With a guest appearance from the new Sorcerer Supreme, the first appearance of Galacta, and an interdimensional invasion looming on the horizon, there is a lot of exciting content packed into Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #2. This is another masterfully crafted issue in a run that X-Men fans, Storm fans, and comic book fans in general should not miss out on. Series writer Murewa Ayodele’s love and passion for the character of Storm is apparent in every issue, with the creative team of Federica Mancin, Javier Tartaglia, and Travis Lanham firing on all cylinders to put together a highly polished piece of work that is a masterclass in visual storytelling.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #2!
Last issue, in Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #1, Storm imprisoned the thunder god Susanoo after the deity threatened to destroy the Earth if Ororo did not assist him with ritual suicide. Angered by Storm’s insolence, Susanoo’s war general, Akujin, declared war on Earth, pledging to destroy a city for every five days that Susanoo is not released from captivity. Storm’s conflict with Akujin will be the ultimate test of her abilities, resilience, and determination as she fights to protect her planet and her people.
Following the devastation of Biarritz, France, brought upon by the wrath of Akujin and her army, Storm is visited by the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wanda Maximoff, aka the Scarlet Witch, who inherited the title from Doctor Doom following the events of One World Under Doom #9. For more about why Wanda was chosen for this mantle and how she is adjusting to her new role, go check out Sorcerer Supreme #1 by Steve Orlando.
Ororo meets with the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wanda Maximoff aka the Scarlet Witch. (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Wanda’s new role as Sorcerer Supreme comes with a lot of responsibility and oversight regarding issues of great magical significance. Therefore, a potential mystical invasion of Earth falls under Wanda’s jurisdiction now and is of great concern to her as well, which is why Wanda has sought out Storm regarding this very serious matter. Wanda cautions Storm about the risks and dangers of engaging in all-out conflict with Akujin, advising Ororo to give in to the general’s demands to avoid war entirely. Wanda also tells Ororo that she has not “submerged” herself in the “secret rituals and communal dangers” of magic and magical systems. Essentially, Wanda is telling Ororo she is out of her depth, and that too much is at stake if Storm takes on Akujin and fails. Clearly, Wanda is of the opinion that Ororo is neither capable nor prepared enough to face a mystical invasion brought on by Akujin.
Fans of the character should know that Storm is not the type to back down from a challenge, and never bows out of a fight when innocent lives or those that she loves and cares about are on the line. Despite Wanda’s warnings, Storm is willing and determined to do what is necessary to protect the Earth from Akujin and her forces, knowing full well the risks and potential consequences associated. Not only will Ororo be risking the lives of the people of Earth if she does not give in to Akujin’s demands, but she will be putting her own life on the line as well. Knowing these risks, Ororo stands firm and resolute in her decision. As she narrates to herself, “You will most probably die if you do this alone, Ororo Munroe. But everyone will be safe. That is all that matters”. Storm’s power, mastery, and control of the elements are what make her a living goddess, but it is her bravery and willingness to sacrifice herself for the greater good that make her a hero.
Storm begins making preparations for Akujin’s impending invasion, taking her Storm Sanctuary from Atlanta to Biarritz to help feed the survivors and aid in their efforts to rebuild following Akujin’s attack on their city. Not wanting to leave Atlanta completely defenseless, Storm leaves behind her Storm Engines, automatons of extraterrestrial origin, to watch over Atlanta in her absence. Tensions arise when a fight breaks out between a human and a mutant with a visible mutation. Storm and the mutant communicate in Krakoan to discuss human-mutant relations and the state of affairs for mutantkind.
The mutant is not happy that Storm has opened the doors to her sanctuary to humans as well as mutants. They view Krakoa as a haven where they can be themselves without interference or threats of danger from humans. The mutant questions why Storm would jeopardize that safe haven by letting humans into the Storm Sanctuary. Storm responds that having a homeland for mutants, whether it be Genosha, Utopia, or Krakoa, did not diminish humans’ hatred and fear of mutants. As Storm says to the mutant, “They still could not see past our mutant gene”. Storm goes on to say that evil would be victorious if they chose to turn their back on those in need, even those in need are humans who may hold hate and fear in their hearts towards mutants.
Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #2 brings us one step closer to an inevitable confrontation between Storm and Akujin. Despite Wanda Maximoff’s appeals for caution, Storm is prepared to fight this war no matter the risk or cost. Unbeknownst to Storm, Mistress Death is also amassing her own army to bring The War Above All to Earth. The solicitation for the next issue teases that Storm will be abducted out of her reality by a mysterious entity. Who or what is this entity, and will Storm find her way back to Earth-616?
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