Ultimate X-Men #3 — Betsy Cola Ultimate Special Variant Cover (2024)

Ultimate X-Men #3 (2024) is part of Marvel's new Ultimate X-Men series created by Peach Momoko. The issue is written and illustrated by Peach Momoko, with the Ultimate Special Variant cover by Betsy Cola. It carries the Marvel Ultimate X-Men branding and is rated T+.

The cover presents a striking, stylized portrait of Maystorm (Mei Igarashi). She is shown seated on the floor with her legs folded beneath her, wearing a dark school-style outfit with a white collar, black stockings and shoes. She has distinctive dark purple hair with lighter lavender highlights and holds a small object near her lips.

The background is dominated by deep purple, violet and blue tones, with large abstract shadow-like shapes surrounding Maystorm. Several sheets of paper containing rough drawings and symbols are scattered around her, adding to the mysterious and supernatural mood of the artwork.

This issue is especially significant because it tells Maystorm's origin. Mei Igarashi begins as an ordinary girl before discovering her unusual abilities, causing her hair to change from brown to white. The story also explores her admiration for a mysterious African freedom fighter who possesses storm-related powers.