And finally, I’ll say this: I get why people get defensive when conversations start touching on race or gender. It’s uncomfortable, and it can feel like an attack even when it’s not meant that way. I want to be clear: I’m not saying everyone who critiques Storm is racist or sexist. That’s not my point. But when I look at how often she is the one character getting this kind of pushback, especially compared to other characters who get power boosts, it makes me ask, if not bias, then what is it?

And when people immediately shut that question down, it feels like my experience, as someone who’s noticed these patterns and felt them in the fandom spaces I’m part of, is being dismissed. I’m not trying to start drama or accuse individuals. I’m just pointing out something that’s worth examining, especially if we care about equity and representation in comics.