Remember when Storm got the Mohawk?

[tangentman]

Let's look back at 1983, when several important changes happened for the X-Men: they finally beat the Brood and returned from space; the X-Men met the New Mutants; Kitty was briefly demoted to New Mutant status and placed on probation by Prof. X; Rogue joined the X-Men; Cyclops met Madelyne Pryor; Storm won leadership of the Morlocks in trial-by-combat; Scott marries Maddy. However, one of the most shocking changes in X-history occurred in UXM #173, shortly after the X-Men's nearly fatal run-in with Viper & Silver Samurai. Storm showed up at the Yashida estate sporting a mohawk and black leather punk outfit!

Fans were flabbergasted and outraged by the dozens! Hatemail came in expressing fears that "Claremont & Smith had ruined Storm". Likewise, we saw these concerns reflected in the characters themselves. The X-Men were scandalized by Ororo's new look, whereas Kitty was horrified. According to subsequent issues that year, Kitty dreaded what the change in fashion signified for Storm. On a deeper level, Kitty revealed that her disapproval of Ororo's look was actually rooted in her own fears about growing up. If she couldn't count on Storm to be consistent by never changing, how would she change in adulthood? What if her future partner disappointed her or "abandoned" her the way Storm or her parents had?

The talk about the mohawk stirred up thoughts on the temporary strain between Kitty and Ororo. Kitty was disturbed by what she thought the change signified about Ororo's character, though she barely articulated what she saw wrong with the "new Storm". I wonder if the writers were, in a roundabout way, addressing possible homophobia in Kitty? Could she have seen the change in style as an expression of a change (or revelation) of sexual orientation? After all, Kitty invested a great deal in her image of Storm--perfect mother figure, which in the early 80's, would likely be heterosexual for most teens. Marvel writers couldn't state such themes as openly during Shooter's reign as EIC of Marvel Comics.

Am I seeing smoke where there wasn't a fire, or could there be more to Kitty's reaction to Punk Storm?

[The Mirrorball Man]

It's been suggested and who can blame Kitty, really? (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/34898691/)

[Callisto]

i acctually liked the mohawk....well not at first.

[Tilt]

What I think is crazy about Storm and Kitty's relationship was how jealous Storm got when Kitty and Stevie Hunter met and were really getting along. I totally didn't remember that, but reading it now as opposed to when I was much younger I don't think I caught what CC was trying to imply back then. Hit me like a fist this time though. WOW.

[Nstar83]

wait I am not sure if i am following was thier an underling homosexual under tone to kitty an storms relation ship ?

[Mikl C]

wait I am not sure if i am following was thier an underling homosexual under tone to kitty an storms relation ship ?

EW. WRONG.

[DDM]

Storm had a mother-daughter relationship with Kitty. Kitty, in disgust, was mad at Ororo for changing her appearance. I like the story in Uncanny X-Men #180 when Storm carries Kitty off with her winds to speak to her & they resolve the conflict.

I never read into a homosexual relationship with Storm/Kitty.

[tangentman]

wait I am not sure if i am following was thier an underling homosexual under tone to kitty an storms relation ship ?

I think those overtones might be more accurate for Storm's relationships with Jean or Yukio than for Kitty. Back in the day, Ororo held very powerful maternal feelings for Kitty. Her thoughts reflected these feelings, with jealousy toward Stevie when she showed up on the scene. When the X-Men fought Magneto in #150, Storm even told Magneto, "Give me my child".

What I intended to bring up wasn't homoeroticism between Ororo and Kitty, but possible homophobia in Kitty's reaction to Storm's punk look. After all, the Marvel writers of 1983 couldn't just have Kitty catching Ororo kissing Yukio to kick off that sort of storyline. They talked around gay subtexts in that time. J.M. DeMatteis had to tiptoe around the gay subplot with Cloud/Moondragon/Iceman in The Defenders that following year; Byrne wasn't allowed to out Northstar in Alpha Flight. A metaphor for Storm's coming out could've been expressed with the sudden change to the punk style.

[Canemacar]

At the time, I thought Marvel was just trying to update Storm's wardrobe. Wasn't until I went back years later and reread it that I picked up on the subtext. Made me chuckle.

