Summary
Warning: Spoilers below forUltimate X-Men!
Cyclopshas been the leader of the X-Men since the team first debuted in 1963, the heroic alter ego of mutant Scott Summers. Across dozens of writers and artists, his character has stayed the same for decades - until now. InUltimate X-Men, Peach Momoko’smutant teen Natsu is claiming the Cyclops title for herself.
So far, Momoko’s Cyclops has only been teased, appearing in character design art and shown in backgrounds. As the story focuses on the mystery surrounding Armor, new character introductions have only happened as the narrative needs them. With Marvel’s October previews, however, she’s on the cover ofUltimate X-Men#8, clearly firing an eye beam towards fellow new mutant Mori.
Cover Artist:
Peach Momoko
Who are the Children of the Atom? What are mutants? Where do they come from? And how has the Maker’s Council been keeping them under control? All these dark questions and more start to unravel as our heroes investigate a murder that, for some reason, the authorities keep covering up! And Shadow King advances his sinister plots!
This reveal proves what some fans had been speculating for months:Natsu is the new Cyclopsin Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe. She’s also enough of a departure from Scott that she’ll be making a name for herself for years to come.
As a Teacher, I’m Convinced Ultimate X-Men Is Marvel’s Best Chance to Attract Young New Readers (NOT the Reboot)
Marvel’s main X-Men books may be entering a new era, but as a college teacher, I’m certain ULTIMATE X-MEN could actually be a sleeper hit with Gen Z.
Ultimate X-MenIs Unlike Any X-Men Title Before
Well before the premiere ofUltimate X-Men, Peach Momoko made readers aware thatshe wasn’t playing by the usual rulesin picking her mutant team. Maystorm, a character who first appeared in a New Champions variant cover, looks like a younger teen version of Storm. However, Ororo already exists inUltimate Black Panther. Maystorm follows news of Storm on social media, but is her own character with similar powers. Another change has beenthe way mutant powers manifest. Hisako “Armor” Ichiki first generates her shield as she is about to get hit by a car. Maystorm’s powers go off after her father hits her.
“It’s like I needed it so badly, I made it happen.” - Maystorm
Natsu’s clever character design and name have had fans speculating that she’d bethe new Cyclops.Her tracksuit outfit is blue with yellow accents, bringing to mind Cyclops' suits.Natsu means “summer” in Japanese, evoking Scott Summers' name. Also, she wears an eyepatch, leaving only one eye visible, like the one-eyed mythical creature Cyclops. The solicitation forUltimate X-Men#8 shows that this is because her eye beams only generate from one eye - hence, why she keeps it covered. Considering Scott’s eye beams can only be contained by ruby quartz, this may mean her powers are weaker than his are.
Peach Momoko Reinvented X-Men for a New Generation of Readers
This confirmation builds on the excitement of the series so far. Readers have been introduced to Armor, Maystorm, Nico Minoru, andfan-favorite mutant Surgein the first four issues, battling a mysterious shadow (perhaps the Shadow King) who feeds off the guilt and sadness Hisako has over a dead friend. Momoko takes her time in her storytelling,pacing the beats more like a mangathan a traditional Marvel comic, which heightens the anticipation for these characters even more. With this cover revealingUltimate X-Men’s new version ofCyclops, readers have even more reason to count down the days before the next issue drops.
Ultimate X-Men#8will be available October 30 from Marvel Comics.
Cyclops
Cyclops, a.k.a. Scott Summers, is the X-Men’s core team leader and one of the first characters to appear in the franchise. As a human/mutant hybrid, Cyclops has the power to launch massive bursts of energy from his eyes that are regulated through the use of a specially designed visor. Despite his calm and collected demeanor, he tends to lose it when in the presence of a fellow team member, Wolverine.
