Contains Spoilers for Ultimate X-Men (2024) #10! The latest issue of Ultimate X-Men skillfully intertwines the ordinary with the horrific, presenting a haunting reimagining of Cyclops that dramatically ups the stakes. In this darker narrative, Cyclops’ origins seem notably tame by comparison. This unsettling yet compelling book embraces its disquieting tone, and the recent developments surrounding Cyclops serve as a testament to its brilliance.
Written and illustrated by Peach Momoko, with translations by Zack Davisson and lettering by Travis Lanham, Ultimate X-Men (2024) #10 takes a dramatic turn. Cyclops’ counterpart in the Ultimate Universe, the young Natsu, ends up accidentally taking her mother’s life using her optic blast in an intensely shocking scene.
Natsu, a reluctant member of the ‘Children of the Atom’ cult, faces an intense argument with her mother, who urges her to participate in the cult’s public unveiling. In a moment of uncontrolled anger, Natsu inadvertently uses her powers and fatally injures her mother, creating a chilling parallel to her own struggles.
The Ultimate Universe’s Cyclops: A Grim Act of Matricide
Scott Summers: A Legacy of Trauma
The initial optic blast transforms Natsu’s mother into a reflection of her daughter, as Natsu typically covers one eye with an eyepatch. In a further disturbing twist, as she weeps over her mother’s body, her tears trigger her power repeatedly, resulting in further desecration. Compounding her anguish, Natsu grapples with a past incident where she unintentionally harmed a classmate, a fear now rearing its ugly head.
Concerns loom over how this tragedy will influence the overarching narrative of mutant communities publicly disclosing themselves to humanity. The latest issue also depicts confrontations between the media and other reckless members of the Children of the Atom, leading to violent altercations. The cult’s leader struggles to maintain control, and the rising tension in mutant-human relations may mirror patterns from mainstream continuity, where mutants are often met with fear and hostility.
The Horrific Legacy of Mutant Matricide
A Universal Theme: Trauma in Every X-Men Narrative
While this isn’t the first instance of mutant powers leading to familial tragedy, it stands out as one of the most potent examples. A similar moment occurred in the original Ultimate X-Men (vol 1) #41, where a pivotal scene showcases Wolverine’s brutal choice to end a life, leaving a lasting impact.
Unlike Wolverine’s moment—crafted as a standalone narrative—Natsu’s experience carries the weight of ongoing consequences. As Ultimate X-Men (2024) #10 concludes, her friends from the newly formed X-Men prepare to confront the fallout, knowing only that Natsu has ‘hurt’ her mother. Given their own turbulent relationships with parents, the emotional ramifications of discovery are bound to be profound.
Peach Momoko’s Artistic Vision Amplifies the Impact
An Artistic Balance of Horror and Restraint
One significant aspect of this pivotal moment is Momoko’s clinical depiction of the incident. The scene is starkly devoid of blood, a choice that paradoxically heightens its horror. By presenting clean, precise wounds, Momoko compels readers to confront the chilling reality of the moment without the distraction of gore. This artistic decision contributes to the book’s overall disquiet, as each time the story leans toward comfort, it teeters back into darkness.
With previous storylines exploring heavy themes, such as the aftermath of tragic events and difficult adolescent realities, Ultimate X-Men confronts the notion that even slice-of-life narratives can reveal unsettling truths. As readers experience Natsu’s storyline and its unimaginable consequences, they are reminded that life, much like the powers of Cyclops, can deliver profound and shocking moments.
Ultimate X-Men (2024) #10 is currently available from Marvel Comics.
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