[Affinity]

It's been suggested and who can blame Kitty, really? (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/34898691/)
HEY, don't post mooncalfe in an attempt to make something sound ugly.

That's not right at all.

I love the mohawk and I love mooncalfe's work.

[sherlockbones]

i was amazed how long marvel kept storm depowered. kitty/storm lesbian?!? sigh

bws is the man. storm/forge were some of the best comics published at that time imho

[The Mirrorball Man]

HEY, don't post mooncalfe in an attempt to make something sound ugly.
Alright, that's now what I did. What I did was post a link to Campbell's gallery while saying "it's been suggested and who can blame Kitty, really?"

[Firemane]

i was amazed how long marvel kept storm depowered. kitty/storm lesbian?!? sigh

bws is the man. storm/forge were some of the best comics published at that time imho

I don`t think it was about a Storm?kitty lesbian relationship but perhaps more about Kittys reaction to Storm possibly being a lesbian.

[tangentman]

I don`t think it was about a Storm?kitty lesbian relationship but perhaps more about Kittys reaction to Storm possibly being a lesbian.

Exactly! Storm's abrupt shift in fashion obviously meant something different to her than it did to Ororo. Kitty thought Storm had become monstrous, whereas Storm felt like she was being more true to herself. Kitty felt upset because Storm was no longer "safe" or "soft". Considering that Storm's change came immediately after the fight with Callisto and meeting Yukio, I think it's safe to say that a probable metaphor could have been "coming out loud & proud".

[Omega Alpha]

Yeah, it was definitively a metaphor. But Storm and Kitty's relationship was always a mother/daughter thing.

I wonder if hooking up her with Forge was to make readers don't wonder too much about it, and why she was never with a man after all this years, when Kitty got one kickly, and every man on the team already had a relationship? Also, if he really want to look for metaphors, Forge robbed Storm's powers, she was no longer a mutant, she was "cured". And she was a goddess in Africa, so he was most likely the first man whom she ever had sex with, maybe take away her powers simbolizes Storm losing her virginity.

[xgeek52]

i remember the mohawk...i liked it and it was fittingwiththechanges she was going through then...wh was not the camer gentler storm then...

[Mariah]

Exactly! Storm's abrupt shift in fashion obviously meant something different to her than it did to Ororo. Kitty thought Storm had become monstrous, whereas Storm felt like she was being more true to herself. Kitty felt upset because Storm was no longer "safe" or "soft". Considering that Storm's change came immediately after the fight with Callisto and meeting Yukio, I think it's safe to say that a probable metaphor could have been "coming out loud & proud".
I'm sorry, but I'm just not seeing it. I think after a drastic change like becoming a brood(metaphor for being raped) could also cause the change. Sure, her relationship with Yukio may have added fuel to the fire, but the change was long coming since she returned to Earth from the Brood Saga. I think guys just want her to be a lesbian, because she's a hard, no-nonsense kinda woman, and men are naturally intimidated by that. That, and they're pervs.

[tangentman]

I'm sorry, but I'm just not seeing it. I think after a drastic change like becoming a brood(metaphor for being raped) could also cause the change. Sure, her relationship with Yukio may have added fuel to the fire, but the change was long coming since she returned to Earth from the Brood Saga. I think guys just want her to be a lesbian, because she's a hard, no-nonsense kinda woman, and men are naturally intimidated by that. That, and they're pervs.

However, Storm also felt out of synch with the earth and the X-Men, meaning disconnection from her old way of living. Her powers weren't working properly during her first few days back. Ororo only regained control of her powers after she embraced them--metaphor for embracing one's identity, possibly sexuality--and ALL of her true nature in Japan. Those elements happened too closely together to be dismissed.

BTW, I'm hardly advocating lesbianism for Storm because she became a hard, no-nonsense woman. Those are qualities I like about her, as well as characters like Carol Danvers or Jessica Drew. I don't see either of those women as lesbians. Instead, I'm talking about subtle hints that were dropped in older issues and over the years.

[Omega Alpha]

I'm sorry, but I'm just not seeing it. I think after a drastic change like becoming a brood(metaphor for being raped) could also cause the change. Sure, her relationship with Yukio may have added fuel to the fire, but the change was long coming since she returned to Earth from the Brood Saga. I think guys just want her to be a lesbian, because she's a hard, no-nonsense kinda woman, and men are naturally intimidated by that. That, and they're pervs.

