Demon Days: X-Men #1
Recap
The X-Men universe has been thrown into another whirlwind of stories, one that is an interesting take on their story. The world that we enter is filled with so much culture and beauty, that it’ll be a while before you can take your eyes away from the exquisiteness of Peach Momoko art style. Peach Momoko's take on the X-Men stories and blending them with Japanese folklore may be a dream come true for an Otaku like myself, and maybe breaking down the barriers between American comics and Japanese manga. Do we dare enter into this world? Do we dip our toe in this world that can be foreign to some and yet natural to others?
Review
Stormbreaker Peach Momoko pulls us into a world filled with samurais, oni, and folklore from the past. And while the storytelling is intriguing and flows together, it is the art style that catches your attention with each turn of the page. The blend of neutral/cool tones and the stroke of each design of these different characters that grace the pages catch your breath and your eyes. Demon Days: X-Men pulls you in from the very first page with the blend of an old art style and a modern visual language, resulting in pages that, in my opinion, should be framed and put in a museum. And this is where it breaks the barrier between comic and manga style. While moving through these pages, I even had to rewire my brain to stop myself from reading right to left. Being an avid manga reader, this style was breathtaking to see in an American format. To be able to see these styles blend together so preciously, as only a handful of people have been able to do this and keep the story going.
As we know, Peach Momoko grew up listening to Japanese folklore and wanted to reimagine the X-Men world in this stunning take. We know that the story will continue and it does have a bit of a twist to it in the end. I can’t help but wonder what else is in store for our favorite characters that will be pulled into Demon Days. Understanding and seeing the way that the story blends with the art style, and to see the way she has created these characters… It was hard to put down, knowing that the end was nearing, I had to go back to the beginning just to reread this marvelous story.
Final Thoughts
Will Demon Days be worth the read? Yes, a million times yes, this is one that you will not want to pass over or even put down. To know that this saga will be only five books is the disappointing part, knowing full well that many people will want more in the end. Is Peach Momoko breaking the barriers between the Comics community and the Otaku community as these comics come out? I would definitely say that she will be doing that. Even now, there are many references in manga/anime of American comics and superheroes (I.E. My Hero Academia). And Momoko will be taking a step forward to pull many others into this world with Demon Days.
Demon Days: X-Men # 1 will be out March 3rd, don’t miss out!
Demon Days: X-Men #1: Breaking Barriers
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10