The X-Men all have a variety of incredible powers, making many members of the team some of the strongest figures in the Marvel Universe. These “Omega Level” mutants have powers beyond mere cosmetic mutations as the zenith of strength within their abilities’ categories, with Ororo Munroe, the weather-controlling Storm being one example. An alternate version of Storm would further bolster these gifts with those from the king of vampires.
Mutant X took the X-Men property throughout the multiverse, and one of the variants encountered there was Bloodstorm. This incarnation of Storm was both a mutant and a vampire, with her control of both power sets making her incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately, it also ruined her relationship with the rest of the X-Men, seeing their former leader become an undead pariah.
Mutant X Transformed the X-Men’s Storm Into a Vampire
Mutant X #1 (by Howard Mackie and Tom Raney) saw Alex Summers, a.k.a. Havoc sent to an alternate universe. This world was somewhat similar to the mainstream 616 Universe, but with some key differences. One was that the entire situation surrounding mutants was totally changed. While things initially seemed to be better for Homo Superior in this world, the prejudice toward them was actually worse. This wasn’t the only problem facing Ororo Munroe, however, with the prominent member of the X-Men taking a darker path than ever before.
Based on a previous storyline from The Uncanny X-Men #159 (by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz), Storm succumbs to none other than the vampiric powers of Dracula himself. Becoming a mutant vampire, her darkened mentality meant that she no longer felt like a part of the X-Men. Of course, she would go on to form a similar team that featured the likes of Havok, Iceman, and Madelyne Pryor, the Goblin Queen. Her personality changed somewhat as she embraced her new powers, with her lurking in a coffin during the day making her overcome her former claustrophobia. She would even use her former friend Kitty Pryde as a source of blood, with the young girl becoming the servant of the new “Bloodstorm.” Things had definitely taken a turn for the bloody with Ororo, but her powers had never been greater.
The Alternate Storm Combined Vampire Powers With Weather Control
Bloodstorm maintained her mutant abilities, with these weather-controlling powers already making her an Omega Level mutant. Her new vampiric form also gave her super strength and other physical faculties, not to mention a nigh-invulnerability. The ability to transform into mist or a bat was another new power, as was control over similar creatures of the night. Unfortunately, Bloodstorm now had a bloodlust, making her constantly crave blood and weak to the effects of sunlight. Her former teammate Hank McCoy/Beast would later use his scientific acumen to develop a sort of cure for her vampirism, though this mainly had the effect of temporarily removing her craving for blood and allowing her to come into contact with sunlight.
Bloodstorm also had a hypnotic gaze and could control those who she had bitten, which included the powerful Cajun mutant Gambit. Now that she had so many powers of her own and plenty of mutant allies at her disposal, Bloodstorm was easily Ororo Munroe’s most powerful incarnation. After many of her vampire weaknesses were taken away, this strength only increased, making her more dangerous than any other vampire. She was instrumental in defeating Dracula himself after he had come to ravage the world, showcasing how, despite being susceptible to his control, Storm’s own strong will was still her greatest asset. With sharp fangs and strong winds combined, Bloodstorm was clearly the queen of the damned and the mutants.