If Storm was the ONLY case, i could agree with you. But almost every woman Claremont has ever written from 1983 to present days had those lesbian or bi hints, and Storm is his favorite, so...

[Babylon23]

I certainly didn't see Kitty's reaction as homophobic. I think it was definitely more a reaction to Storm's sudden change in nature and appearance. Before this, Storm was presented very much as a mother figure - warm, caring, full figured and curvacious, long, flowing hair, big bright eyes. The change represented rebellion, a full rejection of her former image. It wasn't just the hair and wardrobe. Smith drew a slimmer, harder looking Storm, completely changing her facial and body structure from the Cockrum/Byrne depiction.

Now, Kitty at the time was 14. She'd come from a troubled family life into a completely new, and dangerous environment. She adopts Storm as a matriarchal figure, with certain very high expectations of her. Suddenly, this figure she practically worships changes totally, both internally and externally. I think Kitty was reacting to this sudden and very dramatic change, and what it represented for her close bond with Storm.

I also didn't see Storm's transformation as having anything to do with lasbianism. I saw Yukio as showing Storm a very different way of perceiving the world, a much more carefree and rebellious approach to life that Storm hadn't encountered before. Remember, punk didn't automatically equal lesbian in 1983.

[tetragene]

I'm with Mariah and Babylon--I'm not seeing all the metaphors and symbolism of lesbianism here--even though I know that's quite a popular subject where Storm is concerned.

Realistically (and without looking into things so deeply that you're almost grasping for straws)--Storm went from a regal, safe, traditionally beautiful image to a darker, harder-edged image. It was a complete 180 from her old self. Naturally Kitty would be shocked and a little put off--because Storm was a mother-figure for her and this abrupt physical change felt akward for Kitty. Almost as if Storm was a completely new person, foreign to what Kitty had come to know. If my brother all of a sudden showed up with a mohawk and decked out in all leather I would be shocked and apalled--it certainly doesn't mean I possess incestuous homosexual feelings for him (or that I have a phobia about what the "image change" might symbolize), but because I'm so used to his straight-edged, typically all-american look and the new look is a complete change from all I've ever known about him. It's very unexpected.

[fishtaco]

Let's look back at 1983, when several important changes happened for the X-Men: they finally beat the Brood and returned from space; the X-Men met the New Mutants; Kitty was briefly demoted to New Mutant status and placed on probation by Prof. X; Rogue joined the X-Men; Cyclops met Madelyne Pryor; Storm won leadership of the Morlocks in trial-by-combat; Scott marries Maddy. However, one of the most shocking changes in X-history occurred in UXM #173, shortly after the X-Men's nearly fatal run-in with Viper & Silver Samurai. Storm showed up at the Yashida estate sporting a mohawk and black leather punk outfit!

Fans were flabbergasted and outraged by the dozens! Hatemail came in expressing fears that "Claremont & Smith had ruined Storm". Likewise, we saw these concerns reflected in the characters themselves. The X-Men were scandalized by Ororo's new look, whereas Kitty was horrified. According to subsequent issues that year, Kitty dreaded what the change in fashion signified for Storm. On a deeper level, Kitty revealed that her disapproval of Ororo's look was actually rooted in her own fears about growing up. If she couldn't count on Storm to be consistent by never changing, how would she change in adulthood? What if her future partner disappointed her or "abandoned" her the way Storm or her parents had?

The talk about the mohawk stirred up thoughts on the temporary strain between Kitty and Ororo. Kitty was disturbed by what she thought the change signified about Ororo's character, though she barely articulated what she saw wrong with the "new Storm". I wonder if the writers were, in a roundabout way, addressing possible homophobia in Kitty? Could she have seen the change in style as an expression of a change (or revelation) of sexual orientation? After all, Kitty invested a great deal in her image of Storm--perfect mother figure, which in the early 80's, would likely be heterosexual for most teens. Marvel writers couldn't state such themes as openly during Shooter's reign as EIC of Marvel Comics.

Am I seeing smoke where there wasn't a fire, or could there be more to Kitty's reaction to Punk Storm?Those are some very interesting points. Thanks for going further into detail about Storm's new look. I never thought there was so much too it.

