'X-Men '97': Storm's dramatic loss of power raises questions over its permanence
Contains major spoilers and speculations for 'X-men '97' Episode 1 and 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Disney+ has released the first 2 episodes of 'X-Men '97' on Wednesday, March 20 featuring a wide range of new and returning characters.
Marvel's 'X-Men '97' continues seamlessly from the original series, opening in an abandoned warehouse where the Friends of Humanity operate.
Storm (Alison Sealy-Smith) makes a powerful return, showcasing her abilities as an Omega-level mutant alongside Cyclops (Ray Chase), ruining the FOH's plans.
The first two episodes notably emphasize Storm's powers, portraying their significance and strength. However, a shocking twist in the second episode sees Storm stripped of her powers, challenging her identity.
This has raised only one question on all our minds, will Storm get her powers back, or is this disastrous change permanent?
Storm's power loss: A shocking twist in 'X-men '97'
The FOH, led by X-Cutioner and backed by Bolivar Trask's Sentinel blasters, has strengthened its arsenal. These powerful weapons, resembling those of actual Sentinels, pose a significant threat to mutants.
Magneto's (Matthew Waterson) sudden appearance at the X-Mansion, armed with Xavier's will, rattles the X-Men in Episode 1 titled 'To Me, My X-Men'.
Despite initial unease, Magneto pledges to honor Xavier's vision of peace and cooperation between mutants and humans. He also takes responsibility for his past deeds, voluntarily surrendering to authorities for his crimes towards the end of the episode.
As Magneto's trial unfolds at the UN in the following episode, 'Mutant Liberation Begins', tensions escalate. The FOH, intent on sabotaging the proceedings, prepares to disrupt the televised trial. X-Cutioner, armed with a lethal weapon targeting Magneto, stands ready to execute his vendetta.
Amidst the chaos, Storm bravely intervenes, sacrificing herself to shield Magneto from X-Cutioner's lethal shot. The powerful blast renders Storm unconscious, her body crackling with residual electricity.
Though mostly unharmed physically, Storm soon realizes that she has lost her ability to control the weather, leaving her identity and role within the X-Men in a questionable state.
Is Storm's power loss in 'X-Men '97' permanent?
An analysis by Beast (George Buza) reveals that the blast affecting Storm is similar to inhibitor collars. These collars use radiation to temporarily suppress mutant powers, rendering them useless. However, the blast from X-Cutioner's rifle delivers a concentrated dose of radiation, altering cellular genetics and permanently eliminating the mutant gene.
Crushed by the news, Storm realizes her powers are gone forever. Unable to cope, she leaves the X-Men, feeling disconnected and alone. Despite Jean's attempt to console her, Storm feels her only option is to depart, leaving behind a note and her lightning-bolt earrings.
Storm losing her powers isn't new in the comics. Once, she sacrificed her abilities to save Rogue. Feeling lost, she left the X-Men for Africa (similar to what she did towards the end of episode 2 in 'X-Men '97'). But after rescuing a family without powers, she realized her heroism remained.
There, she saved lives without her powers, reaffirming her superhero identity. Ultimately, she rejoined the X-Men after Forge's machine restored her abilities in 'Uncanny X-Men #225'.
In 'X-Men '97', Storm's exit mirrors her comic arc. While it's possible that she may regain her powers as in the comics, the role of Forge remains doubtful in the animated series.
The first 2 episodes of X-men '97' are now streaming on Disney+
