Warning: Contains potential spoilers for Ultimate X-Men (2024) #1!Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men series features the introduction of a young mutant named Maystorm, who idolizes and has powers similar to the iconic Marvel hero Storm. Making her debut in Ultimate X-Men (2024) #2, Maystorm is the first all-new mutant character to premiere in the series that has promised a new generation of Marvel heroes. Marvel Comics has released art for a look at her first in-comic appearance.
Ultimate X-Men (2024) #1 by Peach Momoko provides the first look at mutants in the new Ultimate Universe that launched in 2023. The haunting first issue introduces the X-Men’s Armor aka Hisako Ichiki, who is terrorized by a ghostly figure and terrified of her own mutant power. It’s clear that Armor needs a friend. That’s where Maystorm comes in, as seen in the preview art for Ultimate X-Men #2 released by Marvel.
Having Maystorm as a cool new friend who is also a mutant may help Armor’s progress in the series. It will be interesting to see how Armor and Maystorm’s journey together unfolds in this Ultimate Universe.
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Who is Maystorm? Marvel’s New Ultimate Mutant Hero Explained
Maystorm is a brand-new character to Marvel Comics who could change the future of the X-Men in Marvel’s multiverse. The new mutant wasn’t initially introduced in the interior of a comic, but first appeared on Momoko’s variant cover for X-Men (2021) #27 as part of the New Champions variant cover program. This group of comic book covers was initially just a concept highlighting potential protégés for major Marvel heroes, but it was later announced that Maystorm would star in Ultimate X-Men. Her first official appearance was in a brief two-page story in Ultimate Universe (2023) previewing Momoko’s series.
Though the character is still yet to make her mark in the comics, Maystorm aka Mei Igarashi has some intriguing traits that have been established in her preview appearances. First-look art released by Marvel from Ultimate X-Men #2 by Peach Momoko sets the friendship between Armor and Maystorm in motion. Mei meets a frightened Hisako and they explore an abandoned building together before being confronted by the dark figure haunting Hisako. Though she wants to run away in fear, Armor is seemingly enchanted when Maystorm uses her powers to fiercely protect her new friend.
Marvel’s New Ultimate Universe Celebrates the Legacy of Storm
While other Marvel heroes have had many legacy characters, like various other Wolverines or Spider-People, Maystorm will be the first legacy hero based on Storm. Creator Peach Momoko redesigned Storm for the Ultimate Universe, while another Storm-inspired character called Wind-Rider has also appeared in Ultimate Black Panther. It’s still unknown how Mei Igarashi’s weather powers and story will connect to Storm, but it’s been hinted that Maystorm is inspired by more than the Marvel mutant’s matching white hair and lightning accessories. Storm is established as one of the best teachers and mentors in the X-Men, so she’s overdue to officially take on a protégé.
With Maystorm’s ties to Storm and fresh design, the character is already highly anticipated to make a splash in the comics. Although she is debuting in the Ultimate Universe, it’s possible Maystorm could take off with readers and eventually join the 616 or beyond like Miles Morales did. Nevertheless, the Peach Momoko-created character will definitely have an important role in her series alongside her new friend Armor. Maystorm’s debut in Marvel Comics as an exciting new mutant hero inspired by Storm will be a key part of the Ultimate X-Men and a major development for X-Men comics overall.
