REVIEW: ‘Ultimate X-Men’ #17 - The Rescue Begins, And The Stakes Soar

One of the most consistently praiseworthy elements of Ultimate X-Men is Peach Momoko’s stunning artwork. Her distinctive, painterly style stands apart from almost everything else in mainstream comics, and yet she still manages to give each character a unique and memorable presence. This is especially evident in the character Lexicon and the elaborate closing pages of each issue.

That said, I was surprised to realize we’re already at issue #17. It feels like this series has been taking its time compared to the other Ultimate titles, especially when it comes to major plot developments, like the looming return of the Maker.

© Marvel

Thankfully, the pace accelerates significantly in this issue. The rescue mission for Hisako moves into full swing, led by Mei and her team of X-Men, which includes Psylocke, Mori, Futaba, and several masked Mutants. With Nico acting as an inside informant, the group infiltrates the Children of the Atom’s base, hoping to confront Kageyama, the Shadow King. But the Children are prepared, and a clash between Mutants is inevitable.

This was one of my favorite parts of the issue—action, which had been somewhat sparse so far, is delivered in abundance here, and Momoko brings it to life with her trademark beauty and flair. The outside battle, led by Mei, turns out to be a diversion, allowing others to sneak inside and locate Hisako. And they succeed, but at the cost of finding more than they expected.

Nico is there, and so is Akihiro—believed to be the first Mutant by the Children—who is hanging, incapacitated. When Futaba (who evokes the Rogue or Anna Marei of other X-Men stories) removes her gloves and touches Akihiro, she’s hit with a vision that pulls everyone present into the Astral Plane. There, they face off once more against the Shadow King, who has taken control of Hisako.

Hisako, powered by her mutant armor ability, seems unstoppable until the arrival of Maystorm tips the scales. With her help, Hisako breaks free of Kageyama’s influence, saves her friends from the Astral Plane, and chooses to return alone to finish the battle on her terms.

A lot unfolds in this issue, especially in the second half, but it never feels overwhelming or confusing. And I haven’t even mentioned the twist with Mori at the end, which I won’t spoil.

Ultimate X-Men continues to be a refreshingly distinct entry in the Ultimate Universe, and Peach Momoko’s artistic and narrative vision sets it apart in many amazing ways. If you’re not already reading this, consider this your cue. It seems like big things are coming, and you won’t want to miss what’s next.

© Marvel

Release Date: July 16, 2025

Written by: Peach Momoko

Art by: Peach Momoko

Cover by: Peach Momoko

Page Count: 30

Synopsis: OPERATION: RESCUE ARMOR! Hisako has been missing, but Nico's undercover sleuthing finally tracks her down! But the Church of the Children of the Atom aren't going to give up Armor without a fight... What dangers await our X-Men in the Astral Plane?