X-Men '97 - STORM!

Marvel Epic Hero Series - X-Men '97 5-Pack (Target Exc) Storm - Hasbro 2023

I've been eagerly watching each episode of X-Men '97 on Disney+ since it debuted a month ago. Leading up to the first episode, I watched every episode of the original X-Men the Animated Series (which I had never completed before) and was excited to see how the adventures of all my favorite characters would continue. Without giving any spoilers, Storm's storyline was shockingly dramatic and upsetting (but by episode six it was all better) and I'm hoping she gets plenty of screentime in the final four episodes. Hasbro's new Epic Hero Series is a long overdue reboot of their 3.75" Marvel Universe line (2009-2015). (At least that's the way I view them). Regardless, it's nice to have the basic-level figures of all their different media franchises (Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, and now X-Men '97) in a consistent scale. I only wish they were produced with more regularity and with more properties. At the very least I would love to see a Jean Grey and maybe a Jubilee. Let's check out Storm below!

Marvel Legends - STORM!

Marvel Legends - X-Men '97 Disney+ Vintage Wave - Storm - Hasbro 2023

One of the things I'm most curious about for the upcoming X-Men '97 show on Disney+ is the representation of Storm. In the original X-Men the Animated Series, her voice was so booming and theatrical that it was both humorous and iconic. In the end, I loved it. And I think it played a part developing her later comics persona as well. I kind of hope this characterization continues in the new show, but I expect that they will tone her down a bit for modern (more critical?) audiences. I don't think I've ever seen Storm in the combination of her white costume with her mohawk hairdo. Overall, I like it. It's a fun distinction from her previous appearances without doing something too far out of canon. I'm hope we get more Marvel Legends figures from this series. Beast, Jean Grey, and Jubilee are contenders. But until the show airs in early 2024, we don't really know the full roster. Perhaps some interesting villains alongside Magneto. (This could possibly be how we finally get Destiny!) Let's check out Storm below!

Marvel Legends - STORM!

Uncanny X-Men #275 3-Pack (Storm, Forge, and Jubilee) - Hasbro 2023

When I first started reading superhero comics in the 80s, I was always consistently and predictably drawn to team books with matching costumes. The New Mutants were the most accessible example and grabbed the majority of my attention, but I also loved Sun Devils, Atari Force, and Challengers of the Unknown. And honestly I'm still a sucker for that aesthetic. I always equate the X-Men with this matching uniform design, but in actuality, they almost never sport a unified look. They wore their original matching costumes for four years from 1963-1967, and then they wore unique individualized costumes for 24 years until Uncanny X-Men #275 in 1991. In this issue, the X-Men were in a transition period. The X-Tinction Agenda storyline had just ended and the launching of X-Force #1, the new X-Factor roster (Polaris!), and the splitting of the X-Men into blue and gold teams in two different titles was just a few months away. All the memorable iconic 90's mutant moments all happened within a few short months in 1991.

X-Men: The Animated Series - STORM!

Marvel Legends - X-Men the Animated Series (VHS) - Storm - Hasbro 2022

I think one of the best things about X-Men: The Animated Series is that it finally exposed Storm to the world. Sure, Ororo Munroe has been a major player in the X-Men comics for 17 years already and had several high-profile (to me at least) animation appearances in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends and Pryde of the X-Men. But it wasn't until her 1992 television debut that kids were running around the playground impersonating her. She's a great character for emulation with her commanding voice and elemental power, and add her calm demeanor and maternal vibes and you have an all-around icon. There have been a few great attempts at creating a toy representation of 90's animated Storm, but this one is easily my favorite so far. The cel-shading and voluminous hair is a relatively simple change from that last attempt in 2019, but it makes a huge difference. The X-Men VHS line is likely over, but hopefully some Spider-ladies get this treatment, too. Let's check out animated Storm below!

Marvel Gallery - STORM!

Marvel Gallery PVC Statues - Storm (First App) - Diamond Select Toys 2021

I am infinitely impressed by Diamond Select's Marvel Gallery and DC Gallery series of PVC statues. The funny thing is that I don't really pay attention to them in the convention and solicitation areas. Rather, whenever I walk into this one local comic shop of mine, a store that seems to stock every single Diamond Select product, I see a new Gallery statue that I can't live without. I restrain myself and only buy one at a time, and this store is on the other side of my city (and they never order TPBs) so I only go there every few months. And this is a great thing because these statues only fit on the top of my shelves and a windowsill, and I'm quickly running out of room. My newest "must-have" is this very classic looking Storm. I saw it for a first time a few weeks ago (despite visiting the DST booth at multiple conventions since it was released in 2021). The sculpt is perfect and the pose is streamlined and dynamic (and not to overuse the word, but she is statuesque). Let's check out the Marvel Gallery Storm below!

Marvel Legends 3.75" Retro - STORM!

