Ultimate X-Men, Vol. 2: Children of the Atom

Ultimate X-Men (2024)

by Peach Momoko, Zack Davisson (Translator), Travis Lanham (Letterer)

Visionary creator Peach Momoko continues to craft a new generation of X-Men for an all-new universe!

After recent climactic events and the surprise new teammate they found, Mei, Hisako, Nico and the mutants need some guidance! Fortunately, the mysterious Kanon is an older student with a surprising amount of expertise!

COLLECTING: Ultimate X-Men (2024) 7-12

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, X Men, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Horror

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 2 out of 5]

Marvel seems to have just got this series so wrong. It's same in the 2024 Ultimate Universe but hardly references anything else in the reality; it is based on the X-Men, but doesn't resonate with any previous iterations. It's pretty much a wonderfully drawn Eastern themed series demeaned by young adults mutants and their stories... stories that are either lost in translation or are disjointed at best. At heart of it, there feels to be a good series, it just feels just out of my sight? Sorry, but this was a Two Star, 4 out of 12 read at best.

2026

[Frédéric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am honestly disappointed with this series. Peach Momoko's drawings are superb, no doubt about it, but she is clearly a visual artist and not a scriptwriter.

The plot is more or less a succession of things that happen somewhat randomly. Characters appear for no apparent reason, utter a few lines, and then leave. There is a vague thread running through it all but cigarette paper thin so far...

So it's (very) beautiful but also very confusing in its narration.

I give it 3 stars: 2 stars for the script and 4 stars for the artwork.
I expected better.

[Oscar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a bit lost with this volume. Love the art. 2.25 🌟

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I seem to think this is the only book I can remember where the art overwhelms the story.

a number of Characters are just indistinct for me and I spend a lot of time thinking I missed something..only for it to dawn on me it was in Volume 1.

[Guilherme Smee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depois de ter procurado Dias Demoníacos para ler e adorado tanto quanto gostei do primeiro volume de Ultimate X-Men, percebi que os desenhos de Peach Momoko neste segundo encadernado não estão assim tão bonitos e caprichados quanto no primeiro e em Dias Demoníacos. A história começa a ficar mais esclarecida e gostei de ver a versão Ultimate Daken sendo apresentada. Mas uma coisa me deixou um pouco com o pé atrás. Lendo a sinopse do quadrinho no verso da capa, dá a impressão de que teremos muito destaque para Psylocke. Mas não é tanto destaque assim. Ela não chega a treinar ninguém, como diz ali. Também não se chama Psylocke, mas Sai, e tem o nome real de Kanon (em referência ao nome ninja da personagem, Kwanon). Ela é uma boa adição ao elenco e agora percebemos quem são as outras meninas que acompanhavam Isako, ou melhor, que versões Ultimate dos personagens regulares elas são. Esse volume não traz tanta novidade e deslumbramento assim, mas ainda é muito bom, apesar dos desenhos menos esmerados.

[Khurram · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am just confused by this book. With Peach Momoko's art style, it is almost another universe within the Ultimate Universe.

A lot of exposer had some to the Children of the Atom. Who are they? What are they? With the young "X-WOMEN's" stories everywhere, I came away from this book more confused than when I started. Each chapter/issue finishes with some cultural information.

I was not sure about this series and was not going to get this book till Kanon was announced in this book, but even she could not save this book for me.

I love the other Ultimate books, but I really do not understand this one. This book finishes with a thumbnail varient covers gallery.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series would benefit from a binge reading, not monthly. Also, it's just too many characters. But the art is so pretty and I like the new angle we're trying. 3.5/5 stars.

[Benji Glaab · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit better than the first volume in that it's less disjointed and all the characters are recognizable now, but it's still a weird psuedo-manga with an unclear end destination. In this volume, the world knows about the Children of the Atom cult, which I guess is turning kids into mutants (and killing others). Meanwhile, the school kids from the first volume are just trying to hold it together and not like, 'roid out with their mutant powers.

