(Image credit: Marvel Comics)
The formidable first adversary of the current generation of Ultimate X-Men makes a dramatic return in Ultimate X-Men #14. The menacing Shadow King is back to haunt the youthful team, marking an ominous comeback. In case you’re not up to speed, the present Ultimate X-Men are part of a refreshed relaunch of the Ultimate Universe, though they reside in a somewhat isolated segment of this new timeline.
Instead of being a rendition of the classic X-Men from Marvel’s core universe, some of whom have appeared elsewhere in this new Ultimate narrative, the Ultimate X-Men consist of a dynamic group of young mutants guided by Armor. They find themselves entangled with a perilous mutant cult.
Their initial foe, the Shadow King, is tied to this group, exploiting his psychic shadow projection and telepathy to threaten the newly assembled X-Men.
Here’s a glimpse into the story’s interior pages, crafted by writer and artist Peach Momoko, script adaptor Zack Davisson, and letterer Travis Lanham, which pays tribute to the legendary cover of Uncanny X-Men #251, famously featuring Wolverine bound to an x-shaped cross, a scene also portrayed in Deadpool and Wolverine.
“The Shadow King returns…more powerful than ever!” reads Marvel’s succinct teaser for Ultimate X-Men #14. “Will Armor be the first to fall?”
The revamped Ultimate Universe debuted in the early days of 2024, bringing new versions of Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Black Panther, the Ultimates, and notably, the Ultimate X-Men. Lately, Ultimate Wolverine has introduced Ultimate iterations of classic X-Men favorites such as Gambit, Kitty Pryde, and others.
Everything is building up to a monumental showdown with The Maker, the crafty villain who orchestrated the history of the new Ultimate Universe, poised to occur in the coming months.
Ultimate X-Men #14 hits the shelves on April 2. For expansive X-Men coverage, ensure you check out the best X-Men comics of all time and stay informed with the finest comic news, insights, opinions, and analysis!