- Written by: Ann Nocenti
- Art by: Geraldo Borges
- Colors by: Andrew Dalhouse
- Letters by: VC’s Ariana Maher
- Cover art by: Alan Davis, Alejandro Sánchez
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 23, 2023
Storm #4 brings Ororo one step closer to the truth when Travis’ convenient coincidences lead to red flags, and Mystique declares her role in a dangerous game.
Is Storm #4 Good?
Storm #4 takes several big steps forward to unveil big chunks of the mystery surrounding Blowback, its connection to Storm, and the true nature of Travis and Mystique’s relationship. In terms of answers and dialog (a consistent sore spot), Storm #4 may be Ann Nocenti’s strongest issue yet in the series.
When last we left Storm and the X-Men, they launched an all-out assault on Blowback during the mysterious villain’s attack. The X-Men managed to drive Blowback back, but not before it flew off with an injured Rogue.
Now, we learn “it was Mystique all along” coordinating Blowback’s actions, and Blowback’s true identity and nature are revealed.
What’s the big deal?
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Blowback isn’t a manifestation of Storm’s darker self, as the previous issue clearly suggested, or some malevolent presence born of Storm’s powers. Blowback is an alien entity that lives inside of and frequently takes over Travis, who is also of alien origin. Travis, his relationship with Storm, and his company are all a dupe coordinated by Mystique to get Storm out of the way so Mystique can repair her relationship with Rogue and prepare the mutants for the forthcoming Fall of X.
[END SPOILERS]
“Wait, what?!? Fall of X? I thought this was set in the 90s?” you rightly wonder. That’s right. Nocenti uses a dialog-heavy issue to retcon/create a loving relationship between Mystique and Destiny, foretell the island of Arakko, and portend the aftermath of the Hellfire Gala 2023. Whether or not the flagrant retrofit of the 90s era puts a little tarnish on your nostalgic shine is up to you, but it’s there, and it’s unavoidable.
Retrofits aside, there are a few points that go right and wrong in this issue, so it’s a generally mixed bag.
What’s great about this comic? Nocenti’s character work in the first three issues felt terribly off, especially for Storm and Kitty. Here, Storm and Kitty settle into their respective personalities to feel like themselves again. The stiff, stilted dialog from the first three issues is… better. And the exposition about Blowback’s identity goes a long way toward giving the arc focus.
On the whole, Storm #4 is good because it’s an improvement over the previous three issues. Hey, we’ll take the wins wherever we find them.
What’s not so great about this comic? Mystique’s plan is as devious as it is convoluted. For Mystique to get what she wants, she has to rely on so many X factors (heh) and unknowns that the plan strains credibility. If Mystique wants Storm out of the way that badly, nothing beats a top-tier assassin, so the easy, obvious alternative makes this entire arc almost pointless.
How’s the art? It’s fine but not great. Geraldo Borges has a good eye for panel composition and perspective, but he struggles with lumpy faces and anatomical consistency.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Bits and Pieces
Storm #4 uses a dialog-heavy issue to reveal major swaths of Blowback’s identity and the mystery surrounding its arrival. The character work is better, and the dialog is better, but the art is still average, and the plot/plan surrounding Blowback is unnecessarily convoluted.
Weird Science Marvel Comics 