The Shadow King-adjacent boy is still floating through the background, as is a Psylocke-adjacent girl. What their endgame is, I don't know. It's all very vibey and the art does little favors to the storytelling - though, again it's at least an improvement on the first volume. Still a skippable element of the Ultimate universe, which is unfortunate.

[Pruett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is such a guilty pleasure read for me even though it’s legitimately good and that’s disrespectful

[Carlos Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't understand why people are ranking this as mainly three stars. It feels like this Volume has evolved IMMENSELY from the first one.

[Roman Zarichnyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Сюжетна арка «Діти Атому» — це продовження, у якому світ і герої вже не просто знайомляться з собою, а починають робити серйозні кроки, і ці кроки лунають гучно, як грім перед бурею. Якщо перший том був радше повільним, задумливим і атмосферним вступом у дивний, тривожний світ нових мутантів, то тут історія набирає обертів, розкриває нові таємниці й підштовхує персонажів до рішень, від яких залежатиме їхнє майбутнє.

У центрі подій усе ще Хісако (Броня), яка не полишає пошуків сенсу у трагічній смерті друга Цубаси та намагається зрозуміти, яке значення має загадковий омаморі, залишений ним. До команди приєднується загадкова Канон (Псайлок) — досвідченіша мутантка, чия поява вносить і нові знання, і нову напругу. Паралельно розкручуються кілька ліній: розслідування дивного вбивства, яке влада наполегливо замовчує; зловісні інтриги Короля Тіней; конфлікт між Буремною Мей і Хвилею; та розвиток сюжетної гілки про культ «Діти Атому». Усе це поступово сходиться в точку, де відчуваєш — великі події вже на порозі.

Момоко й далі поєднує знайомі елементи всесвіту Людей-Ікс з унікальною візуальною мовою та японським культурним тлом. Її сторінки живі — від тихих, майже безмовних сцен із сумом у кожній деталі до вибухів чистого жаху. Тут малюнок не просто ілюструє події, а зливається з ними в єдине ціле: колір, композиція та темп кадрів працюють разом, щоб передати і внутрішній світ персонажів, і атмосферу історії.

Герої також змінюються. Хісако стає більш зосередженою та рішучою, навіть якщо відповіді на головні питання залишаються туманними. Канон додає історії неоднозначності: її мотиви не до кінця зрозумілі, але очевидно, що її роль — підштовхнути команду до зростання. І загалом, у світі Момоко немає чіткої лінії між добром і злом, дуже багато сірого, як і особистостях, так і на сторінках.

Цей том робить світ «Ультимативних Людей Ікс» насиченішим, драматичнішим і більш інтригуючим. Він залишає багато загадок, але саме це і тримає увагу. Хочеться знати більше, занурюватися глибше. Піч Момоко продовжує створювати щось особливе, ігноруючи кліше супергеройського жанру та перетворюючи цих Людей-Ікс на унікальну, атмосферну історію, яку точно варто читати.

[Macqueron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un superbe volume X-Men, où se croisent les obsessions propres à la série d’origine (être différent signifie-t-il avoir à apprendre à se conformer aux autres? Apprendre aux autres à vivre avec soi en acceptant la différence? Vivre à part en exacerbant sa différence?) et un monde adolescent (âge de la vie qui se prête particulièrement bien à ces questionnements) jusqu’à ce qu’il a de plus sombre (suicide). Il me semble retrouver des traces d’Urasawa dans sa période 20th century boys. L’univers visuel n’est pas parfait, mais est très original. Vite la suite!

