In this world, the things that go bump in the night aren’t urban legends or shadowy secrets they’re actually running Memphis. Vampires, demons, and creatures pulled straight from the dark corners of folklore live openly in the city, held in check only by a fragile set of supernatural laws known as the Accords. Those rules are the thin line between order and utter chaos, and one man stands at the center of that balance: Kellan Hart.

Kellan is the last living member of a family famous for monster hunters and demon slayers, but instead of carrying on the tradition, he’s carved his own path. He’s a fixer, a negotiator, and now the newly minted rules keeper responsible for maintaining peace among the supernatural. His job? Make sure the monsters behave and if they don’t, make sure they understand exactly why the rules exist.

Issue #1 wastes no time establishing what’s at stake. As Kellan begins his rounds, checking in on the power players that make up Memphis’ supernatural hierarchy, a chilling crisis begins to take shape. Children are disappearing, and the evidence hints at a vampire bold (or foolish) enough to violate the Accords. Kidnapping innocents is a line no one is allowed to cross, and Kellan knows that if he doesn’t find the culprit fast, the entire city could erupt into violence.

The debut issue promises a grounded, character-driven mystery wrapped in sharp dialogue, Southern gothic atmosphere, and the kind of worldbuilding Carothers’ fans have come to love. It’s a story steeped in tension and moral complexity, positioning Kellan as an unlikely guardian trying to keep a city of monsters from tearing itself and the human world apart.

For readers craving a supernatural thriller with heart, humor, and a distinctly Memphis flavor, this series is definitely one to read. Keep an eye out for Issue #1 when it arrives on GlobalComix December 10th, and stay tuned because if this opening chapter is any indication, Kellan Hart’s journey is just getting started.

The post Memphis Has a New Monster Keeper: Ernie Carothers Unleashes ‘Hart Of Darkness’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

At times, it feels as if we’re still only a step or two removed from the cotton or tobacco fields. In this story, Mama Tulsa — her name itself a powerful reference — crafts a flag for the mayor’s upcoming Founder’s Day celebration, which takes place soon after her son’s lynching. There’s a saying that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but try a Black mother’s fury.

Mama Tulsa is a weaver, and weaving runs deep in African American history. From baskets to blankets to clothing, weaving has preserved both heritage and hardship across generations. These first historians of our culture were often imagined to possess a quiet mysticism, a thread of power running through their work. It’s an element we’ve seen resurface in other recent art, such as the video game South of Midnight.

Jackson fills every frame with local color, evoking both the everyday realities of the South and the veneer of false respectability that masks injustice. The southern drawl that runs through her dialogue begins a rhythmic weave that Martinbrough’s illustrations pick up beautifully. Mama Tulsa appears as many of our grandmothers or great-grandmothers might have adorned in jewelry, long dress flowing, weaving spindles close at hand. The setting recalls a time when railroad tracks defined where one could live, and the setting sun signaled which side of town was safe to be on.

The brevity of comic storytelling is both a blessing and a curse. In just eight pages, Jackson and Martinbrough craft something powerful, but one can’t help wishing for more room to let the story and Mama Tulsa’s righteous vengeance fully unfold. The ending arrives suddenly, almost too soon, but its abruptness leaves a lingering weight.

Jackson and Martinbrough prove to be a compelling creative duo. Together, their story and art blend into a richly layered tale, anchored by Mama Tulsa’s quiet determination as she prepares her flag for its final unfurling. Here’s hoping they reunite to bring us another story woven with the same depth, texture, and truth.

The post Why “These Are the Colors That Run” Is One of the Most Powerful Stories in Catacomb of Torment Yet appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

For readers who haven’t followed every annual DC crossover and just want to stick with the mainline titles, the ones set in Earth-616, or DC’s core continuity, don’t worry. Those are still there. But the Absolute Universe rewrites the familiar. It asks, Who would Kal-El be if he wasn’t raised by the Kents? Who would Bruce Wayne become if he didn’t come from money? Who would Diana be without Paradise Island? The same reimagining applies to the Green Lantern Corps — a mythology that’s taken decades to build.

Despite the title, Absolute Green Lantern explores the full emotional spectrum of the Lantern Corps. The greens still embody willpower, the yellows fear, the indigos compassion, the violets love, the reds rage, the oranges greed, the whites life, and the blacks death. In this new universe, those colors aren’t just symbols but they’re actually factions vying for dominance in a cosmic struggle for survival, meaning, and control.

Seven issues in, the pacing remains a major challenge. Reading the early chapters feels like the first week of geometry class and there’s a lot on the board, and you’re not quite sure how it all fits together. It’s a problem DC’s limited series often face: sprawling plots that promise a big “a-ha” moment of revelation but rarely deliver a satisfying payoff.

