Summary
Contains potential spoilers for Ultimate X-Men (2024) #9!The newUltimate MarvelUniverse version of theX-Menis drastically reimagining the franchise’s classic heroes, and a new teaser shows that one classic character will be fighting against the team soon enough. It’s a battle of two electrifying mutant superstars, as two of the series’ most chaotic characters come to blows in what is sure to be a devastating fight.
Marvel’s newly revealed coverforUltimate X-Men (2024)#9previews a fight between electricity-based characters Maystorm and Surge.
Cover Artist:
Peach Momoko
Maystorm vs. Surge in a static skirmish! Lightning collides as Maystorm and Surge finally confront each other! But when Surge is left weak and drained of her power, Maystorm has even more questions… And must investigate the mysterious cult Surge is part of and its relationship to the mutants of the Ultimate Universe!
Maystorm, Mei Igarashi, is part ofthe book’s X-Men team, while Surge, Noriko Ashida, is part of the mysterious cult of mutants the team are investigating. However, inUltimate X-Men#5, Surge doesn’t seem fully interested in associating with the cult, though the issue does show that Surge is more than willing to kill, which puts her at odds with the X-Men, who she’s been surreptitiously watchingthroughout the last few issues.
X-Men Officially Reboots a 2000s-Era Hero with New Design & Backstory
Marvel’s new Ultimate X-Men has introduced its version of a classic 2000s New Mutant character, with some notable differences from the original.
Ultimate X-Men Promises A Shocking Confrontation Between Maystorm & Surge
Ultimate X-Men (2024)#9 – Written & Illustrated By Peach Momoko; Available July 26, 2025
The original Earth-616 Surge was a core cast member of the booksNew Mutants (Vol. 2)and its continuationNew X-Men (Vol. 2)but has never been a villain until now.
This cult is seemingly the main public face of mutants in this new reality, Earth-6160, after the world’s alternation and secret takeover by the supervillainous Maker, who used time travel to prevent most superheroes from emerging. Series villain Shinobu Kageyama,aka this world’sShadow King, and his family belong to the cult, and Surge is connected to him, possibly through the cult, though she also clearly finds him repugnant. Thanks to Kageyama, Surge now knows Armor’s full identity,which might lead her towards the confrontation suggested byUltimate X-Men #9’scover.
The original Earth-616 Surge was a core cast member of the booksNew Mutants (Vol. 2)and itscontinuationNew X-Men (Vol. 2)but has never been a villain until now. Her power to absorb and expel electricity makes her a natural counter to some of the powers of Maystorm, who can generate lightning. Luckily, Maystorm’s powers also include broader weather manipulation, making this more of a fair matchup. Surge also has the rest of the X-Men to contend with, including Armor and this world’s versions of Cyclops and Psylocke.
If this new Surge shares any of that origin, then her and Maystorm could come to some kind of understanding.
Surge & Maystorm’s Common Ground Adds Complexity To Their Conflict
Their Dynamic Could Change Quickly
It’s also possible Surge and Maystorm actually end up bonding.Maystorm is a runaway from her abusive family, and mainstream Surge’s origin also features her running away from her home life in Japan. If this new Surge shares any of that origin, then her and Maystorm could come to some kind of understanding. Whether this Surge can be a hero, however, is up for debate. Murder is usually a dealbreaker for heroes. That said,even if Surge can come around to being more heroic, she’s still currently heading towards a confrontationwiththeUltimate Universe’snewX-Menbefore that can happen.
Ultimate X-Men#9will be available June 09, 2025 from Marvel Comics.
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
