Marvel Comics teased readers with the announcement that one of the X-Men would soon join The Avengers. It has now been confirmed that the mystery X-Man is Ororo Munroe, aka Storm. One of the most powerful and popular of Marvel’s Mutant heroes, she is sure to make her mark on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Avengers writer Jed MacKay, who is also taking over X-Men in July, explained how he came to add Storm to the Avengers roster. “When we were putting together thoughts for X-Men, one problem kept coming up. Storm needed to have a presence in a book befitting her status.” However, with the way the new teams were lined up, there was no group for Ororo to lead. Given her status as one of the X-Men’s greatest leaders, they couldn’t very well not have her leading a team.
“The solution was simple,” explained MacKay. “She needed to be on the global stage, among equals. And what better place for that than the Avengers? We’re excited to bring Storm back to the Avengers and show what adventures she’ll get up to as part of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!”
The cover for Avengers #17, by artist Joshua Cassara, can be viewed below.
(Image Source: Marvel / Joshua Cassara)
Avengers #17 also marks the premiere of the series’ new regular artist, Valerio Schiti. Most recently seen on the series G.O.D.S. Schiti has fast become one of Marvel’s most popular artists. Unsurprisingly, Schiti is excited about the new job and the addition of Storm to the Avengers.
“I have a soft spot for the Mutants, so you can imagine my happiness when I knew that Storm was joining the team,” notes Schiti. “It’s always fun to draw her powers, her body language, and her outfits. There’s just one challenge: you always have to remember that she’s not just a Mutant, she’s a goddess!”
Avengers #17 arrives in comic shops everywhere on August 7, 2024.