By [ad_1]
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for S.W.O.R.D. #6 by Al Ewing, Valerio Schiti, Marte Gracia & VC’s Ariana Maher, on sale now.
While the X-Men and Marvel’s mutants have been hated and feared by most of the Marvel Universe for decades, it seems like the world, along with the rest of the Solar System, has generally accepted their nation Krakoa’s presence. However, some nations have blatantly rejected Krakoa, including Wakanda. While this might pose a serious issue for the mutants, it’s a problem that could be solved by reuniting Storm and Black Panther to cement a political alliance between their two nations.
Wakanda’s rejection of Krakoa has been prevalent since 2019’s House of X #5, by Jonathan Hickman and Pepe Larraz. Among the few nations who rejected Krakoa’s treaty, Wakanda stuck out, claiming they had no need for Krakoa’s miracle drugs. Additionally, in the recent S.W.O.R.D. #6, the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda rejected Krakoa’s offer of mysterium to different galactic societies, claiming they did not need “mutant metal.”
These claims are almost exactly the same, showing a sense of Wakandan pride and a hint of disdain for the mutant nation. These rejections are glaring, since they’re both marked in red, emphasizing how Wakanda, especially, won’t work with Krakoa. This could be a problem, considering Wakanda’s immense power as a nation. Recent events, however, open up the possibility for cooperation between the two nations. When Storm is declared the Regent of Mars, for example, she refers to herself as Hadari Yao, a Wakandan goddess.
The name itself means “Walker of the Clouds,” a goddess who preserves the balance of all natural things. Storm was dubbed Hadari Yao by the Wakandans in 2017’s Black Panther #17, by Ta Nehisi-Coates and Chris Sprouse. This specific name serves as a reminder of Storm’s connection with Wakanda. Even after her marriage to T’Challa dissolved, Ororo maintained a strong bond with the Wakandans, seen as a goddess and a queen among the nation’s people.
Due to this history as the former Queen of Wakanda, Storm has an advantage that other mutants simply don’t. In using her name of Hadari Yao, Storm demonstrates that she hasn’t forgotten her link with Wakanda. With this reminder, it’s possible that Storm could reunite with T’Challa, resurrecting a relationship that never truly died to bring Wakanda and Krakoa together as natural political allies. Ororo and T’Challa clearly miss each other as well, making this a personal and political opportunity.
It’s true that things have been strained with Storm and Black Panther, especially after Ororo stole Skybreaker, a Wakandan sword, in 2020’s Marauders #13, by Vita Ayala and Matteo Lolli. Even so, T’Challa showed then that he was willing to work with Storm, and he would do anything for her. Now that Storm has such an important position, she has the ability to reach out and reconcile with T’Challa, uniting Krakoa and Wakanda.
Whether their reunion is romantic or merely political, Storm and Black Panther would be the only two people who could connect their two nations. This union would be perfect, as Krakoa would gain a powerful new ally, while Wakanda would regain their former queen and goddess.
Storm’s use of her Wakandan goddess name, juxtaposed with Wakanda’s rejection of Krakoa’s mysterium, could hint at a reunion between Ororo and T’Challa in the near future. The two rulers might not remarry, but there could at least be a conversation surrounding their personal and political relationship.
Even if they don’t get back together, it’s still possible that Storm and Black Panther will form an official treaty between Krakoa and Wakanda, restoring peace between the two nations. This kind of peace is sorely needed between Krakoa and Wakanda, considering the immense power of both nations.
Any union, even a political one, would be deeply impactful for lasting peace. The recent Black Panther run is a great example, as Storm has often appeared, not just to briefly reconcile with T’Challa, but also to help the nation of Wakanda.
Similarly, if Storm and Black Panther were to remarry, it might serve a higher purpose, uniting Krakoa and Wakanda in a way that cements Krakoa’s place in the world. This political alliance would prove helpful, considering the looming danger of “Inferno” in the coming months.
About The Author
[ad_2]