The story, written by Immortal Hulk mastermind Al Ewing, certainly has ambition. It opens with Green Lanterns Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Sojourner “Jo” Mullein all living normal lives in the small Oregon town of Evergreen — lives they might have led if they’d never been chosen. When Abin Sur crashes into town, chaos follows. Guy serves as the local sheriff, John works as an architect trying to keep the community calm, and soon, a mysterious force field traps everyone inside.

As Abin Sur’s purpose unfolds, Hal Jordan is overtaken by a dark force consuming his arm, a corruption that hungers for the light that now resides within Jo Mullein. For longtime fans, Hal and Guy are familiar names, especially with Guy’s resurgence in pop culture thanks to this year’s Superman movie. But Jo may be new to some readers. Introduced in N.K. Jemisin’s Far Sector, Jo patrols a distant outpost of the universe, her ring uniquely designed to recharge over time rather than via a lantern. She’s one of DC’s most compelling modern creations which are confident, grounded, and emotionally complex.

This setup creates an intriguing dynamic: Hal Jordan, once the greatest of the Green Lanterns, is now positioned as the story’s villain, while Jo represents the Corps’ future. The last time Hal’s moral compass faltered was Green Lantern #48 (Vol. 3), when Coast City’s destruction drove him to become Parallax and wipe out the Corps. With Evergreen now in ruins and Hal slipping once again into darkness, the question looms can Jo save him, or will she have to destroy him?

That’s where the hope lies. Maybe Ewing will allow a Black female hero to save the day. Historically, DC hasn’t quite figured out what to do with its Black women superheroes. Naomi (a.k.a. Powerhouse) is missing in action, Vixen is somewhere in the wilderness, and Bumblebee is probably tinkering away in a S.T.A.R. Labs subplot. But perhaps — just perhaps — in this alternate universe, Jo Mullein will finally get the heroic spotlight she deserves.

The first seven issues of Absolute Green Lantern are available now at comic shops, with Issue #8 set to release November 5, 2025. A collected edition compiling the first six issues drops in December. And if you want to see where Jo’s story began, Far Sector is a must-read and is available wherever you get your comics.

The post ‘Absolute Green Lantern’ Shines a Dim but Hopeful Light in DC’s New Absolute Universe appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Let’s start with the accent. One of the biggest reasons fans fell for Gambit? Or namely me? That voice. In the 1990 animated series, actor Chris Potter gave Remy his signature Cajun inflection. A smooth, seductive accent that made every “cher” and “mon ami” sound like a love spell. That deep, velvety Cajun drawl was everything.

I’m gonna keep it real here. Gambit’s voice was the kind that could melt adamantium. Potter’s delivery turned what could have been a cartoonish accent into a full-blown seduction.

He was the sound of a man who might break your heart but make you grateful for the experience. Don’t believe me, check out Gambit’s first appearance in X-Men: The Animated Series and tell me this doesn’t make you swoon. In the video below is a compilation of scenes featuring Gambit, but the sweet spot is after the first 10 seconds when Gambit speaks to the clerk who is obviously very attracted to him, and of course Gambit knows this. He continues to flirt with her in the middle of a crisis.

“I like solitaire okay, less I got someone…to play wit”

Fast forward to X-Men ’97, and Gambit’s return sparked a new wave of appreciation and thirst. Social media was quick to notice that Gambit came back…hotter than ever.

His new look complete with a cropped top showing off his sculpted abs became an instant fan favorite and a trending topic. And let’s be real: the midriff isn’t just about thirst (though, yes, that too). It’s a subversive, gender-flipped nod to decades of female characters in revealing outfits. Gambit wearing it with total confidence feels both playful and empowering. He’s comfortable being desired and that makes him even more desirable.

The animated revival has not only reintroduced classic characters but also given Gambit a modern update that celebrates his bold, flirtatious spirit.

His abs has become a conversation piece all its own. It was equal parts fan service and character expression. For years, female comic book characters have borne the brunt of hyper-sexualized costume design. Gambit’s exposed torso feels like a clever reversal and a playful subversion of the male gaze that makes him both beautiful and self-aware. It’s an aesthetic that fits him perfectly: confident, cheeky, and just a little dangerous.

But Gambit’s sex appeal isn’t just about his looks, but it’s also rooted in his emotional depth. His love story with Rogue remains one of Marvel’s most enduring and complicated romances. She’s the Southern belle who can’t touch, and he’s the thief who can’t stop reaching for her anyway. And there’s something inherently sexy about that.

