Finally, in this episode, we delve into the rich backstory of Storm, one of the most powerful and revered members of the X-Men. The plot centres around an evil African shaman named Hungan, who arrives at the Xavier Institute with a sinister plan to steal Storm’s weather-controlling powers. His ultimate goal is to use these powers to dominate Africa, claiming the continent as his own. This episode not only highlights Storm’s formidable abilities but also her deep-rooted connections to her homeland and her role as a maternal figure within the X-Men.

Storm, also known as Ororo Munroe, is portrayed as the nurturing “mother” of the X-Men, guiding and protecting her younger teammates. Her bond with the Earth and its elements is a central theme, emphasizing her role as a guardian of nature and a bridge between humanity and the natural world. Throughout the episode, we see Storm grappling with her responsibilities, both as a mentor to her nephew Spyke and as a protector of the planet. Her struggle against Hungan’s dark magic is not just a battle for her powers, but a fight to preserve the balance and harmony she holds dear.

The themes of this episode resonate deeply with the idea of stewardship and the interconnectedness of all life. Storm’s connection to the planet is portrayed as both a source of strength and a heavy burden, reflecting her commitment to safeguarding the world and those she loves. African Storm is a powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and the responsibilities that come with great power. It underscores Storm’s role as a maternal figure within the X-Men, highlighting her unwavering dedication to her team and her mission to protect the Earth from those who would seek to harm it.

In Africa, a tribe chants and dances around a fire as the Hungan announces he’s found their wandering goddess after ten years. Meanwhile, in Bayville, Jean, Scott, and Taryn have a tense lunch, with Jean feeling awkward about Scott and Taryn’s relationship. Evan skates by, swipes Jean’s milk, and she uses her telekinesis to knock him off his board, landing him at Principal Kelly’s feet. Later, Evan is late for a training session with Storm, who freaks out when trapped in a small box. She yells at Evan and, as she leaves, hears strange whispers and sees shadows, freaking out again in the elevator until Beast calms her down.

That night, Risty drops Rogue off at the Institute, and Rogue hears strange whispers outside. She rushes in and turns on the alarm. Upstairs, Storm has nightmares and wakes up screaming. Logan, Kitty, and Xavier check on her, and she admits she’s stressed about Evan. They decide to send Evan home, and he overhears, getting upset. The next day, Storm has another episode in the bathroom, seeing a skull in the steam. Xavier finds water flooding from the shower and a shattered mirror. Storm tells Evan he’s going home, but he’s already packing and angry, feeling no one cares.

At school, Risty and Rogue gossip about Storm, and Rogue gets suspicious. Kitty tells Jean and Scott that Evan is leaving. Kurt tries to convince Evan to stay, but Evan feels they’re not friends. Jean and Scott also try, but Evan blows up at them. Back at the Institute, Beast subs for Storm in a training session, but a fight breaks out, and Beast gets thrown into the hallway. Later, Storm remembers her days as a goddess and sees snakes on her balcony. She flies up, sees Spyke leaving, and runs into Nirambo, who warns her about the Hungan. She tries to find Evan but gets captured by the Hungan’s tribesmen.

The Hungan cages Storm and breaks her will, using a sceptre to control her. The X-Men trace her to a boat, and the Hungan forces Storm to attack them. Spyke shatters the sceptre’s crystal, freeing Storm, who creates a mini tornado to envelop the Hungan. She faints, but Spyke catches her. The next day, Storm and Evan’s mother tell him he gets another chance for saving her, and he rushes off to celebrate with the other students.

Hank was a star quarterback whilst in high school, as seen in the backstories presented in X-Men #49-53.

We see Storm being worshipped as a Goddess, just as she was in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Her claustrophobia, first seen in Uncanny X-Men #101 is seen in multiple versions of the franchise, including the X-Men episode Captive Hearts.

On Angel’s Wings | Joyride