thanks beloved.
I just have to say this again because it's worthy of being said: Coates knocked this issue off the freaking planet. Wind rider made reference to Ororo needing to commune to the elements when inside the acanti. back in uncanny 166 Storm did this to protect herself and the acanti healing her body:
Since then we have had writers demonstrate her ability to use her powers in space, specifically duffie; however, more modern writers wished to reduce her to needing weather to use her power:
However, Ta'Nahesi Coates would later come along and tie Ororo and her abilities back to what Claremont had initially established years ago. Since BP issue 17 back in August of 2017, Coates has been steadily revealing to us his understanding of canon and her abilities. He told us her gift of godhead was greater than any mutation and from there he has been peeling back the different layers of this gift. Yes let's be clear this has been his only reference about her mutation and its importance as it relates to her. To conclude her display in BP 21 was due to her omega abilities would require you to ignore a story three years in the making. It wasnt until black history month of 2020 almost 3 years later that Coates completed the circle and showed us just how deep his understanding of Ororos ability are. So much so it mirrors almost exactly how Claremont described it back in issue 166.
I've seen the criticism and hate from some but I for one am so grateful for what he has done for the character. Not even a few years ago Storm fans would have been banned or called fanboys for saying she was a goddess or could make plants grow, or she could beat characters like Adversary and yet here we are. I certainly believe this development in his book made it impossible to ignore the power she possessed which led the way to the eventual announcement she is an omega. All of this, what we are enjoying now as Storm fans, what we have been craving for so long is not only because of Coates and his clear understanding of the character. But also because Hudlin cared enough to put these two together. It all has brought her to the deliciousness we have now. So for black history month I thank and appreciate what Coates has done for this character and I hope that continues to positively impact her growth for the many years to come. Who would have thought when she first appeared in his books early in '16/17 in the BP books we would be at this point.
That said, give this man his due as he changed the trajectory for this character and he should be celebrated for it!!!! I dare you to name another writer (not named claremont) who has developed her in the degree he has, especially considering she is just a supporting character in his book.
#hadariyao
#forevercoates