Why Marvel Should Keep Investing in a Storm Solo Series
As a Storm fan, I don't quite know how to feel right now.
As of today, Marvel hasn't solicited any issues of Storm: Earth's Mightiest Mutant beyond #5, and issue #5 is listed as "5 of 5." There also hasn't been any announcement of a new Storm solo series waiting in the wings.
So yes... I won't lie. I'm disappointed.
Storm is one of Marvel's most iconic, influential, and marketable characters, and one of the most important heroes in the company's history. That's why I firmly believe she deserves an ongoing solo title.
While we don't know what's next for Ororo, I have to believe Marvel has more plans for her. And if another Storm solo series is on the horizon, I hope Marvel takes a few lessons from this recent run to better support it.
First, put Ororo back in the X-Men team books. Storm has always been at her strongest when she's allowed to be both a solo star and a central figure in the X-Men mythos. Isolating her from the X-Men while giving her relatively little to do with the Avengers left her disconnected from the franchise where she has historically thrived.
Second, make the events of her solo series matter to the broader X-Men line. Storm's recent stories featured major developments for Ororo, but too often those developments felt disconnected from what was happening elsewhere in the mutant corner of the Marvel Universe. Greater integration and cross-promotion would benefit both Storm's book and the X-Men line as a whole.
Third, Marvel needs to commit to Storm for the long haul. Building a successful ongoing title takes time, consistency, and sustained support. Too often across the comic book industry, books starring diverse characters are expected to prove themselves immediately rather than being given the same patience and investment afforded to more established franchises. If Marvel truly sees Storm as one of its premier heroes (and I believe they should), then they need to continue investing in her success through strong marketing, editorial support, and long-term planning.
I sincerely hope this isn't the end of Storm's solo adventures. Our Weather Witch deserves better than uncertainty.
As always, I would love to hear what you think. If Marvel announces another Storm solo title, what would you like to see done differently?