[Zombienorthstar]

While i doubt Storm was totally a lesbain (seeing as shes been migrating to boys town fairly frequently sincE) i do think perhaps the disconnection with the Earth made her rethink herself and perhaps temporarily try a different sexual relationship.

I can understand Kittys shock...but not because she was homophobic. Because its like seeing your grounded happy mother go off the rails...youd be concerned.

[Mikl C]

Lol. Kitty was such a little bitch about it.

[Puck]

I think that there is such a fear in showing anything but heterosexual relationships in many mainstream American comics, that people do need to read into storylines to discover characters traits that can relate to them (and in fact the real world). Sure there are some examples in today's comics but in the 80's? No way. And make no mistake there was a definite lesbian undertone to Ororo's and Yukio's friendship.

Similarly, I think there is such a huge need in America (and other Western cultures) to label people with a sexual orientation. You are either gay, lesbian, or bisexual (and even bisexual is a term alot of people disagree with) and you have to fall into those categories or you don't exist.

Storm grew up in Africa. While certainly sexualities exist there, women bathing other women, men spending days out at a time hunting and gathering with other men, these things are normal in their culture. The personal boundaries about our bodies that we have in America, don't exist in all cultures. Even in Asian cultures you have Korean baths where men spend hours with other men bathing and relaxing and often closing business deals. It is a way of life, not a sexual thing.

That said, I think Storm falls into the category of being very comfortable in her own body. Heck, she was naked around the Xavier Estate often enough in her early appearences. So I don't think SHE labels herself as any particular sexuality. I think she's just sexual.

As a young boy from New Jersey who read X-Men during his early adolescent and adolescent years, I can tell you that I was in love with Storm. Yeah, she was a comicbook character, but she was strong and powerful and damn sexy. When the mohawk happened, like Kitty, I felt betrayed. In time I'd grow to accept it, but I hated Marvel for years. In fact, there was a Mojo storyline where she grew her hair back, but by the end of the issue she cuts it again. When Psylocke asks her why, she says something to the effect of, "if I grow my hair back, it will be my decision." While that was the right choice for the character, I hated it.

Anyway, I somehow managed to tie sexuality in American Comics (I should write a thesis) with my intense hatred for Strom's mohawk together. Hope you enjoyed.

[DDM]

I certainly didn't see Kitty's reaction as homophobic. I think it was definitely more a reaction to Storm's sudden change in nature and appearance. Before this, Storm was presented very much as a mother figure - warm, caring, full figured and curvacious, long, flowing hair, big bright eyes. The change represented rebellion, a full rejection of her former image. It wasn't just the hair and wardrobe. Smith drew a slimmer, harder looking Storm, completely changing her facial and body structure from the Cockrum/Byrne depiction.

Now, Kitty at the time was 14. She'd come from a troubled family life into a completely new, and dangerous environment. She adopts Storm as a matriarchal figure, with certain very high expectations of her. Suddenly, this figure she practically worships changes totally, both internally and externally. I think Kitty was reacting to this sudden and very dramatic change, and what it represented for her close bond with Storm.

I also didn't see Storm's transformation as having anything to do with lasbianism. I saw Yukio as showing Storm a very different way of perceiving the world, a much more carefree and rebellious approach to life that Storm hadn't encountered before. Remember, punk didn't automatically equal lesbian in 1983.


I agree with Babylon's good descriptor of Ororo's change from unreachable, untouchable "goddess" to the very sensual, rebellious woman.

The seeds of Ororo's change is sewn in Uncanny X-Men #162-167 when the X-Men are in deep space for an extended period of time. Combine the Brood egg being implanted within Storm--violating her own body, mind & soul's sanctitiy--with Storm's fundamental emotional, spiritual link with the Earth as a result of her powers, Storm's changes on a fundamental level; however, Storm, at first denies this change, when she attempts to bond with the Earth, but the Earth's elements disobey her in Uncanny X-Men #168. Storm's slowly loses control of her powers because she's ignoring her change, but then embraces it over Uncanny X-Men #169-173.

I hope Bowen makes a Storm mohawk mini-bust at some point. I'd buy it.

