Ororo: Before the Storm (click for source) By Aaron Nash
Storm has always been a staple of the X-Men from the time I started reading in the 90s, and for me she is a crucial part of why I enjoyed their adventures growing up. She’s gone through many different looks over the years, from the classic costume to the more punk-like look in the 80s, and her character has developed as she’s gotten older. But how much do we know about her youth before her powers manifested?
Storm has always been a staple of the X-Men from the time I started reading in the 90s, and for me she is a crucial part of why I enjoyed their adventures growing up. She’s gone through many different looks over the years, from the classic costume to the more punk-like look in the 80s, and her character has developed as she’s gotten older. But how much do we know about her youth before her powers manifested?
Click for source Well, that is what we get a look at in 2005’s mini-series Ororo: Before the Storm. Although only giving us a small glimpse at the life of the young Ororo, who will eventually become known as Storm, the series provides a good old-fashioned treasure hunt of an adventure that’s less in the vein of X-Men, and more in the vein of Aladdin or Indiana Jones. This leads me onto the first thing I should really get out of the way: those expecting the high-flying, lightening summoning, weather changing Storm we’ve all come to know may be disappointed, as this is set before her powers manifest. For me, this came as a bit of a shock, but to be fair I’d argue that it’s better because of it. The character still feels very much like the woman she will become and there are hints at her oncoming powers on occasion throughout the book.
This story is more about how acceptance and friendship can overcome almost all evils, no matter how large. The interaction between the three main leads and the secondary characters is well written, even if it isn’t anything amazing. To be fair, none of the story is particularly amazing, but it is well written and flows nicely. I guess you could say it’s the equivalent of a well-made TV movie that you may catch during the day one weekend. You kind of just go along for the ride without needing to focus too hard or use your brain much. It would have been nice if the story could have been told through a few more comics though, as I do like the adventures of Ororo.
This story is more about how acceptance and friendship can overcome almost all evils, no matter how large. The interaction between the three main leads and the secondary characters is well written, even if it isn’t anything amazing. To be fair, none of the story is particularly amazing, but it is well written and flows nicely. I guess you could say it’s the equivalent of a well-made TV movie that you may catch during the day one weekend. You kind of just go along for the ride without needing to focus too hard or use your brain much. It would have been nice if the story could have been told through a few more comics though, as I do like the adventures of Ororo.
Click for source I will say that the art is really nice throughout the story, with some truly great character designs, especially for the main trio. The young Ororo just looks awesome and has enough in her design to see the Storm we all know. The art is bold and colourful throughout and helps give the story that ‘fun’ vibe that I’ve found has been missing in quite a few series recently. It just goes to show that we don’t need realistic art to tell a fun story. The one drawback is that on occasion the panels during fights can be quite hard to follow, as there is so much going on in them. This isn’t a major issue but is something to bear in mind.
So, is it worth a read?
Well, if you want a fun little adventure that doesn’t take up too much time, then yes, I’d say it’s worth reading. As I’ve said it’s nothing amazingly special, but it’s better than a lot of things I’ve read. If you want a deep meaningful story with lots of characters and conflict, you won’t find it here. So it all depends on what you’re looking for. Personally, I really enjoyed it for what it is, and I expect others will too.
Love Ororo? Love Storm? Want to know more about the lives of the X-Men before they discovered their powers? Let us know what you think below.
So, is it worth a read?
Well, if you want a fun little adventure that doesn’t take up too much time, then yes, I’d say it’s worth reading. As I’ve said it’s nothing amazingly special, but it’s better than a lot of things I’ve read. If you want a deep meaningful story with lots of characters and conflict, you won’t find it here. So it all depends on what you’re looking for. Personally, I really enjoyed it for what it is, and I expect others will too.
Love Ororo? Love Storm? Want to know more about the lives of the X-Men before they discovered their powers? Let us know what you think below.
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