Their relationship is electric both literally and figuratively. Every near-kiss is charged with tension, every glance weighted with longing. Rogue’s inability to physically connect only amplifies Gambit’s magnetism; he becomes the ultimate unattainable lover, both patient and passionate, willing to risk everything for a touch that might never come.

That combination of danger, loyalty, and heartbreak makes him irresistible. He’s the guy who plays the field but would drop everything for the one. It’s romance novel energy wrapped in a leather trench coat.

Gambit’s first full story appearance was in Uncanny X-Men #266 in 1990, created by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee. From the moment he stepped onto the page, his energy was different. He wasn’t the clean-cut superhero, he was the charming thief with a mysterious past, a member of the New Orleans Thieves Guild, and a man who walked the line between hero and outlaw.

His mutant ability to kinetically charge objects while playing cards was flashy, unique, and perfectly symbolic. A gambler by nature and by name, Gambit’s powers reflected his personality: unpredictable, explosive, and impossible to ignore.

Throughout the comics, Gambit evolved from a flirtatious rogue into a layered, emotionally complex character. Storylines like The Gambit Guild and The Trial of Gambit revealed his moral ambiguity and guilt, while his solo series deepened his charm and self-awareness. He wasn’t a traditional hero and that’s exactly why fans couldn’t get enough.

Let’s be honest, Gambit is the kind of man who knows exactly how good he looks and doesn’t need to prove it. That quiet self-assuredness, that refusal to conform to typical masculine archetypes, makes him sexy in a way that feels inclusive and progressive. He’s fluid in his charm, magnetic to everyone he meets, and always leaves an impression.

And let’s not forget that Gambit’s a bachelor in the truest sense. Even when he’s in love, he moves with the independence of a man who’s learned to rely only on himself. There’s an intoxicating freedom in that energy, a wanderer’s soul that refuses to be tamed.

Whether he’s tossing charged cards, whispering sweet nothings in a Cajun drawl, or showing off that midriff in X-Men ’97, Gambit continues to captivate fans because he represents something rare in superhero storytelling: the dangerous allure of imperfection.

He’s the mutant we can’t resist and honestly, why would we want to?

The post Why Is Gambit So Sexy? Let’s Take a Deep Dive into Marvel’s Most Charming Mutant appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

So if you ever felt frustrated in your own love life, take comfort in the fact that even superheroes and villains can’t keep it together. To prove a point, here are six of the most toxic comic book couples that will make you feel better about your own relationship choices:

Harley Quinn and The Joker

Here’s a textbook example of a toxic, abusive relationship, and our list simply wouldn’t be complete without Harley and the Joker. Their twisted romance has been a fixture of DC Comics for decades, and it’s marked by cruelty, violence, and a constant cycle of abuse.

Harley’s loyalty towards the Joker is met by his sadism time and again, and their bond has served as a prime example of how codependency can look and feel like love. In the case of Harley and the Joker, the comics and later adaptations like Batman: The Animated Series, made their dynamic rather infamous, serving as a reminder to the readers that obsession isn’t a substitute for affection.

Cyclops and Jean Grey

While he’s undeniably a really strong tactician, Cyclops exhibits a lot of narcissistic behavior, especially in how he treats his partners, which makes his relationships quite messy. On the surface, he and Jean were one of Marvel’s golden couples. However, beneath the surface lies a messier story.

While Jean wrestles with her darker impulses as the Phoenix, Scott slides into a psychic affair with Emma Frost. After Jean’s apparent death, he marries her clone, Madelyne Pryor, who was, admittedly, manipulated into a relationship with Scott. Madelyne and Scott even have a child, but Scott abandons them the moment Jean returns.

With infidelity, manipulation, and psychological turmoil at play, the relationship between Cyclops and Jean Grey stands as a cautionary tale of how complicated and destructive superpowered entanglements can truly be.

Batman and Talia al Ghul

Love is hardly straightforward when you’re a vigilante bringing criminals to justice as the Caped Crusader or hunting your targets as the daughter of the Head of the Demon. For Batman and Talia al Ghul, love is anything but simple. Beyond being impossible due to the animosity between Batman and Ra’s al Ghul, their romance is further entangled in geopolitical intrigue and personal betrayal.

One of the most infamous moments in Batman and Talia’s history was the introduction of Damian Wayne, their son, whose conception has been portrayed in various unsettling ways over the years (especially Morrison’s version). This turned Batman and Talia’s relationship into weaponized affection that served larger agendas.

Ant-Man (Hank Pym) and The Wasp (Janet van Dyne)

Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne were once one of Marvel’s power couples, but their relationship spiraled into one of the darkest storylines in Avengers history. Namely, in Avengers #213, Hank Pym, then known as Yellowjacket, backhanded Janet.

