Review: ‘Storm’ #1
Storm #1 excels in character-driven storytelling, delivering a debut issue that does justice to Ororo's rich history & elevates her to even new heights. Murewa Ayodele's writing is a love letter to the iconic X-Men, Avengers, and Wakandan queen, distilling the essence of her past titles into a narrative that's deeply human.
Ayodele's script is a thoughtful exploration of that very aspect, peeling back the layers that reveal a vulnerable, empathetic person beneath w/o sacrificing her strengths. He acknowledges her impressive résumé, but never loses sight of her emotional core. This is the X-Men at their best – a celebration of mutant powers and human frailties, reminding us that even the strongest mutant is still a person. Ayodele's use of third-party narration sets the stage, while his use of dialogue gives Storm ample opportunities to showcase why she’s achieved her current status.
As outstanding as Ayodele's writing is, Lucas Werneck's art is the true star of the issue. His designs bring Ororo to life in breathtaking fashion, radiating an otherworldly energy that's simply captivating. Every panel is a testament to Werneck's skill, as he effortlessly captures Storm's regal presence, her fierce determination, and her quiet vulnerability. As promised, the multiple outfit changes throughout the issue are a delightful bonus, each one a stunning showcase of her beauty & Werneck's attention to dramatic detail. Beyond her outfits, even subtle body movement conveyed Storm’s gravitas. Colors by Alex Guimares & Fer Sifuentes-Sijo add extra vibrancy to the artwork, imbuing pages w/ a celestial energy that's nothing short of mesmerizing.
In short, Storm #1 is not only the best solo title launch of this new era but also a landmark issue that cements Storm's position as a singular superhero. Building on the foundations laid by Al Ewing's X-Men Red, Ayodele & the creative team gave us everything you could want in a debut issue, especially one for a goddess.
