Storm #9: It was Nice!
After Storm #8, I was expecting something more grandiose than what actually occurred in Storm #9. True, the story therein was fairly wrapped up, however the themes depicted were of a serious nature, and I expected this issue to continue that trend.
Instead, I was treated to a “filler episode” of sorts. In this issue, Storm is shown going on a treasure hunt with old friend and ally, Remy LeBeau/Gambit. Now the leader of the Thieves’ Guild, Gambit seeks out Storm for assistance in beating a rival to what is rumored to be the greatest treasure a thief can steal.
I enjoyed the light nature of the comic, especially since writer, Greg Pak leaves hints throughout the issue, along with what may or may not be false leads for readers to grasp onto.
The comic ends on a note of foreshadowing, promising that the next issue will be more intense. However, it was nice to get a light and somewhat cheesy adventure. It allows for Storm to show off a wry sarcasm that more serious issues would not allow for. Furthermore, it is nice to see Storm and Gambit work off of one another. Pak does an pretty good job of writing their friendship as teasing but close.
The issue also allows Pak to address Storm’s training as a thief. While regularly likened to a goddess or a force of nature, Storm’s past as a thief is often over looked. However in her adventure with Gambit, Storm is given the chance to show off her acrobatic skills. Though Gambit stops her (believing the lock may be booby-trapped), Storm is prepared to break her way through to the treasure with a set of lock picks.
While the treasure hunt goes on, Hank McCoy/Beast gives an encouraging talk with a former student, Marisol. He urges the young woman to come back to the school, and owns up to his own past mistakes. While she is hesitant at first, Marisol takes heart in what Hank tells her and decides to return to the X-Men. As with the lightness of the adventure with Storm and Gambit, Hank’s conversation with Marisol is sweet and enjoyable. Only the occasional interference with the call and foreboding panels hinted that something more might be going on.
The carefree adventure that Storm embarks on, as well as the pep talk Hank gives to Marisol make this comic just very nice. It’s not serious or world changing. It’s just nice to see Storm have a fun little adventure with a friend. The whole thing is even accompanied by a cheesy 1980’s moral [SPOILER] “The treasure was you all along!” [/SPOILER]. Though I am glad that the next issue looks like it will be giving Storm something more serious to do, it was nice to have this short and easy little break so that the characters could catch their breaths.
As I wait for the next issue, I hope that Gambit will make another appearance in the comics to come, since his and Storm’s banter was easily the best part of the comic. It made me happy to see Storm having fun with her bro.