Hank’s volatile temper and unstable mental state led to domestic abuse, forever altering the way fans viewed him. Writer Jim Shooter even wrote an article defending Hank Pym, claiming that the slap was intended to be accidental, but the artwork came out much stronger than he wanted. Sadly, the memory of Hank’s violent act continues to linger over the character even to this day.

Gambit and Rogue (with Mystique Interference)

All of Rogue’s love relationships (apart from the one with Magneto) have always been complicated by her powers, which prevent her from physically touching anyone. This also applied to her relationship with Gambit, which was always defined by longing and frustration.

However, things went from complicated to toxic when Mystique, Rogue’s adoptive mother and constant manipulator, impersonated Rogue to seduce Gambit. This caused a massive emotional fallout, with Gambit having to deal with the remnants of his past, while Rogue struggled to reconcile her love for him with the emotional trauma of his actions.

Hawkeye and Mockingbird

Clint Barton and Bobbi Morse’s marriage was never simple (being an Avenger makes married life a bit difficult), but their shared storyline in Avengers West Coast cemented their places among Marvel’s most toxic couples.

Namely, Bobbi was manipulated into a relationship with a villain, whom she let fall into his death after she had broken free from his control. Her choice didn’t really sit well with Clint, who couldn’t forgive Bobbi’s decision, while she resented his judgment.

Later arcs involved both of them being brainwashed and plunged into situations that exacerbated the cracks in their relationship, which deepened the emotional distance between the two. So, despite their history as Avengers, their relationship was marred by mistrust and, later, estrangement.

Final Thoughts

For every Superman and Lois Lane, there’s a Harley and Joker. Comics thrive on drama, and nothing is more dramatic than love gone wrong. These toxic couples highlight the darker side of romance, where power, betrayal, and manipulation often overshadow real affection. They may be superheroes (or villains), but when it comes to love, they remind us that not even capes and powers can save a doomed relationship.

The post 6 of the Most Toxic Comic Book Couples That Will Make You Feel Better About Your Own Relationship Choices appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

BGN sat down with Uraeus — also known as the founder of Black Heroes Matter — and Jones of Stranger Comics for an in-depth conversation about the rise of their newest hero, Jaycen Wise.

During our discussion, Uraeus explained the origin of Jaycen’s name, which began after a trip to Egypt.

“When I came back to the States, I had at the time two sons, and I would share stories of this hero with them at bedtime,” he said. “I gave the hero the name Jaycen Wise, with ‘Wise’ as an acronym for the qualities I wanted to instill in them — wisdom, intelligence, strength, and endurance. Jaycen is the name he uses in modern times, but we don’t know what his real name is.”

What began as bedtime stories for his children evolved into notes, and eventually, fully realized comic concepts.

“Those ideas took root in the imaginations of the artists,” Uraeus recalled. “They started creating work, and that rolled into me developing comic books and sharing them at independent Black comic book festivals.”

Those early grassroots efforts eventually caught the attention of Sebastian Jones.

“When I heard about it, I thought, this project deserves to win,” Jones shared. “It’s such an incredible, simple, yet elegant story within a giant framework. I don’t have a lot of bandwidth outside my own work, but when I had the chance to do Jaycen Wise, I knew I was in.”

At its core, Jaycen Wise is an anti–tomb raider, a hero who infiltrates museums and private collections to repatriate stolen artifacts and return them to their rightful cultures.

Uraeus addressed some of the criticism the story has drawn:

“A lot of trolls say things like, ‘If it wasn’t for Europeans, these artifacts would’ve been destroyed,’” he said. “But the truth is, these pieces of culture do not belong to those who hold them now. They need to be returned.”

Jones added,

“It’s the difference between sharing knowledge and desiring ownership. When you try to own culture, you’re trying to own spirit — even souls. There’s an opportunity to preserve without taking, and that’s something many culture vultures miss.”

A key element of the series involves the Tablets of Kush — a symbolic artifact representing the accumulated knowledge and culture of African and Black people across the world.

“The tablets were destroyed by Jaycen’s own hand in his youth,” Uraeus explained. “Now he’s on an eternal quest to piece them back together. It’s symbolic of Black people globally trying to reclaim the pieces of their shattered history. African history, Black history — it’s absolutely amazing.”

As of this writing, the Jaycen Wise Kickstarter campaign is over 724% funded, with backing open until October 14, 2025.

Uraeus also shared details of a late-campaign giveaway:

“Anyone who pledges $100 or more is entered into a raffle to win a PlayStation 5. For every $100 you donate, you get a virtual key. At the end, one key will be randomly chosen to win.”