[Joey Nardinelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

My response to the first volume was cautiously positive, but with this next six issues I’m starting to teeter towards indifference towards this series already. I feel like a quick glance of other reviews confirmed I’m not entirely alone in this — the art is satisfying and definitely the selling point here, but Momoko’s storytelling chops are just lackluster. The characters seem to just move from scene to scene without a lot to motivate them, and I’m often left unclear as to who is who (having a Mori and Nori as peripheral characters was a challenge for me) and whether or not the damages done emotionally and physically carry from story beat to story beat. Like Kanon…her brother died by suicide, right? In the eighth issue? Whose shoes were dangling when the mystery government/corporation woman showed up in that issue? Why did I read a further four issues and hit a volume ending with nothing clarifying any of that? How am I twelve issues in and still have no clear reason for Shinobu’s fascination with Hisako? When the rear blurb keeps calling him Shadow King to try to sell readers on these characters being more mainline X-Men, it just feels like there’s some disconnect between what Marvel is wanting this series to be perceived as doing and what Momoko is really accomplishing here.

[Joey's deathly tomes of death · Rating 5 out of 5]

People throw so much hate at this. I love the fresh take on X-Men. It's Ultimate, so it can be its own thing.
The art is beautiful, and the story is compelling.

The slow build-up to the Children of The Atom and the darkness of Shinobu twisting things up.
Natsu's powers awakened and caused some serious problems, and now no one knows where she is.
Now, the conflict between Mei and Hisako and Hisako's doubts about herself. The introduction of Kanon. This volume was so awesome.

To the people who are like #notmyXMEN, just remember that this is not 616. It has space to grow and be its own thing. There have been subtle hints that the X-Men are out there, Maystorm/Mei saw THE Storm on social media. Anyways, Peach Momoko is doing a great job at telling a dark story with mutants in Japan and their story and awakening.

Also, it's been fun finding the parallels to characters from X-Men.
Like Natsu, we know who she is a reference to. ^_^

I can't wait for the next volume, I know I could just read the issues, but I love these collected volumes.

[Bertazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Momoko and Davisson have the perfect approach in how to create an unique X-Men story. It's new but it is X-Men to the core.

[Tyler Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m assuming this volume is over, the last one said 1-4 so that’s me predicting this one is 5-8. This corner of the Ultimate Universe still feels so unconnected from the rest of it and I’m honestly so confused every issue. The stylized art makes it tough to keep up with an ungoing story because a lot of times it’s hard to see what’s happening. And there’s just a lot of characters who feel very similar that don’t get enough time on page for me to remember who they are and what they do and why they’re important. It’s not bad I’m just dumb and lost. It’s really pretty to look at though!

[Matt Sautman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol. 2 of Ultimate X-Men continues the slice of life style while leaning more into a Junji Ito direction. I feel that the gap in time that has passed since I read volume 2 worked against some of this book’s impact on me, but I have yet to leave a Momoko book feeling disappointed.

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no idea why this is being prompted as an X-Men comic. I’m done reading the series unless I hear a very good reason to tune back in.

[Braden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is definitely better than people make it but still has its share of flaws. Things feel a little too disjointed.

[David Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story picks up the pace from the first volume. The various girls begin to come together and act more like a team. The interesting counterpoint is the children of the atom, who sometimes resemble Professor X’s school. There is an ambivalent relationship between some of the students and the girls who are on the outside. This intriguing series continues to captivate readers with its subtlety and surprises.

[Edward Salinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing UXM I really love how the story is growing. I like the stuff with the children of the atom and I’m very curious to see where it goes from there. I really liked the Easter eggs to the other ultimate series makes the world feel more connected. The art from Peach Momoko is always a highlight of these books. I think I liked the first goo like a bit more but this is still solid and I will be continuing to read so I can catch up before the finale.

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art maintains that Momoko style of gorgeous watercolors and the story creeps into (nearly full born) horror, which is a great mix. The kawaii Japanese school kids finding suitcases stuffed with bodies and mutant powers killing loved ones- some really messed up stuff!

I love this run, although it may not lead to giant X changes, it is one hell of a mutant story.

[Rylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly how I felt about volume 1 so if you wanna read my in depth thoughts check that review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to be really interested in what this book is and where it's going without being sure I know what's happening right now.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peach can be a great artist and writer.

But again, this series still remains to be the weakest of the new Ultimate line.

Peach's art is great, but I just don't think it properly fits the story they are showing and trying to tell.

