X-Men’s Epic Battle Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Their First Fight!

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In “Ultimate X-Men” #13 by Peach Momoko, I found myself plunged right into the start of the X-Men’s second year, and boy, did it pack a punch! The Shadow King managed to outwit Armor, snatching her away from her comrades, leading them straight into the arms of the Children of the Atom. This, in turn, prompts our beloved X-Men of the new Ultimate Universe to leap into action, igniting a fierce battle between Dark Armor, the Shadow King, and the Maester, head honcho of the Children of the Atom.

So far, “Ultimate X-Men” has been offering a fresh perspective on the X-Men, distancing itself from the action-packed stories of the mainline X-Men books or even those from the previous Ultimate Universe. The unexpected inclusion of a major fight in issue #13 isn’t what fans typically anticipate, but that’s exactly why “Ultimate X-Men” continues to impress and stand out.

Peach Momoko’s artwork might appear unconventional for a major battle involving Japan’s strongest mutants, yet it somehow enhances the fight in an exceptional way. This issue, though epic, truly shines due to its surprising conclusion, hinting to readers that not everything is as it seems.

The Ultimate X-Men Give It Their All…

In issue #12 of Ultimate X-Men, Shadow King and Armor engaged in a fierce battle, with Shadow King exploiting Armor’s past traumas to gain entry into her mind. As they merged, Shadow King asserted that they were one and the same. The X-Men sensed their friend’s loss and rushed to her aid, leading us to the current issue. Natsu, Nico Minoru, Mori, and Kanon confront Dark Armor, but immediately, there’s an unsettling air as Kanon cries out about Armor’s role in a friend’s suicide—a revelation made known in the previous issue. The combat ensues, with Armor manipulating her energy armor, and the X-Men managing to fend off her attacks, even flooring her at times. As the battle rages on, it becomes clear that Shadow King is orchestrating Armor’s actions, allowing her to recover each time the X-Men knock her down, as if her armor is evolving and growing more potent. Her manipulator keeps repositioning her in the fray.

In a turn of events, The Shadow King summons the Maester into the fray, aiming to harm Natsu. However, her powerful optic blasts swiftly defeat him, causing an influx of Children of the Atom to join the battle. With the X-Men cornered, Maystorm intervenes, aiding the X-Men in their struggle. The Shadow King announces that the entire family has united, signaling the end of the battle. Armor, filled with resentment towards mutants and her comrades, unleashes her armor’s energies against the team. Despite their best efforts, the X-Men are unable to stop her attacks. Mori is captured by the Children, but the X-Men manage to rescue her. In a final move, Kanon summons his oni to end the battle. Kanon confronts Armor, all while Shadow King maintains a smug expression behind her. Readers later discover the hidden truth about the events — or rather, what wasn’t happening.

…But None of It Is Real

The situation concludes with Shadow King and Armor inside a tank under the observation of the Maester, discussing his manipulation of them to rule the world. Interestingly, there was no actual fight; instead, it was a test orchestrated by the Maester to gauge his control over Shadow King and Armor, as well as hinting at the potential involvement of the rest of the team, although indications suggest they were also part of a simulated environment. From the start, the storyline seemed to be a simulation, as evident from the first page being identical to the one preceding the revelation, displaying a liquid medium with rising bubbles. Additionally, the X-Men possess knowledge that they shouldn’t have access to, and coupled with the Maester and Children of the Atom materializing without explanation multiple times, it all aligns with the idea that the entire scenario was simulated.

From its inception, Ultimate X-Men has stood alone, and a large-scale battle issue might appear to be a compromise to fans who dislike its departure from traditional X-Men narratives. Yet, Momoko manages to fulfill everyone’s expectations while maintaining her unique storytelling style, continuing the tale she began with the inaugural issue in 2024. Issue #13 of Ultimate X-Men serves as a challenge, not just for Armor and Shadow King, but also for readers, testing our understanding and appreciation of Momoko’s vision.

Ultimate X-Men #13 is on sale where ever comics are sold.

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2025-03-24 22:10