In this fresh take on the universe, known as the Ultimate Universe, there’s been an extraordinary response from readers who’ve encountered unique interpretations of classic Marvel characters. The series Ultimate X-Men, serving as the hub of this phenomenon, merges mutants with Japanese culture, resulting in a chilling manga-style X-Men comic that stands apart from any other X-Men title. For those yearning for something distinctly different from the X-Men, Ultimate X-Men has proven to be an engaging read. Artist Peach Momoko has been introducing fresh twists on familiar X-Men characters, breathing new life into old favorites. Although not every X-Men enthusiast has embraced Ultimate X-Men, the journey has been thrilling, and the latest issue maintains the momentum, offering a glimpse into Rogue’s past, unveiling a fresh take on this cherished Marvel superhero.
Stepping into the realm of comic book criticism, let me share my thoughts on the latest iteration of Rogue in Ultimate X-Men. This new Rogue is unlike any we’ve seen before, and I must admit, it’s a refreshing twist that adds an extra layer of intrigue to this series. While some might have anticipated a more traditional take on the character, this unique portrayal keeps readers on their toes and makes for one of the most engaging issues yet in Ultimate X-Men.
The New Rogue Actually Is Quite Similar to the Original and That’s the Weird Part
In this comic book, Ultimate X-Men #16, we travel back several months following the major battle between the X-Men and the Children of the Atom. Nico and Mori are on a mission to locate Armor and the whereabouts of the Children of the Atom. They discuss their search at a café, unaware that another girl with brown hair and white forelocks overhears them. This young woman approaches and reveals she has information about the Children of the Atom, having discovered Nico’s grandmother’s book which holds much of her recent knowledge gained while hanging out with the X-Men.
Nico realizes that the book is missing and turns to find Futaba already present. The trio returns to the café to discuss their findings. Futaba warns Nico and Mori against tangling with the Children of the Atom, but offers them assistance if they need it, even providing a card with her contact information.
The story then shifts to the present day, with Nico attempting to find Armor at the new Children of the Atom base. She encounters Surge and is subsequently captured. The issue concludes with Kanon, the Psylocke of the 6160 X-Men, speaking to her brother, who inquires about his former girlfriend Futaba.
Read Next
As soon as Futaba steps into the story, it’s clear she embodies the role of the Rogue in this universe. She sports the signature hair style and wears green, a dominant color for Rogue, along with long white gloves. Her attire leaves her face exposed, while concealing the rest of her body. Futaba is an intriguing name for Rogue, as it translates to ‘double leaf’ or ‘two leaves’ in Japanese, which could be a nod to her ability to absorb minds and personalities. Interestingly, she also speaks with a Southern accent, filled with ‘y’alls’, adding a humorous twist to the character. It’s amusing to envision Rogue speaking Japanese while still using ‘y’all’. In Japanese, ‘y’all’ is referred to as ‘minna’, derived from ‘minasan’, making the situation even more comical.
Futaba Has a Lot To Live up To
Over the years, Rogue has significantly evolved as a character. Her initial actions, such as destroying the mind of Carol Danvers and absorbing her powers, made her an outsider among the X-Men. Initially, neither she nor they trusted each other, but with time, she demonstrated her worth and ultimately became a respected member of the team. In contrast to other X-Men comics, Ultimate X-Men presents a unique narrative, so introducing a rendition of Rogue promises an intriguing twist.
From what we’ve gathered so far, Futaba remains somewhat of an enigma. We’re yet to fully understand her abilities or delve deeply into her past, other than the fact that she had a romantic relationship with Tatsuya, Kanon’s sibling. However, her dialogue mirrors Rogue’s in a way that hints at similarities between their characters. She appears to share Rogue’s altruistic nature, helping those in need, while keeping certain aspects of herself hidden. What sets Futaba apart is her extensive knowledge about the Children of the Atom, which is quite extraordinary. There are numerous directions her character could take, and I’m excited to see how she evolves as the story unfolds.
Ultimate X-Men #16 is on sale now.
https://comicbook.com/comics/news/10-best-x-men-ranked-wolverine-storm-rogue-cyclops/embed/#
Read More
2025-06-14 16:10