Fans can also meet the team at New York Comic Con, where Stranger Comics will host exclusives, including collectible coins containing clues to the Jaycen Wise Society and secret glyphs hidden in variant covers.

Ultimately, Jaycen Wise is a call to rediscover the past and inspire the future.

“I want readers to experience the same sense of wonder I gave my boys back then,” said Uraeus. “To captivate their inner child, have fun, learn some history, and make change in the world.”

We’re already in. Are you?

The post Jaycen Wise: The Immortal Hero Reclaiming Lost History appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Set in the high-stakes world of an emergency department, Crash Cart throws readers into the intensity of a “Code STEMI” — a full cardiac arrest after a severe heart attack. Under harsh fluorescent lights, we witness the controlled chaos as an emergency nurse fights to save a life. Every second counts, and every panel captures the weight of it.

Dr. Toussaint draws directly from her real-life experience in emergency nursing, making Crash Cart not just medically accurate but emotionally raw. Readers feel the adrenaline — chest compressions, electric shocks, and the haunting silence that follows. “I’ve lived these moments,” says Toussaint. “The urgency, the teamwork, the grief — I want readers to feel that pulse and understand the humanity behind the scrubs.”

But Crash Cart is more than a medical drama, it’s a love letter to the nurses who hold the line between life and loss. It also extends Toussaint’s mission to use comics as tools for health education, cultural storytelling, and science communication. Her work with Hellcat Comics dives into the intersections of race, culture, and care grounding even speculative storytelling in truth.

For readers who love when art and purpose collide, Crash Cart is a must-read. It’s a story that beats with heart, urgency, and authenticity.

Crash Cart launched October 1, 2025, and is now available on WebToons and GlobalComix.

The post ‘Crash Cart’ Brings the Heartbeat of the ER to Comics appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

When it comes to a list of Black female superheroes, Storm is at the top. Ororo Munroe began her comic career as one the first major Black female heroes and one of the first Black comic book characters. She is one of the most powerful mutants in the X-Men comics and, at one point, served as leader of the X-Men when Cyclops resigned. Storm is one of the X-Men’s most essential members; she always looks the part. From 1975 to now, Storm continues to wow and amaze with her Omega-level powers and stunning outfits. Here are a few of our favorites. Which Storm costume is your favorite? Here’s a list of Storm’s top 10 costumes from the 70s till today.

1975: Pryde of the X-Men Storm

The OG outfit! After being recruited by Professor X, Storm entered the public eye in Giant-Size X-Men 1975 #1 by writer Len Wein and penciller Dave Cockrum. The suit is a bikini-style two-piece connected at the waist by a gold ring. Paired with black thigh-high boots and a black tiara (hiding lock picks), Storm had to know she was rocking a look. She accessorizes with a gold-trimmed black cape and gold cuff bracelets. She tops it all off with a ruby broach from her mother as a clasp for her cape. This look influences many of her later looks.

(Spoiler Alert) In the episode “Lifedeath – Part 2” of X-Men ‘97 (2024), we see a powerless and struggling Storm overcome her fears and anxieties to find a cure for Forge. In doing so, Storm regains her mutant powers. In a stunning transformation, Storm creates an explosive thunderstorm while flying through the air, unveiling a new costume based on her iconic original.  

1983: Punk Rock Storm

In Uncanny X-Men #173 by writer Chris Claremont and penciller Paul Smith, we see Storm with a brand new look that is an overwhelming fan favorite. After a Brood alien caused Storm’s powers to malfunction, she adopted a punk-inspired look influenced by her friend Yukio. From classic to punk, Storm pulled off a badass mohawk with a tight, black leather bodysuit and fitted black, sleeveless leather jacket. She accessorizes with yellow lightning bolt earrings, black boots, gloves, and a black choker. Storm rocked this look throughout her time leading the X-Men and during the era in which she lost her powers.

Fans would have recently seen a version of this punk-era look in “Fire Made Flesh,”  X-Men 97 Season 1, Episode 3.

1985: Asgardian Goddess Storm

All hail the Asgardian Goddess! When Storm lost her powers, she was briefly captured by Loki who made her the Asgardian Goddess of Thunder in the New Mutants Special Edition (1985) #1 by writer Chris Claremont and penciller Arthur Adams. Ororo’s outfit included Asgardian armor with a large cape, furry boots, and chainmail plating. Her hairpiece is adorned with white wings similar to those on Thor’s helmet. As a powerful accessory, she had a weather-controlling hammer called Stormcaster. Other accessories included a lot of gold jewelry around the neck. Though Loki’s control was brief, this outfit made a statement, and she has worn variations of it on a few occasions.

