Warning! Spoilers ahead for SWORD #6!
In the latest issue of Marvel Comics' SWORD, the mutant nation of Krakoa and its space program reveal their plans for Planet Arakko, the name the X-Men have given to Mars after they've terraformed it into a new world for mutantkind's use. While the Marvel Universe is still reeling from this impressive and status-quo shifting feat, SWORD isn't done yet, gathering dignitaries and voices from across the galaxy to share the next steps in an ambitious proposal. However, not everyone is pleased, and Doctor Doom demands to know who Mars' new ruler will be. Sure enough, they make their presence known in epic fashion.
Mars' debut as a terraformed planet for mutants was featured in Planet-Sized X-Men #1, which sees Magneto and a team of powerful mutants changing the entire makeup of the planet from everything to its core, creating oxygen, life, oceans, and even motivating brand new weather patterns to stimulate the planet's growth. Additionally, the planet's debut as a mutant world was unveiled during the Hellfire Gala. Now, Krakoa's space program SWORD has invited major players from across the galaxy to attend a meeting aboard their space station known as the Peak, of which they now have two (one over Earth and one over Planet Arakko). In SWORD #6 from writer Al Ewing and artist and Valerio Schiti, director Abigail Brand reveals that Arakko will be more unified than Earth will ever be, and as such, they're asking for Mars to be treated and recognized as the capital world of their star system. Furthermore, they're also offering a valuable metal they've developed known as Mysterium to be used as the basis for a new galactic economy.
However, not everyone is pleased with mutantkind's major leaps, many of which intend to ignore Earth entirely going forward. As such, Doctor Doom interrupts the proceedings on the Peak, demanding to know who speaks for Mars and Sol if it's truly so united more than Earth could ever hope to achieve. As a result, the new Regent of Mars makes her presence known, completely shutting Doom down with her omega-level power and commanding presence: Storm, who declares herself as the new Voice of Sol.
The reveal of Ororo Munroe as Mars' new leader is truly impressive, and it makes a lot of sense considering that previous comics had seen Storm intending to leave the X-Men and Krakoa to seek out a new purpose. Now, it certainly seems as though she's found it, and it's going to be really cool to see her new life and position as the leading voice for an entire planet and solar system. That being said, it certainly seems as though she's going to have some pretty significant challenges ahead, both in space and back on Earth, as it doesn't seem humankind is so thrilled about being left in the dust when it comes to the final frontier.
In any case, it's a bold new era for mutantkind and for Storm, and her leadership of Mars is going to be awesome to see. One can imagine that she'll be working closely with SWORD and the X-Men as she leads the Arakki people on Mars while also integrating Planet Arakko as a key planet and source of major economic trade on a galactic scale. Here's hoping she's up to the task.