I spent Wednesday outside in nature, but I see there has been a lot of discussion based on the latest Marauders issue. I have not read the several pages in the threads yet, but here are some of my thoughts on the story:
Overall I enjoyed the story. Vita crafted a powerful story, even if you could see Hickman's architecture, the emotions were more nuanced than he can render, so good for them. I think the tension was slightly contrived though, and making Storm the last to join the circle under a ticking clock would have made her look less hasty. I also would have preferred a more delicate touch against the Wakandans. As has often been the case in this DoX era, the brutal violence was gratuitous. Storm already developed a gentle atmospheric ko technique. Especially if time is of the essence, just drop everyone and take it. Why waste time getting in brutish fisticuffs?
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That said, by restraining her power use early on, the confrontation with Shuri was made all the more impactful when Storm finally decided to let her have a taste of lightning, so I understand the narrative function of that choice.
As for the main subject at hand; I think it's very funny that I pointed out from the preview that it was strange Ororo hadn't talked to T'Challa about the sword first before going to Wakanda... and that ends up being the final plot twist of the issue!
But it is true! T'Challa has CONSTANTLY put Ororo after his other priorities. Whether that was ditching her to chase after Klaw when they were kids, risking her life for vibranium against Doom, running off to play Daredevil, annulling their marriage over politics, sleeping with her before the Incursion but not telling her about it, running off to play space explorer and coming back with a girlfriend and a space war for Storm to take down, he ALWAYS leaves her on hold. This woman fought Death itself for him, was willing to exchange her life for his. The fact that Ororo reached out to him for help and he didn't bother to respond for so long must have felt really horrible for her. She must have felt abandoned and dejected.
I think she was just tired of waiting for him. She had an omniverse to save.
I would have tweaked the story a bit here or there, but I liked it. Go ahead Vita!