Storm by Eric Jerome Dickey

Storm first appeared in Marvel Comic's Giant-Sized X-Men #1 and has gone on to be an iconic member of the first team of mutant superheroes. Ororo Munroe was born of an ancient lineage of African priestesses gifted with magical powers.

The release of the hardcover collection of Storm, Issues 1 - 6 is a prelude to the upcoming wedding between Storm and the Ruler of Wakanda, The Black Panther.

Written by New York Time best selling author, Eric Jerome Dickey the story reveals their first meeting and team-up. Quoted on comicbookresources.com, Mr. Dickey said, "With the Storm mini-series I wanted to make sure to acknowledge and keep within continuity what's already been established by Claremont and Priest and give a stronger foundation to the relationship/romance between T'Challa and Ororo. And also, to give a bit more to her origin for the readers to get a better feel for who she is." He shows respect to the continuity while injecting his own personal style as he follows Storm's journey to womanhood and the first forging of T'challa's leadership and wisdom.

Readers familiar with Mr. Dickey's novels like "Genevieve" and "Drive Me Crazy" know he isn't afraid to tackle the sexual aspects of life. Ororo is young and naïve where the desires of men are concerned, but still feels an irresistible connection to the warrior prince. T'challa doesn't hide that he has experienced other women, but recognizes the latent power in the young thief. He tells Ororo, "It is not how many women a man can love, but how well can a man love one woman." He is a smooth talker. Later, T'challa is speechless when Ororo appears. She tells him, "Give me music, my sweet prince. Give me music." What becomes an epic love story begins.

The art of David Yardin and Lan Medina bring the characters and their environment to vibrant life. Ororo Munroe begins the story as a gawky teenage street thief. Losing her virginity changes her to a lithe, confident woman. Whether you see such a transformation as unreal or wrong, it is done with respect to the character.

Subplots are woven throughout the story. The violence of life in Africa is shown in the actions of Ororo's mentor and the criminal activities of two brothers determined to capture a legendary "Wind Rider". Familial jealousy, racism and greed play their destructive roles in the events that surround the love story between Ororo and T'challa.

This story could be foretelling the difficulties Storm and Black Panther will face after their marriage, or it may show they have already weathered the worst. It is a compelling look at the events that made two of Marvel Comic's characters the heroes they are today.

Storm, story by Eric Jerome Dickey, art by David Yardin and Lan Median, Marvel Comics, 2007.