1991: X-Men The Animated Series Storm

White/silver, yellow, and black: This is the Storm I grew up with from the 90’s X-Men The Animated Series. This outfit is engraved in my X-Men-loving heart. Storm began wearing her iconic white costume when the X-Men divided into blue and gold sub-teams in X-Men (1991) #1 by writer Chris Claremont and writer and penciller Jim Lee. The outfit was a white, long-sleeve bodysuit with yellow trim. Giant shoulder pads and a white (at times black) cape were attached to the outfit by a pair of black and red X badges. Accessories included a yellow belt, yellow lightning bolt earrings (she loves those earrings), and gold cuff bracelets. Look at that hair: thick and luscious. Truly iconic on every level. Mistress of the Elements, Storm has immense power at her fingertips, so when her eyes went white, you knew something was about to go down.

1996: Crop Top Storm

Post Morlock adventures, Storm went for a new look. She did a big hair chop, shortening it to chin length, with a longer strand of hair in front on each side. She wore a black, tight crop top with shoulder holes with sleeves that turned into two long ribbons that could be connected to her bracelets. The top was paired with low-rise leggings and boots. The stylish combo was presented as black and gold, but it soon switched to purple and silver. This outfit is found in X-Men Vol.2 #62 by writers Scott Lobdell, Ben Raab, and penciler Carlos Pacheco. 

1999/2007 Queen of Wakanda Storm

Ode to a classic! Found in Uncanny X-Men (1st series) #372 and part of the Reconstruction arc of Fantastic Four #548, Storm opted for a more classical look. She wore an off-the-shoulder, black bodysuit with a low neckline connected to a ruby ornament. Her ribbon-like cape was trimmed with gold and attached to gold wrist bangles. Around her waist was a gold sash connected with tiny lightning bolts at her hips. In addition, she wore a sash with little lightning bolts. The outfit appears in both purple and black/gold. 

2015: Sporty Storm

Sporty Storm! From writer Jeff Lemire and penciller Humberto Ramos comes a stylish, sporty outfit from Extraordinary X-Men #1, with a thicker mohawk than her punk-rock days. Storm gives athletic warrior vibes with the white leggings and black and white long-sleeve crop top. The look is accentuated with gold utility belts.

2021: Hellfire Gala Storm

This Hellfire Gala look is stunning! The X-Men are dressing up in high fashion for the Hellfire Gala. This is the Mutant version of the Met Gala. Designed by Russell Dauterman (Giant-Size X-Men, The Mighty Thor, War of the Realms), Storm debuted a dramatic new look. This leader rocked a long-sleeved black one-piece paired with thigh-high boots. Gold shoulder pads were accompanied by several gold necklaces with a black and red X brooch. Gold bracelets and gold trim adorn the costume. Accented by a lightning bolt headpiece and lightning bolt earrings, Storm’s hair is long and cloud-like. The white hair dramatically ombres to black like a storm is brewing behind her. You can find this outfit in S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #8.

2022: Dora Milaje Storm

Wakanda Storm! Storm got a Wakandan upgrade in this costume, and it is fabulous. Dark Ages, which introduces a dystopian future with no technology, finds Storm settled down in Wakanda with Black Panther. She is gorgeous in a new gold and silver costume with callbacks to her original outfit. With bold patterns, gold drop hoops, and Wakandan neck rings, similar to the Dora Milaje in the MCU, Storm is a true Queen in this style. Her hair is short, and she has a small ponytail that whips in the wind behind her. This outfit is seen in Dark Ages (2021) #4 by writer Tom Taylor and penciller Iban Coello.

2022: Brotherhood of Arakko Storm

Brotherhood of Arakko outfit! In X-Men Red (2022) #1 by writer Al Ewing and penciller Stefano Caselli. The outfit features a long-sleeve, black leather crop top with gold lightning bolts. The top is covered with a black leather crop jacket with gold-spike shoulder pads. She pairs the tops with black leather pants with peekaboo hip cutouts and a gold chain attachment on the front. Accessories include spiked knuckle fingerless gloves and a knife holster. It looks like a cross between her punk rock costume and Hellfire Gala costume. The cherry on top of a runway-worthy outfit is the hair! Storm’s thick, white hair is in a long, mohawk style that flows with the current of her power. She loves those lightning bolt earrings. I may just have to buy a pair of my own.

The post X-Men Storm’s Top 10 Costumes 1975-Present appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The tumultuous yet captivating relationship between the Bat and the Cat (and their respective alter-egos, Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle) serves as a rather complex example of how contrasting personalities and love choices can still coalesce into a relationship — an unconventional one, but hey, love comes in all shapes, sizes, and Kevlar-lined jumpsuits. There are plenty of things we can learn about love from the Bat and the Cat. Here are five lessons of the heart that can be applied outside the realm of comics.

