Unsurprisingly, Ororo Munroe’s latest solo series is amazing. I need this to be a 100-issue run, you know? With bold, insightful storytelling from Murewa Ayodele and unparalleled art by Lucas Werneck, Storm Vol. 1: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant has recentered Ororo as a leading figure across all Marvel Comics. Of course, Storm has always been that girl, but with her impressive solo heroism, her membership on the Avengers, and her new cosmic connection to the abstract being called Eternity, Ororo Munroe is now on a whole other level. And I… am… here for it! I don’t want this series to ever end.
Personally, I strongly believe that Storm is the strongest out of all the From the Ashes titles. Post the fall of Krakoa the X-Men are going through it, but Storm is showing all mutants how to show up for mutantkind, humanity, and the entire world. One of the main reasons that Storm is such a strong title, beloved by fans and critically acclaimed by reviewers, is because Ayodele has done extensive research on Storm’s deep history, and as a Nigerian Yoruba writer, also has a uniquely positioned knowledge of Ororo’s cultural connections. This cultural depth is evident in Storm’s stunning costumes, street wear, and the various African mythologies highlighted, greatly enhancing the specificity and intimacy of the story’s plots and characters.
Storm #4 Variant Cover by Karen S. Darboe. Marvel
Storm Vol. 1: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant collects the first five issues of Ororo’s solo title, and includes a number of gorgeous variant covers as well as a very sweet letter to the fans from Ayodele himself, which is rare for a Marvel trade paperback these days. Focusing on the debut of Ororo’s new Storm Sanctuary, the political ramifications of her new solo heroism, her escape from near death, and the frightening beginning of her possession by Eternity, this debut volume is jam-packed with action and heart. There are amazing cameos from Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men, Doctor Voodoo, and Frenzy, who all elevate and deepen the story, while maintaining Storm as the primary antagonist.
Lucas Werneck’s art and Alex Guimarães’ coloring provide the perfect foundation for Ayodele’s beautiful tale. The colors are vibrant, the emotions are palpable, the movement shown is really impeccable. Issue #3 in particular has such gorgeous fight scenes and action, from a perfect depiction of Rogue’s speed to Storm’s intense fight training with Logan (I don’t care what anyone says, I think Logan and Ororo will always be sweet as lovers, even if I don’t want them to actually date). Plus, my god (literally), Werneck and Guimarães’ depictions of Oblivion and Eternity, and their use of white and blue for the Eternal Storm, are just absolutely perfect and capture the otherworldly beauty of an Omega-level icon turned cosmic Goddess.
Storm #2 Variant Cover by Stephanie Hans. Marvel
Truthfully, I can’t recommend this trade paperback enough. The story in itself is worth the purchase, and the trade as a physical collection is beautifully formatted, with gorgeous illustrations throughout. Storm’s new era is deserving of high praise because of the talented artists behind its creation. Ayodele’s weaving of heart, politics, and mythology is astounding, all grounded in absolutely breathtaking art from Werneck and Guimarães. Storm is still ongoing, and has only gotten better since its debut, so if you haven’t started reading the series, this trade is the perfect place to begin. If you are caught up with the series, then I don’t even need to try to convince you to add this to your collection… You already know it deserves a spot on the shelf.
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