[Devonn Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how things are building up and mutants and humans are getting more separated by small events. But I will admit the pacing is noticeably weird.

[Fazun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Jannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great volume again, I’m getting really drawn in into all that mysteries. Also the artstyle ist still amazing, I love this run!
These were my notes while reading:

- So another doomsday cult xD the children of the atom really are like the brotherhood of mutants
- So the powers come from shinobus blood? Not sure how to think about that yet
- What does shinobu mean by „my hisako“🙏
- Let’s go psylocke
- Kanon and her brother have a fun dynamic
- The body looks so disgusting, the artstyle has such a good variety
- The children of the atom seem to be connected to sunfire and have a lot of power in society
- Big ah eye
- Cover spoils that natsu (I think that’s her name) has cyclops powers xD
- Psylocke is a bit dumb lowkey xD
- Natsu really has the same powers as cyclops
- That’s some crazy brainwashing in that cult, it’s cool to see younger people questioning it
- Maybe Hate against mutants was not real and was used as a method of brainwashing by the cult?
- Seems like Distrust against mutants stems from the lies the cult spread in the first place and the inhumane things the cult did that are now revealed to the public
- Man that blonde bully girl in the school really is a ragebait master
- If that’s supposed to be Wolverine he’s hella scary and brainwashed xD
- Surge seems to be pretty rotten inside, hope she’s still able turn, electric powers are always so cool
- Mei is so cool
- The cult members just look like John Kramer in those robes xD
- Great commentary on real life problems, I like how this shows how easily we believe in things without making our own opinion on it
- Insane that natsu actually killed her mother on accident, this book gets so dark
- „I don’t think running away is the answer. After all better to regret something you have done than something you haven’t.“
- Bro, mei is the leader of that mini version cult???
- She wants to save the children of the atom? I guess she wants to safe who they were? Because if she’s just as brainwashed and believes in this supremacist stuff, that would be dumb xD
- Yukio is pretty fun, I like her character
- I don’t quite understand Meis link to the children of the atom yet, seems sketchy to me
- As if tsubasa killed himself only because his best friend told someone that a gift he gave to that person isn’t theirs, I see right through your lies shinobu
- What the hell is this form of armor, it looks insane

[Shivesh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vol. 2 continues in much the same vein as the first arc—ambitious, visually striking, and undeniably unique, but still struggling to find its footing within the broader Ultimate Universe. There is a clearer sense of direction this time, with hints about how creator Peach Momoko’s reimagined mutants might eventually intersect with the larger narrative threads Hickman is weaving across the line. Still, in the moment, it’s difficult to see the long‑term shape of the story, and the book often feels like it’s operating in its own dreamlike pocket dimension.

Peach Momoko’s art remains the defining feature of the series, though this volume shows some inconsistency. Given that she is writing, drawing, and painting the entire book on a monthly schedule, the occasional looseness is understandable. Her blend of manga‑influenced storytelling and Western superhero iconography is fascinating, but it can also be disorienting—especially in action scenes where masked characters blur together and panel transitions lean heavily on mood rather than clarity. Readers used to traditional superhero visual grammar may find themselves rereading pages simply to track who is doing what.

Plot‑wise, this volume deepens the strange mythology introduced earlier. We see Hisako, Maystorm, and the rest of this reimagined team grappling with the emergence of mutant abilities in a world that treats mutation as something almost folkloric. The Children of the Atom concept is explored through eerie visions, spirit‑like manifestations of powers, and a growing sense that these mutants are tied to forces older and more supernatural than anything in classic X‑Men lore. There are teases of a larger threat, glimpses of a shadowy figure manipulating events, and a few moments that hint at how this version of the X‑Men might eventually become a true team.

Ultimately, it’s an enjoyable but uneven read—beautiful, atmospheric, and intriguing, yet likely to fade in memory once the larger Ultimate narrative becomes clearer. Still, I’m sticking with it, if only to see where Momoko’s vision leads next before Ultimate Endgame.