They Respect Each Other’s Differences

One of the most striking aspects of Batman and Selina’s relationship is their acceptance of each other’s contrasting lives — which was very nicely depicted in Matt Reeves’s Batman, at least to a degree. It’s a tale as old as Detective Comics; Batman is the good guy who embodies the rule of law and rigid order, while Catwoman represents unbridled freedom and moral complexity.

However, that didn’t stop them from entering into a relationship that actually thrived on mutual respect for their differences across different media, and not just in comics alone. The relationship they developed highlights the importance of acknowledging and respecting the qualities each partner brings to the relationship without trying to change them.

Complementing Each Other’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Though they’re both creatures of the night and, at heart, analogous to nocturnal predators, the Bat and the Cat often operate from different moral and legal standpoints. However, their relationship also shows how partners complement each other, not just by bringing their unique strengths to the table but also by making up for individual weaknesses as well.

Admittedly, what Selina brings out in Bruce might not be deemed his best, considering his role as the Caped Crusader, but it’s the part of him that he often shuts off in his quest for justice. Additionally, Catwoman’s cat burglar (pun free of charge) expertise, street smarts, and underworld connections she amassed during her career have often proved invaluable to Batman’s crusade against crime.

Likewise, Batman’s moral compass and detective skills often keep Selina from becoming a complete villain or at least help guide her down a less nefarious path, as he often instills in her a sense of responsibility and need to stop herself from becoming like Gotham’s more sinister forces. This leveraging of each other’s strengths and weaknesses turns the Bat and the Cat into a formidable couple, and many could take a page from their book.

Keeping Excitement High and Boredom Low

This is a very important lesson, considering that Bruce and Selina have been in an on-and-off relationship for more than 70 years now. In fact, Catwoman is one of the oldest characters in the Batman universe. Her initial purpose was to add a layer of sex appeal to Batman by being as flirtatious and sensual as pre-Comics Code Authority comics would allow. Apparently, her sex appeal might’ve appealed a bit too much to the pointy-eared vigilante since it drew Batman’s attention in more ways than one.

Regardless, the dynamic duo’s life is all but mundane, with nighttime activities ranging from high-stake heists to rooftop chases across Gotham, adding more excitement and adventure to the relationship. This aspect teaches us about the importance of keeping a relationship alive by constantly injecting new experiences and challenges, thus preventing monotony. However, we would strongly advise against “spicing things up” by making a habit of antagonizing people with the nom de guerre of Two-Face or The Penguin.

Stronger Together

There have been but a few times when Batman wasn’t portrayed as a quintessential loner. In fact, DC Comics fans initially reacted negatively towards the idea of Batman having a romantic interest or even a boy wonder for that matter. That changed over time. Batman’s relationship with Catwoman demonstrates just how much easier it is to overcome obstacles with a partner.

Bruce’s relationship with Selina, parallel to Batman’s partnership with Catwoman, reveals that even the most self-sufficient individuals can benefit from the support and companionship of a partner, even if that partner is someone you’d gladly turn over to Commissioner Gordon — at least occasionally.

Challenges Promote Growth

Due to their differences, Bruce and Selina often challenge each other to grow. The feline femme-fatale challenges Batman’s rigid moral framework, while the Gotham Knight offers Catwoman a more grounded perspective on justice or at least a reason to align herself closer to good than not. These interactions often lead to personal growth and reflection, showcasing how relationships often lead to both growth and mutual development that strengthens both parties in equal measure.

Final Thoughts

The relationship between Bruce and Selina and Batman and Catwoman, as complex as it is, provides a multitude of great lessons about love while teaching us that respect, understanding, and growth are all the necessary underlying components of a strong relationship.

Just like in a real relationship, their experience together has had its ups and downs, but by accepting who they are and respecting their strengths and differences, Bruce and Selina managed to maintain their relationship across several different continuities in comics and across oceans of media, including animated releases and movies.

They’re still married on Earth-2, and they’re still pretty much involved with each other in Tom King’s Batman runs. Their relationship stands as a testament that, while the road to love is never easy, it sure helps to have a Batarang or two… and maybe a whip in the toolkit.

The post When the Cat Loved the Bat: 5 Love Lessons that Selina and Bruce Can Teach Us All appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Yet, even superheroes fear powerful women, which is why Storm ends up back on Tinder more times than she deserves. The stormy seas of her romantic encounters often mirror her weather-wielding powers, fluctuating between calm, sunny days and cataclysmic weather, with plenty of thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes in-between. Out of all of Storm’s relationships in the comics, the following ones gave everything but fair weather vibes. Let’s check out her dating life.

