Set in the Ultimate Universe, a retelling of the X-Men follows Charles Xavier/Professor X who organizes a group of mutants (Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, Beast & Iceman) to combat the Brotherhood of mutants led by his former friend turned enemy, Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto. As tensions rise due to the government deploying mutant hunting giant robots known as Sentinels, Professor X sends the X-Men to save mutants from being exterminated. Meanwhile, Magneto wants to kill and replace humans with mutants. Our heroes are assisted by Wolverine who eventually joins them.
Ultimate X-Men’s first storyline, “The Tomorrow People” was officially published in 2001 (same year Cowboy Bebop aired) becoming a commercial hit. It was loosely adapted into a video game known as, “X-Men Legends.” Followed by a sequel, “X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse.” Ultimate X-Men’s run ended in 2009. I already talked about the history surrounding Ultimate Marvel in my review of “The Ultimates.”
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are present. It’s not a faithful reinterpretation of the X-Men.
Shiny & Rusty Qualities
Shiny: The Kubert Brothers drew awesome panels giving the Action Sequences a cinematic quality.
Chemistry between members of the team serve as the main highlight.
Fun Fact: In the video game, “Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects,” Ultimate X-Men’s first issue was included as a bonus feature along with Ultimate Fantastic Four’s first issue.
The primary theme centers on Peace and Extremism. Both sides represent ideologies between Professor X & Magneto.
Rusty: Mark Millar didn’t do a good job reimagining the X-Men in the modern age. Same guy who butchered The Avengers in “The Ultimates.” Oouchies!
Unlike the classic universe Earth-616, Magneto’s hatred towards humanity is exaggerated. He lacks the tragic origin story as a holocaust survivor. An understandable reason why he despises humanity. Magneto in the Ultimate Universe lacks redeeming qualities.
I’m not making this up. Wolverine’s reason to betray Magneto and join the X-Men. He gets laid with Jean to make Cyclops jealous. OG Wolverine would never do such a horrendous act. To quote Marlon Brando in “The Godfather,” “Look how they massacred my boy!” In Giant-Size X-Men #1, Professor X invited Wolverine to join his team along with Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler to save missing members of the OG team. I have no choice but to Triple Down this flaw. Mark Millar did my second favorite superhero of all time dirty. Wolverine deserves respect.
Due to pacing issues, The Tomorrow People’s total issues are six. The Ultimates’ first storyline covered thirteen issues. Which is enough in one package. I wanted more coverage on the various characters. Compare and contrast Earth-616 and the Ultimate Universe.
In issue #3, Wolverine uses Cyclops, blasting Jean Grey in the chest. Optic Blasts hits straight through her chest. She would die like Raditz in Dragon Ball Z. Jean somehow survives. She doesn’t have the same durability as Luke Cage.
The Final Verdict: D-
Ultimate X-Men’s first storyline is a sloppy start. It felt like a huge slap in the face to pure X-Men fans like me. Especially the way Mark Millar mistreated Wolverine in a repugnant manner. If I had a time machine, would have prevented Mark from screwing up X-Men and The Avengers. Skip The Tomorrow People in favor of buying classic X-Men storylines in a line of books under the Marvel Epic Collection. If you’re pinching pennies, read the good stuff on Marvel Unlimited.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 