Marvel Comics built its name on telling superhero stories set in the real world. While most of its comics are set in locations like New York City, they also explore the realities of those settings and how superheroes would affect them. Daredevil, for instance, examined how the legal system operated with regard to costumed vigilantes and supervillains. To that end, Storm #2 explores what special health care system is in place for superheroes in the Marvel Universe.
Written by Murewa Ayodele with art by Lucas Werneck, Storm #2 finds Ororo Munroe in dire straits. The previous issue found her exposed to a high dose of radiation while averting disaster at a power plant. It soon becomes apparent that something is wrong, as she starts coughing up blood and losing hair in clumps.
Thankfully, as a member of the Avengers, Storm gets special access to a secret hospital. The Night and Daye Hospital for the Extramundane caters exclusively to the sorts of health issues superheroes encounter. This includes exposure to alien entities and lethal radiation.
Storm #2 reveals why X-Men don’t get free health care
Unfortunately, Storm runs into issues when her assigned doctor refuses to treat a former member of the X-Men. This is not because of bigotry, as she assumes. Indeed, Doctor Daye is a Mutant with the power to instantly diagnose a persons medical issues by looking at them. Instead, Doctor Daye has issues with the X-Men and their recent activities.
Professionally, the X-Men did nothing to contribute to the Night and Daye Hospital when it was established. This was despite 80% of their patients being Mutants. Moreover, the leadership of Krakoa refused to allow Doctor Daye access to the miracle medications they developed. It didn’t help matters that Daye’s mutation was of little use to a group that had found a way to cheat death with their Resurrection Protocol. This left the Mutant doctor feeling slighted by the heroes who were nominally meant to be looking out for his interests.
Thankfully, Storm is able to make amends for the past misdeeds of her fellow X-Men. However, the incident drives home to her that the sins of the Krakoa era will not be soon forgotten. It also shows how even in the world of Marvel Comics, the bureaucracy inherent to seeking health care is inescapable.
Storm #2 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