Marvel Legends 3.75" Retro Series 04 - Storm - Hasbro 2021

Storm is easily one of the most iconic Marvel heroines ever. Her regal demeanor, her stark white hair, her amazing elemental powers, and her simple descriptive name that ties it all together make her the perfect character. Elemental powers are an easy concept to grasp (and fantasize about) and I'm always drawn to them. Plus Storm is one of the earliest black female comic characters out there. Nubia pre-dated her by a couple years, but Storm is infinitely more popular. Ororo has gone through a lot of transformations, but this classic first appearance look will always be my favorite. When the 3.75" Marvel Legends Retro line debuted last year, I instantly created a wishlist of my favorite characters to be included, and Storm was very very high on that list. I'm not surprised that we got her so soon though. Here's hoping that Firestar, Spider-Woman, and Dazzler come soon! This line has a ton of potential and I adore the early-80s aesthetic.  Let's check out the Marvel Legends Retro Storm below!

Marvel Legends - STORM!

Marvel Legends - Storm and Thunderbird 2-Pack - Target Exc - Hasbro 2020

The first female superhero I ever saw in an actual comic book was Storm. Sometime in the late 80s my older brother came home from a sleepover with a few tattered issues of Classic X-Men and I was instantly intrigued. A big part of that was because I remembered her fondly from the Pryde of the X-Men cartoon that aired continuously throughout my childhood. By the time I personally got into reading X-Men comics, she was depowered and mohawked, and shortly after she donned her 90's Jim Lee look. But I always loved her classic costume best and have been wanting a Legends figure forever. Especially since that teased prototype 13 years ago in Toyfare. Hasbro really went all out with this figure, giving her alternate heads, capes, and hands like a true deluxe figure. I'm really loving the retro focus on the Legends line. Along with all the ultra-modern MDU figures, there has a been a consistent flow of classic comic gems and I can't wait to see what's next. Let's check out Storm below!

Marvel Legends Vintage - STORM!

Marvel Legends: Vintage (Toy Biz) - 1990's Storm (Black Suit) - Hasbro 2020

I always tell myself I will resist buying simple repaints of action figures, but then a figure like this Storm is released and all my strict rules go out the window. My perception of Storm's 90's outfit, the color in particular, was always very fluid to me. My memories place her alternately in white, black, and silver versions of this same costume. In a similar fashion to two of my favorite DC heroines, Silver Age Batgirl and Golden Age Batwoman, the true colors of Storm's costume seem up for interpretation and present very differently depending on the inker and colorist. So given that unintentional variation in the comics, I was happy to add this black-suited Storm to my collection (a simple repaint of last year's white-suited version). Although I may hit the brakes before I purchase the inevitable third silver version. I only have so much room for duplicate characters. Especially ones that look best with space-hogging dramatic cape poses. Plus I hope to have the classic figure soon. Let's check out Storm below!

Marvel Legends Vintage - STORM!

Marvel Legends: Vintage (Toy Biz) Series 03 - 1990's Storm - Hasbro 2019

It's really refreshing to have a female Marvel Legends figure that is definitely not going to be a shelf-warmer. As much as I beg for more diverse character selections and equal distribution. I can't deny that the mommy-shoppers never buy the female action figures for their kids - and as a result, my favorite heroines almost always end up clogging up the pegs. But this Storm has been out for months and she's always the first one snatched from the case. And she's worth it, too. Storm is easily one of the most iconic Marvel women and her role in the 1990's X-Men the Animated Series exposed her to a whole new generation of adoring fans. Although this white outfit is usually attributed to the cartoon, she was essentially wearing it in the comics for a year prior. Although in true comic fashion, the color of her costume could be interpreted as white, silver, gray, or black depending on how she was shaded and colored. And I'm not taking a side because I want one of each! Let's check out this long overdue Storm below!

Marvel Legends X-Men - STORM!

X-Men Legends: Wave 2 (Apocalypse BAF) - Storm (Mohawk) - Hasbro 2018

Storm is probably the coolest Marvel heroine ever. Her powers are awesome, her disposition and personality are motherly and regal, and her costumes are always fun. This mohawk punk rock look debuted in 1983 and stayed around until 1987. I forget the exact reasoning for the change from her classic look, but I think it was because her personality darkened after her encounters with the Brood. I mostly remember this mohawked leather-clad Storm being depowered and dueling Calisto for leadership of the Morlocks, but those events were probably a single issue in the midst of three years of stories. Either way, this costume is one of her most iconic looks, despite not featuring her trademark flowing hair and cape. This Marvel Legends figure is terrific. I especially love that the face looks like a simple retooling of the 2015 version. I would be really annoyed if I had two modern Legends figures of Ororo only to have them looking like different people. But luckily they look awesome next to each other. Let's check her out!

Marvel X-men Legends Infinite Series - STORM!

