Storm #5 might surprise readers in more ways than one. While this is billed as a One World Under Doom tie-in, this takes place before Doctor Doom’s conquest of the Earth. And while Storm does appear, she plays second fiddle to a cosmic conflict that’s been going on for eons. But it’s also fitting for the massive paradigm shift in Ororo Munroe’s life, and a showcase of what makes this book so great.
In fact, Murowera Ayodele writes in the closing pages that he’s happy he’s gotten this far – and I’m happy too, as I’ve seen way too many great books cut down in their prime due to low sales. It showcases how skilled Ayodele, and by extension, Lucas Werneck are; they’re telling a story that builds upon Storm’s long history while doing something new. In this case, it’s showcasing why Eternity chose Storm to be his champion.
This lets Werneck bring some truly phenomenal work to the table, especially in the opening pages. Darkness is undercut with a series of glitching images, resembling a TV on the fritz, before transforming into a swirling singularity filled with light and color. It’s an awe-inspiring moment, made even more visually stunning by the wide range of colors deployed by Alex Guimares. And it’s not the only time that Werneck delivers cosmic spectacle; most of the issue is dedicated to the various cosmic aspects within the Marvel Universe, and he gives them the grandeur they deserve.
Marvel
The same goes for Storm herself. Not only does Storm #5 showcase her new costume, but it also highlights just how strong her weather-controlling abilities truly are. When she descends from space, it results in the mother of all superhero landings – the ground cracks, lightning sparks around her body, and she stands tall as Doom summons magic to try and defeat her. But with a snap of her fingers, Storm freezes the not-so-good doctor with a massive blizzard.
This is only the tip of the iceberg; throughout the issue, Ayodele keeps laying down hints that Storm is meant to fight on behalf of eternity. It’s very reminiscent of what’s going on in Phoenix (Jean Grey even makes a cameo, which brings me hope that the two will cross paths sooner or later.) But I do feel there could have been a focus on what Ororo is feeling, as it’s mainly Eternity piloting her body. This isn’t the first time she’s tasted godhood, but it’s on a level she’d never had before. How does she react to that? How can she use that in her heroic duties? Those are the type of questions I’d like to see answered in future issues.
Overall, Storm #5 delivers on visual depictions of Ororo Munroe becoming a true goddess, though Ororo herself has taken a backseat to a cosmic conflict. Hopefully next issue, despite being swept up in the X-Manhunt crossover, can continue this forward momentum.
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