REVIEW: ‘Storm’ Issue #1

Storm #1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Murewa Ayodele, art by Lucas Werneck, colors by Alex Guimaraes and Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, and letters by Travis Lanham. This is part of the “From the Ashes” relaunch of the X-Men books. Storm is one of the few mutants that is universally trusted. But a colossal disaster may lead to her making a horrible decision.

Storm #1 focuses on hope and idolatry. Storm is a leader of humans and mutants, always drawing attention to herself. This issue opens with a desire to help, setting up a later public discussion with various possibilities. But the bulk of Storm #1 starts after a nuclear power plant disaster. Storm and Fenzy drop into the nearby town, trying to limit casualties and protect the devastated community. It requires the heroes to do what they usually do: save lives.

The pacing is relentless, throwing constant shockwaves and blasts at Storm and testing her magnificent powers. Morality and endurance are tested, but they are testing something unwavering and unerringly strong. What changes Storm #1 is what’s inside the nuclear reactor, which forces a reaction from Ororo. Her actions will ultimately divide even as she announces something meant to unite.

The writing of Ororo is fantastic. Any attempt to make her shrink or fall fails. She has this natural ability to lead and inspire. She doesn’t speak much during her attempts to save lives, but every word she utters has power and weight. She is calm and caring while also strong and direct.

There is narration alongside Storm #1 that both exalts and humanizes Ororo because she is treated like a god while still mortal. It is important to hammer home that impression of her because the end of the issue could seek to damage that. And while she controls the elements, her body is vulnerable. So, the damage she sustains in this chapter could have consequences later in the series.

Storm’s power is clear just from her stature. Tall and stunning, the weather goddess exudes confidence and heroism in almost every panel. The details are excellent, with very thick lines on character outlines but much smaller ones to add the finer features. She works alongside Frenzy, who is also stylish and robust.

What’s interesting about Storm #1 is that no one can fight. Storm and Frenzy are trying to repel shockwaves from a collapsing nuclear reactor. But the action is still intense and fantastically illustrated. The damage is enormous and profound, leading towards revelation and subsequent consequences. And there are small, physical moments with Storm suggesting she might be faltering.

The colors in Storm #1 are terrific. A lot of stark, intense white is used in this issue, partly on Storm’s hair and eyes, which is one of her most striking and iconic features. But this can also be seen in her lightning. This increases the ferocity of the lightning, reminding readers of just how formidable Ororo is. The lettering is clear and distinct, always easy to read.

She is infallible, with immaculate resolve and determination. Having someone close to a goddess means you can start to tamper with that perception afterward. Storm #1 captures Storm as caring and motherly while stern and decisive. She can’t save everyone, and being that beacon of hope for mutants and humans alike means both sides are vulnerable to toppling over.

Storm #1 starts with a celebration of the character. It begins with Storm at her most powerful and most respected because that is how many readers view her. Saving innocents in the middle of a disaster is about as pure as an opening superhero comic can get.

Storm #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.