[Mariah]

As far as Kitty's reaction, I don't see it as homophobia at all. I'll give you a real life scenario, my mom just recently got dentures, and seriously, every time I see her w/o them, it freaks me out. I try not to tell her, because it'll hurt her feelings, but it does, and I'm almost 26 years old. It's a change that you never want to have to see, because I'm used to seeing my mom w/ her teeth, not something she can take out. I love her, but when she takes them out, I just don't wanna be around her.

[melodyrider]

I wouldn't call it something like homophobia with Kitty's reaction. If Ororo had gone a different direction and adopted a look that was equally radical but more feminine, I believe Kitty would have pitched the same fit. Because it was Storm, and because Kitty was being selfish.

[fishtaco]

I agree with Babylon's good descriptor of Ororo's change from unreachable, untouchable "goddess" to the very sensual, rebellious woman.

The seeds of Ororo's change is sewn in Uncanny X-Men #162-167 when the X-Men are in deep space for an extended period of time. Combine the Brood egg being implanted within Storm--violating her own body, mind & soul's sanctitiy--with Storm's fundamental emotional, spiritual link with the Earth as a result of her powers, Storm's changes on a fundamental level; however, Storm, at first denies this change, when she attempts to bond with the Earth, but the Earth's elements disobey her in Uncanny X-Men #168. Storm's slowly loses control of her powers because she's ignoring her change, but then embraces it over Uncanny X-Men #169-173.

I hope Bowen makes a Storm mohawk mini-bust at some point. I'd buy it.I noticed how in Uncanny X-Men #150, she hesitated to kill Magneto, where Storm when we first met her would not even think of killing anybody (even animals) period.

[DDM]

I noticed how in Uncanny X-Men #150, she hesitated to kill Magneto, where Storm when we first met her would not even think of killing anybody (even animals) period.

Yes, she changed dramatically. Part of the reason for Ororo's change is Storm lead the X-Men & had to make decisions that are an ananthama to her originally.

[fishtaco]

Yes, she changed dramatically. Part of the reason for Ororo's change is Storm lead the X-Men & had to make decisions that are an ananthama to her originally.Yup, the classic concept of being torn between one's individuality and responsibilties.

And were most fans back then actually steamed about Storm's haircut? Jeez!

[tangentman]

Yup, the classic concept of being torn between one's individuality and responsibilties.

And were most fans back then actually steamed about Storm's haircut? Jeez!

Yeah, they raised sand about it!

Kitty did, too, but I think it went deeper than outrage over a fashion choice. If Kitty was just upset over Storm getting a bob, she would've just shrieked, "Oh my God, Ororo, you cut your hair", and gotten over it quickly. That wasn't the case--Kitty not only felt shock, but she was extremely uncomfortable around Storm and avoided too much alone time. In fact, she felt repulsed by Storm.

Remember also that Storm changed more than her wardrobe and hairstyle. She put the plants and most of the Afro-centric decor out, replacing them with more contemporary (and sterile) furnishings. Storm's change was a lifestyle change, too.

[Deus ex Chris]

Yeah, they raised sand about it!

Kitty did, too, but I think it went deeper than outrage over a fashion choice. If Kitty was just upset over Storm getting a bob, she would've just shrieked, "Oh my God, Ororo, you cut your hair", and gotten over it quickly. That wasn't the case--Kitty not only felt shock, but she was extremely uncomfortable around Storm and avoided too much alone time. In fact, she felt repulsed by Storm.

Remember also that Storm changed more than her wardrobe and hairstyle. She put the plants and most of the Afro-centric decor out, replacing them with more contemporary (and sterile) furnishings. Storm's change was a lifestyle change, too.
God, she was so awesome.

[tangentman]

God, she was so awesome.

Yeah, I miss Punk Storm too, cutie. Ororo was SO hardcore in 1983!

[CE_Rap]

Yeah, I miss Punk Storm too, cutie. Ororo was SO hardcore in 1983!

That's why Uncanny X-Men #325 is special to me. Not only was it the first comic i bought with my own money, but it cemented how friggin' badass Storm is. When i finally learned that she went through this phase, i realized that Storm is very much the warrior.

Marrow looked a lot older because of her powers, but she was basically a kid....and Storm literally ripped her heart out. That $#%#ing hardcore.

