REVIEW: ‘Stormʼ #8 - Divine Power, Human Consequences

If I’m being honest, I don’t even know where to begin with Storm #8. There’s so much happening in this issue—in the best possible way—that readers will have plenty to unpack.

The mission that brought Storm to Brazil, and into conflict with other Storm gods, comes to a temporary close as she and Thor recover the ashes of the missing scientist she was sent to find. As they work, Thor warns her of an impending threat: an ancient and powerful thunder god whose existence endangers even abstract cosmic entities. This being has already thrown the divine pantheon into civil war. We’ve long known Storm would be drawn into a battle of cosmic proportions, but Ayodele continues to escalate the stakes with each issue.

Despite Thor’s caution and his offer of aid, Ororo turns him down—whether out of confidence or pride is unclear. Either way, it’s a decision that may haunt her, as the looming threat seems far greater than what any one god—or mutant—can face alone.

Storm, however, has more immediate concerns. Her battle this issue isn’t with gods or monsters, but with the U.S. government itself. Summoned to FBI headquarters, she’s interrogated about the radiation incident from issue #1—the disaster that launched her current journey. It's a well-placed callback that highlights just how far her story has progressed.

© Marvel Comics

One of the most compelling aspects of this issue is the introduction of the agents conducting her interrogation, especially Special Agent Fabiyi—an alien, surprisingly—whose dedication to their mission borders on obsession. The agents pull out all the stops to unnerve Ororo: from selecting an environment that puts her on edge to probing questions about her traumatic past, everything is designed to box her in.

Despite her composure, things quickly spiral. Storm’s perception is manipulated by Fabiyi in what appears to be some sort of telepathic attack, and it’s revealed that she secretly aided Charles Xavier during his time as a fugitive (referencing X-Manhunt), placing her in direct opposition to the U.S. government. This revelation sets the stage for a shocking confrontation as Fabiyi and their team violently turn on her.

On a side note, it's worth praising Murewa Ayodele’s commitment to the broader cast. We’re treated to brief but meaningful scenes featuring fan-favorites like Manifold, Gateway, and Maggot—last seen in the previous issue—as they prepare for their own coming battle, featuring some of Marvel’s greatest powerhouses, unbeknownst to Storm.

The art in this issue is phenomenal, as is expected from Werneck, and I have to mention how much I loved the braids given to Storm to replace the hair she lost in her previous battle. All things considered, Ayodele is crafting a saga that can only be described as epic. Storm is being pulled through every corner of the Marvel Universe, and in the process, she’s being firmly positioned within its divine hierarchy. If Ayodele is given the space to tell this story in full, it could go down as one of Storm’s defining runs.

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Release Date: May 07, 2025

Written by: Murewa Ayodele

Art by: Lucas Werneck

Cover by: Mateus Manhanini

Page Count: 24

Synopsis: STORM does not lie. We all know that. But in the aftermath of the X-MANHUNT, STORM has been put under investigation by the F.B.I.! Will STORM have to perjure herself or face jail time for assisting fugitive CHARLES XAVIER? Meanwhile, MAGGOTT enjoys having to run the STORM SANCTUARY solo - using the opportunity to organize an MMA-style battle of the POWER-SHIFTERS (SHE-HULK, JUGGERNAUT, GENTLE, BIG BERTHA, etc.). Who will come out on top?