Storm and the Amazing X-Men go to Africa!
A death in Storm’s family sheds light on a new threat to the X-Men!
The Good
Story– In Africa a newly activated Inhuman by the name of Meruda captures Storm’s cousin Abuya. In America Storm and the Amazing X-men head to Africa to rescue her cousin, once on site they are attacked by Meruda. Storm and Meruda battle and she eventually wins. Abuya is rescued and Storm uses her powers to give rain to local farmers.
Art-Salvador Larocca is back on an X-men book and this one in usual Larocca style looks pretty damn good. It’s not the quality of X-treme X-men but is still visually pleasing.
Cover– Storm/ Ororo Munroe in all her glory flying happily in the rain with lightning flashing behind her, I like it.
Family– This is one of things on my wish list for the upcoming Storm series, I want more info and interaction between Storm and her family. This issue the Kenyan royals get name dropped and we are introduced to her cousin Abuya. We also get a nod t her time spent travelling with T’challa as an early teen before the two split with him heading back to Wakanda and she became worshiped as a goddess. I would kill to dig deeper into the Kenyan Royal Family!
Villain– Meruda has a nice premise and ties to the past of the premier black superheroes Storm and Black Panther. His powers were vague enough
Action– Decent fisticuffs in this one as Storm and Meruda face off.
The Bad
Substance– While I found this issue a fun diversion and neat because it spotlighted Storm. It has no bearing on the adventures of the X-men. While Storm’s cousin as “supposed to” be in danger because we have never seen or heard about her there was no emotional connection to the events that unfolded. Meruda is also a throw away villain.
The Ugly
If you’re starved for Storm front and center then this annual may be just what the doctor ordered, for everyone else it’s still pretty decent 3/5