Marvel X-Men Legends - Jubilee Series - Storm - TRU Exclusive - Hasbro 2015

This figure was the bane of my existence all year. It's one thing the have a shortpacked A-list female character, it's another thing to include a major (female) Build-a-Figure piece with such a figure, and it's yet another thing to make the entire wave exclusive to a single store. To me, this figure represented the cruelty that companies like Hasbro can inflict on the collecting community. I go to Toys R Us a lot. I pass four different locations in my regular travels, and I have an additional six in close proximity that I can easily hit on the weekends. But I never saw this figure once in the stores. I promised myself that I would get her by the end of the year, and here she is, but she cost me a small fortune. This figure is stunning though.  I completely understand why everyone wanted her. Plus the Jubilee legs and torso are a major bonus. I hope she gets re-released in some form so everyone can own her. This next year should be a pretty good one for X-men Legends. Let's check out Storm below!

TOY FAIR 2014 Coverage - OTHER COMPANIES!

 

 LEGO - McFarlane - SquareEnix - Monogram - NJCroce - Dark Horse

The Women of Marvel Universe NOG'NZ!

Seven Marvelously Squished Ladies - Nog'nz Blind Bag Series 1 - Zag Toys 2012

For those collectors who have a strong visceral reaction to Chibis and other abstracted superhero forms, you're going to just love these little monstrosities.  I definitely had a similar negative reaction when I first saw these.  It took me about a year to warm up to them, and now they just make me giggle.  When trying to describe them to someone who has never seen them, I can't seem to avoid the imagery of a small caramel candy that has been pinched and prodded into a shape.  This is especially true for Rogue whose hair gives her the right coloring for my analogy.  A big perk for me was also the character selection.   The first (and only) series had 45 characters, including seven females - pretty impressive for a debut aimed at kids.  They are made from a really dense plastic that click and clack like dice when jostled together.  There are actually some games you are supposed to play with these - seems like a cross between craps and marbles. (The tag line on all the packaging is "Heads will Roll!")  Let's check them out!

Marvel Select's Classic STORM!

The Original Weather Goddess Makes her 7" Debut from Diamond Select 2012

I think everyone loves Ororo Munroe.  Even if Halle Berry gets on your nerves, she's still pretty kick-ass.  My first two memories of her are from guest appearances on Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends in the early 80's and from my older brother's copies of Classic X-Men that we always strewn about our shared bedroom.  It was her overwhelming power to control the weather that made me realize early on that women have disproportionately greater powers, yet overall less influence in the comics genre - so I credit a lot of my current obsessions to her.  There have been a lot of Storm action figures over the years.  I'd argue that she is the third most merchandised female comic character behind Wonder Woman and Catwoman.  Perhaps she's tied with Invisible Woman, but it would be close.  Yet surprisingly, this classic costume of her's gets very little love from the toy industry.  To me this is quintessential Storm and I am very excited to finally have a great figure of her.

Lady SQUINKIES of the DC Universe!

The Cutest Little Collectible Rubber Heroines and Villianesses from Blip Toys

My nieces and nephews have been obsessed with these little toys for years. I personally never understood the fascination.  To me, they looked like overpriced gumball machine toys.   They're made of a really soft rubber, often sloppily painted, and they just seemed silly.  I guess it's just a matter of perspective though, because as soon as I heard there were DC characters being made, I was on the prowl like nobody's business.  There are presently four DC sets available.  DC Universe Series 1 & Series 2 are readily available at Toys R Us, Target, and presumably everywhere that carries Squinkies.  The Justice League and Batman sets are rumored to be exclusive to Walgreens (which is where I found mine).  Squinkies are less than an inch tall, come in individual plastic capsules, and can be played with in a large playset (which are glorified gumball machines which will dispense your toys).  They are usually sold in 2 formats: 1) Blindbagged single figures, or 2) Carded complete sets (usually sets of 12).  On to the Ladies!

SDCC Exclusive Asgard STORM Mini-Bust!

Diamond Select 2007 San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive

I was hard-pressed to select a single piece of Storm merchandise to review this month.  There was no way she could be excluded from my series of Black History Month reviews, but she's had so many action figures and statues that it was hard to choose.  If I had more, I would have featured her in a Character Spotlight, but unfortunately my personal collection is a bit lacking in the Ororo department.  I chose this bust because it has a very nostalgic connection for me.  I am and always have been a huge fan of Arthur Adams' art.  My first exposure to him was in the epic Asgardian Wars storyline of 1985.  I would carry around New Mutants Special #1 and X-Men Annual #9 with me whereever I would go (just in case I required an emergency dose of mutant fantasy).  In the storyline, Storm temporarily takes over the role of Thor and becomes the Goddess of Thunder which is the inspiration for this bust.  I only discovered the existence of this bust last year, somehow it slipped completely beneath my radar.