“Storm” Comic Book Issue 6 “X-Manhunt Chapter 3: Thundercloud” – Review

Storm issue 6 served as an intense tie-in for the current X-Manhunt event happening across all X-Men titles. Things keep getting worse for our titular Omega Level Mutant Goddess.

With Eternity possessing Storm’s body in the previous chapter and it coming to a close with Ororo crying her eyes out in the Storm Sanctuary, I wanted to learn more about her thoughts after being put through such an ordeal. However, I also knew that such contemplation would have to wait because of the X-Manhunt situation. For unfortunately or not (depending on where you stand), that’s just how the cookie crumbles when doing major crossovers in the comic book industry.

From writer Murewa Ayodele and artist Luciano Vecchio, Storm issue 6 opened beautifully with panels showcasing Ororo using her powers to summon a whole lot of electrical energy to transform the Storm Sanctuary into a battleship called the Thundercloud. I liked how Vecchio visualized Storm dancing as she molded the forces of nature to her will. While I’m a fan of seeing Storm striking down opponents with a snap of her fingers, it’s also fun to see her enjoy the elements and have them as a dance partner during certain situations.

The latest issue debuted Storm’s Wakandan Armor. She needed to be suited up because of the people sent to retrieve Professor X. I also think she wanted to be cautious because of what transpired in the previous chapter. Being in grave peril triggered Eternity’s control over her and I would understand Ororo not wanting that to happen again.

As for Ororo aiding Charles during X-Manhunt, I can see why she would do so. The two butted heads in a major way during the Krakoan Age when Charles didn’t take no for an answer and tried to telepathically force himself into Ororo’s mind. However, even if the two still had some bad blood between them, fans should realize that some time has passed since that particular interaction. Also, with Charles being on the run to save his daughter Xandra, who Ororo likes, there’s no way she wouldn’t have said yes to helping him. Take note that Ororo agreed to keeping Charles safe while he’s inside Storm Sanctuary. She didn’t agree to continue helping him outside of it (at least, not yet).

My only gripe with their conversation while Ororo prepared some green tea and nachos for him was the level of gratitude she showed him. The entire thing about how Charles gave her a home, food, and clothes without asking anything in return (as if she wasn’t doing just fine as the Goddess she is before he popped up to recruit her as an X-Men) rubbed me the wrong way. 

Also, Storm being concerned about not breaking rules because she was back to being an Avenger was a bit… meh!

The promotional material had teased a confrontation between Storm, Charles, Maggott and Cyclops’ X-Men. And that’s exactly what we got in Storm issue 6. There was no way Ororo was going to back down. She rarely does once her mind is made up. I liked what she said to Scott about there possibly being a time where he might seek a similar kind of protection from her. Though Scott mentioned how holding Charles accountable was necessary for peace between humankind and mutantdom, we all know things can change on a dime. Cyclops has been targeted by humans, mutants, and other beings. It could happen again and he might just need Ororo to have his back down the line.

Cyclops, being a tactician, handled the situation well. He knew Ororo couldn’t let loose inside the Storm Sanctuary so he had Magik and Temper keep her occupied while he and Psylocke went for the Professor. Juggernaut kept Maggott busy while Kid Omega protected the team from Professor X’s telepathic attack. Scott also had another plan in motion in the background involving Beast.

However, what Scott hadn’t accounted for was Eternal Storm.

I could feel Eternity rolling his eyes at Storm getting involved in such a battle. Reality was at stake and here was Eternity’s Avatar fighting the insignificant X-Men. Cyclops going all in with an eyebeam attack, that shattered his visor, was enough for Eternity to make an appearance. He wasn’t going to let anyone, least of all Cyclops, harm his Avatar.

Of course, Eternal Storm was able to make quick work of the X-Men. The panel depicting the aftermath of Cyclops getting hit by Eternal Storm’s icebeam… so good!

The action sequence made me remember how Rogue Storm was described as having breath made of fire and ice.

Taking down the Juggernaut was another awesome sequence of panels. Eternal Storm pierced through Juggernaut with her lightning spears and then proceeded to headbutt Juggernaut so hard it broke his helmet.

Now, while the action was top-notch, it was accompanied by a feeling of dread. Eternal Storm is freaking brutal and Ororo is left picking up the pieces after the deed is done. Again, I’m looking forward to learning more about Storm’s internal struggle after being chosen as Eternity’s Avatar. I can’t wait to see the two come face-to-face.

Their dynamic has so much potential. In a sense, Eternity is simply taking what is his (everything in the Universe came from him). But Ororo is not someone who wants her control taken away from her. In a sense, she’s rebelling against her “Creator” and that’s some juicy stuff to explore.

As for Storm not being able to regain control and injuring Cyclops in such a manner when Eternal Storm had to spare Doom, I think it has to do with circumstances. Cyclops released a powerful eyebeam against Ororo while Doom remained unarmed. It could also be that Eternity’s control grows stronger each time he takes over Storm’s body or perhaps Ororo was still able to have enough control to ensure Eternal Storm’s attack wasn’t instantly fatal for Scott. We are shown Cyclops was able to survive, after receiving aid from Temper, even though Eternity wanted him dead.

As for what’s next, X-Manhunt will continue across the other X-Men books. So, I’ll be keeping an eye on them to see how Ororo is handled. I doubt she will turn into Eternal Storm again, but let’s see.

Coming to the upcoming Storm issue 7, judging from the promotional material, it will go back to focusing on Ororo’s trials and tribulations due to becoming Eternity’s Avatar. A bunch of Storm Gods are going to show up soon, including Thor. 

Eternal Storm also gave Maggott the essence of Eegun to turn him into Omega Maggott in the current issue. I think it makes sense for Eternity to boost up a supporting character for Ororo because again, things are going to continue getting tougher.

Talking about Vecchio taking over from Werneck for a couple of issues, I’m okay with said change. I’m a fan of Vecchio’s art style and with Alex Guimaraes remaining on colors (while being joined by Rachelle Rosenberg), the transition between the two artists was quite seamless. And I could be wrong here, but I feel Vecchio gave Storm her iconic cat-like eyes and I’m here for that.

Did you read Storm issue 6 ‘Thundercloud’? What did you think of it?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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