Quicksilver

Quicksilver and Storm have been teammates and one-time members of the Brotherhood ever since they were conceptualized as comic book characters, and their interactions in the main continuity have mostly been platonic. However, in an alternate storyline, the Age of Apocalypse, Quicksilver and Storm had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair, one whose fleeting nature could even give Quicksilver himself a run for his money.

In this continuity, Apocalypse pretty much destroyed the X-Men and took over the world. As a result of the messy world they were plunged into, Quicksilver is a much more somber and grounded version of his more mercurial self, and Storm is a bit more vulnerable due to the massive losses she suffered. Unfortunately, their romance was destined for ruin; while the mutual respect and understanding between both powerhouse mutants grew into something more, the romance could not quite find its footing. In a scenario that Romeo and Juliet could appreciate, the duo did perish in battle together while trying to restore world peace.

Victor Von Doom

Who would’ve thought that Storm and Victor Von Doom, two characters with opposing moral compasses, would find themselves in a romantic…entanglement? Yet, this is exactly what happened in Black Panther Vol. 4 #21-25. Doom, a character well-known for his over-the-top plans for power acquisition, manipulated Storm’s affections as part of his political schemes by presenting himself as an ally to the mutant cause.

Though this drew Storm into Doom’s ambitious plans and manipulations, his plans were eventually revealed. This led to a bitter and heart-breaking conflict, and their romance ended as violently as a cyclone’s destruction leaving a trail of emotional wreckage in its wake.

Dracula

Believe it or not, but the Queen of Wakanda nearly became the Queen of Wallachia when she caught the eye of the king of vampires, Dracula himself. In an attempt to make her his undead bride in Uncanny X-Men #159, Dracula bites Storm, forcing the X-Men to battle the lord of vampires in order to save their friend. In fact, this happened several times until Dracula was vanquished by his archnemesis Lilith, who possessed the body of teenage member Kitty Pryde, aka Shadowcat.

Wolverine

Storm × Wolverine is one of the most shocking romantic pairings ever seen in the X-Men comics. The first hints of their romantic relationship took root in Uncanny X-Men #172-173, and though the romantic undertones spanned several issues, the full extent of their relationship wasn’t explored until Wolverine and the X-Men #24. Even further, their romance wasn’t isolated to several comic book issues either; it was also briefly alluded to in the X-Men movies as well.

Narratively, this happened after T’Challa personally annulled his marriage to Storm, after which Wolverine helped Storm cope with her newly divorced status. This revealed that the two had an on-again/off-again relationship behind the scenes whenever they were both single. However, their relationship ended for good later in the comics, and both Storm and Wolverine decided to remain friends and teammates.

Black Panther

We already covered this relationship in our previous article about Storm’s marriage to T’Challa, but this relationship is perhaps the best-known to comic book connoisseurs. T’Challa and Storm were childhood friends; the two met when Storm saved young T’Challa from kidnappers.

They reunited later as members of different teams, with T’Challa joining the Avengers and Storm joining the X-Men. The two married during the Civil War Cease-Fire Event, with most of the respective superhero community and even some notable villains showing up to help commemorate their nuptials. Unfortunately, following the events of War for Wakanda, the X-Men sided with Namor and the Avengers sided with T’Challa, who blamed his wife for siding with the X-Men. As a result, he annulled their marriage, and the couple divorced.

Honorary Mention: Forge

Forge is probably best known as Storm’s love interest for the better part of the ’80s and ’90 X-Men comics run. He’s a veteran to the X-Men team with a mutant ability to intuitively understand, create, and master complex machinery. Their romance had a really rough start since Forge accidentally hit her with a ray that briefly neutralized her mutant powers, and her wrath was very warranted.

They eventually found love for each other after they were trapped in an alternate dimension for over a year. Upon their return back to Earth-616, Forge proposed to Storm but retracted the offer when she wouldn’t leave the X-Men for him. He moved on and briefly dated Mystique after that, but she only used him to gain access to sensitive information.

Summary

Storm’s love life, in all of its turbulent glory, matches the tempestuous nature of the weather-events she wields. Still, she navigates the storms that are her love life, embodying the grace and strength we came to love in her. So, we can say with a degree of certainty that Ororo Munroe won’t shy away from turning her sails directly into the winds of romantic change and growth. To put it simply, even the most powerful of weather witches need love too.

The post 5 Times Storm’s Dating Life Looked Like a Bad Weather Forecast appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.