Key issues of Storm (Tornado): the collector's selection

Storm has an unusual characteristic for a character of this rank: her most interesting issues are not those where she gains powers, but those where she gains them.lose.

This particularity guides the entire selection. A collector looking for the character's defining moments aims for a specific period — 1983 to 1986 — much more accessible than the first appearance.

Storm's key numbers

Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975)

Len Wein and Dave Cockrum— First appearance, in an issue which contains three others (Colossus, Nightcrawler, Thunderbird) and relaunches a stopped series. It is the most expensive piece of the file, carried by a multiplicity of requests independent.

Uncanny X-Men #94 (1975)

The first issue of the regular series with the new team. Major key to the Bronze Age, often forgotten in favor of Giant-Size, and yet decisive: it is here that the formula takes lasting hold.

Uncanny X-Men #139 (1980)

Storm takes the head of the team. This number is little sought after as a key to the character, although it marks her transition from member to leader — one of the rare cases in the catalog where a woman obtains command of a major team at this time.

Uncanny X-Men #170 (1983)

Storm confronts Callisto for control of the Morlocks. A number which shows a side of the character rarely mentioned: his capacity for violence when the situation requires it.

Uncanny X-Men #173 (1983)

Paul Smith drawing— The radical change in appearance: short cut, leather, punk look. This number is one of the most underrated keys to the file.

We need to understand why it matters. A change of look is usually cosmetic; this one accompanies a character transformation assumed over several years, and he permanently redefined the way in which the character is drawn and written. Few visual overhauls have had this scope.

Uncanny X-Men #185 (1984)

Storm loses his powers. The starting point of the character's best sequence.

Uncanny X-Men #186 (1984)

Chris Claremont and Barry Windsor-Smith— “Life-Death”, a story dedicated to a heroine dispossessed of what defined her. A separate issue in the series, both in terms of its design and its subject matter.

It is, in the opinion of this corpus, the best purchase of the file for those looking for a single issue: it is autonomous, remarkable, and has never reached the levels of its neighbors.

Uncanny X-Men #201 (1986)

Storm battles Cyclops for command of the team — and wins without powers. The issue also contains the first appearance of Cyclops' son, earning him a significant secondary demand.

Configuration to know: this number is sought for a reason that has nothing to do with Storm. The collector who targets it for her therefore pays a premium that he does not control.

Black Panther #18 (2006)

Le marriage with T'Challa. Modern, abundant number, whose value has been carried by the adaptations of the kingdom of Wakanda to the screen.

Storm #1 (2014)

Greg Pak— The first serial title continues in its name. A late editorial milestone for a character created in 1975, and one that deserves to be noted as such.

The rule that applies here

This file illustrates a principle that this corpus regularly formulates, and which is particularly clear in this character.

The market values beginnings— first appearance, first issue of a series — because they are easily identified. He poorly values seesaws: the number where a character changes role, appearance or status.

At Storm, almost all the interest is in the flip-flops. Taking command (1980), visual overhaul (1983), loss of powers (1984), duel won without powers (1986): four moments that make the character, and none of which is paid off at the level it deserves.

This is exactly the terrain where reading knowledge beats budget.

The first shared appearance: a rare case

One aspect of this file deserves development, because it is not encountered often and it changes the entire purchasing reasoning.

Storm begins in an issue that contains first four major appearances. Most characters share none: their beginning is theirs, and the price we pay corresponds to what we seek.

Here, the value of the number aggregates four distinct requests. The consequences go in two opposite directions, and they must be distinguished.

For a team collector, it's a bargain: a single purchase covers most of the group. The number is expensive, but it replaces four acquisitions.

For a Storm collector in particular, it's the opposite. We pay for collective notoriety to obtain an individual share, and the content-price ratio is the most unfavorable of the entire selection.

This corpus draws from it a general method, applicable well beyond this character: before buying a first appearance, check how many characters debut in the issue. A number with a single start can be paid for whatever you want; a number with multiple starts pays for what others want.

The practical consequence is clear. On this type of number, the argument “this is its first appearance” is never enough to justify the purchase. It is necessary to compare with the numbers where the character do actually something — and at Storm, they're all more affordable.

Pitfalls to be aware of

Reprints and facsimiles of Giant-Size X-Men #1 are circulating in numbers and faithfully reproducing the cover. Systematically check the legal notices and the printed price.

The double format of the 1975 issue makes the edge vulnerable: the spine folds are the most heavily sanctioned defect.

Crossed requests distort prices in both directions. Uncanny X-Men #201 is expensive for a reason unrelated to Storm; Uncanny X-Men #186 is cheap despite being the best issue of the lot. Always check Why a number is searched before concluding on its interest for you.

As always, condition and gradation determine value; relying on real recent sales is strongly recommended.

Where to start based on your budget

Tight budget— Uncanny X-Men #186 (“Life-Death”) and #185. Two issues, the best story of the character, for very little.

Intermediate budget— Add Uncanny X-Men #173 (the visual overhaul) and #170 (the Morlocks), then #139 for the takeover.

Comfortable budget— Uncanny X-Men #94, then Giant-Size X-Men #1 with the usual precautions on restorations and facsimiles.

To learn more, see ourcollection guideand ourtier list of key issues.