[Omega Alpha]

I liked Ororo (although she was by far my least favorite of that team) until two or 3 issues before that hair cut, when she beated Callisto, and started to behave like a overconfident and arrogant b*tch. She was a character until then, but after that she became just the prototype of Claremont's women.

[LordAllMighty]

Nice image of mohawk Storm from Marvel:Ultimate Alliance on IGN

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2900/marvelultimatealliance20060908022257348py2.th.jpg (http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=marvelultimatealliance200609080222573 48py2.jpg)

[Gene M.]

Nice image of mohawk Storm

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2900/marvelultimatealliance20060908022257348py2.th.jpg (http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=marvelultimatealliance200609080222573 48py2.jpg)

What's that from?

[LordAllMighty]

What's that from?

Marvel:Ultimate Alliance on IGN

[Gene M.]

Marvel:Ultimate Alliance on IGN

Thanks. Mohawk Storm guarantees my $49.99!

[Affinity]

Mine too.

If she's playable and we can use that costume (I was so pissed that it wasn't in XML II) then I'd pay 59.99!

[Gene M.]

Mine too.

If she's playable and we can use that costume (I was so pissed that it wasn't in XML II) then I'd pay 59.99!

I'd kill a man.

[Affinity]

You know, Gene, I bet you would.

[Gene M.]

I love that mohawk.

If I wasn't so committed to growing my afro, I'd shave myself a sweet Storm-style mohawk.

[Deus ex Chris]

Nice image of mohawk Storm from Marvel:Ultimate Alliance on IGN

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2900/marvelultimatealliance20060908022257348py2.th.jpg (http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=marvelultimatealliance200609080222573 48py2.jpg)
Amazing. I'm now officially excited about that game.

[atoningunifex]

I'm six of one, half dozen of the other on this one.

I think Storm's change in appearance and demeanor was the result of a lot of differen things. The dmeands of leadership, the need for her to make harder decisions, basically dying during the Brood saga, and, yes, her relationship with Yukio. The completely new look was the result of a new outlook.

I think Kitty's reaction was understandable given what she'd experienced. Over the time she'd spent with the X-Men she'd basically become used ot the idea of the X-men as her family. Her parents were in Chciago and getting divorced. The only actual time they interacted with Kitty was to send her to the Massachusetts Academy. In the meantime she'd become a member of this team fo superheroes and was building relationships with them that approximated the relationships she'd had to lead behind. Peter was the boyfriend, Xavier the father figure, Storm the mother.

But Xavier tried to demote her, to make her less special. And Storm suddenly changed into this new person, this very unsettling person. Kitty's seeing the house of cards she'd built crumbling and was being forced to confront these people are people instead of ideas. basically, she was growing up.

I think Kitty was disturbed by all of Ororo's changes- not just the sexuality. I think Kitty was upset because she was reaching that point we all reach: eventually you have to realize that your parents and heroes are people, with all the foibles and blunders that go along with.

[Kirayoshi]

Ororo's new look and lifestyle were jarring at first, but after awhile it made sense. Ororo was going through a rather traumatic situation for awhile, IIRC. Her powers had left her with a strong bond to the Earth, which she seemed to lose while she and the team were in outer space for six or seven issues during the Brood Saga. Without that bond, Ororo seemed lost. Shortly after that she was forced to confront Callisto, and discovered she could be quite ruthless.

One thing her new look did was liberate her a little more, which seemed to allow her to control her powers better. In a way, when she was doing the whole 'mother goddess' thing, she allowed her powers to control her. After that, she seemed to be able to fine-tune her abilities better(she could lift the whole team into the air with her, or fire bolts of lightning from her hands, feats she never demonstrated prior to the Japan trip). I came to see Ororo's transformation as a necessary step in her development.

And in Kitty's as it turned out. Kitty sometimes came across as too perfect. Episodes like this that showed her emotional state, being frustrated by a close friend's changes, help to show her flaws, and make her more accessable. More human. One of my favorite Ororo moments was when she lifted Kitty into the air with her so they could have a nice long chat about Ororo's changes and how they affected her. A few issues later she comforted Kitty when Kitty and Peter split.

Say what you will about Claremont(and no doubt you will), but few writers can match him when it comes to long-term character development.