If you are a cosplay enthusiast, Storm probably holds an exceptional place in your heart (maybe in your cosplay closet too). Marvel’s The X-Men character Storm holds an exceptional place in the hearts of many cosplay enthusiasts. This year during Dragon Con I noticed more African-Americans in attendance and more participation in cosplay. This year during Dragon Con I noticed more African Americans in attendance and participating in cosplay. What I have noticed is that Storm was the most popular. This X-Men character is the perfect embodiment of an intricate balance between a matriarch and a free-spirited individual. She was a goddess before joining the X-Men, but then she became a team player who commanded enormous respect in the plotline from all of her peers. Even as a consort, Storm maintained her unique position as a bold and attractive character that stood up for herself, and that preserved her independence and individuality greatly throughout the series. The storm remained robust and balanced in the lowest of times.
Part of what makes Storm’s characterization vivid is her superpowers. She established her position in a primarily male–dominated arena by smartly using her strong powers to assert authority. Now here was a woman who understood nature and connected with it so tightly that she could manipulate weather conditions and use them to her advantage. This sacred power was not Storm’s only different point, though. She stood out by aesthetics too. She was the first Black female superhero ever, so she revolutionized the industry as a whole by becoming a relatable reference point for black female cosplayers. The storm carried her through decades with self-confidence and we never tired of her. Let’s study her trajectory over the years:
The 70’s Storm: The original Storm was regal and sultry in equal measure. Garbed in an expansive black cape trimmed with yellow, Storm wore a black bikini held by a rustic gold ring that matched her gold bracelets. She donned a pair of thigh-high boots and wore her godly white hair long. The storm made quite an impact when she walked in with a tiara on.
The 80’s Storm: This Storm reasserted her by completely transforming her look and making a statement with her punky mohawk and black choker. She wore black leather pants like they were printed onto her skin, and paired them up with her shirt and her coal black gloves. This Storm was strong, she was tough, and she was full of rebellion and purpose. The only luxury she indulged in was a pair of lightning bolt earrings that became her statement for decades to come.
The 90’s Storm: Cosplayers love this version the most because of its versatility and immense grace. Storm capitalized on her goddess image by sporting a more voluminous hairdo and a different white body suit. She looked godlier than ever in her gold trimmed cape and high shoulder pads. This Storm was reasserting her powers and reclaiming her divine appeal.
The 2000’s Storm: This was when the movies were released, and Halle Berry owned the show with her coal black body suit, fluttering cape and contrasting white hair that she wore in varying lengths and styles in each movie. There was the short edgy hair, the bangs, and then the layered shoulder–length tresses. Her leather bodysuits altered a little in style, and she added additional accessories like metal buckled belts to accentuate her waist. This Storm was more real than ever and greatly versatile.
There are differing opinions on which Storm version is the best. Each has its appeal and context, and we will refrain from nudging you towards one or the other mainly because we cannot quite pick ourselves! One thing is for sure though; Storm has managed to remain relevant throughout time and each time she reappears she brings with her an element of novelty that cosplayers all over the world enjoy immensely.
