative device helps readers visualize every move in the fight, providing a detailed account of the action that etches the scene into their minds. The fight between Surge and Maystorm showcases how manga-style combat scenes differ from American comics, employing manga tropes to offer readers an alternate kind of battle sequence.
The Battle Continues
In issue #13 of Ultimate X-Men, the fight predominantly revolved around the X-Men attempting to halt their ex-comrade’s aggressive actions and persuade her to think rationally. The following issue, #14, offers an intense, one-on-one encounter between Maystorm and Surge, a battle that draws heavily from their past interactions throughout the series. Consistent with its style, Ultimate X-Men employs manga/anime aesthetics in its storytelling, making it fitting that Momoko portrayed the confrontation between these two mutants in a manner reminiscent of those genres.
The confrontation concludes when Dark Armor attempts to assault her companions, but this attack is halted as the spirit of Tsubasa, a central figure in the story due to her suicide, emerges, aiming to dissuade Armor from her Dark persona. This marks the initial significant encounter between the X-Men and the Children of the Atom, leaving us anticipating further encounters between Surge and Maystorm, both of whom demonstrated their formidable prowess in this battle. Ultimate X-Men, undeniably, stands out with its unique take on fights, offering an exciting departure from the usual.
Ultimate X-Men #14 is on sale now.
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2025-04-05 04:41