Storm and the leadership change in #170

Storm and the leadership change in #170 Uncanny X-Men #170 ends the Morlocks’ first confrontation with the X-Men by changing who leads them. After Caliban explains their custom of trial by combat, Nightcrawler offers to challenge Callisto. Storm takes responsibility herself, even though Plague’s illness has left her weakened. Callisto forbids Ororo from using her weather powers and threatens Kitty’s life if she does. The duel puts Storm’s judgment and physical skill under pressure. She catches the offered knife, endures Callisto’s attacks, then uses her cape to trap Callisto’s weapon arm before stabbing her through the heart. Callisto survives because the Morlocks’ healer intervenes. Storm’s victory gives her authority under their own laws, allowing her to free Angel and take Kitty away. The severity of her decision shocks Nightcrawler, who had expected her reluctance to kill to make the challenge unwinnable. Storm also offers the Morlocks a home with Xavier. Caliban answers that they belong in the tunnels, while expressing hope for friendship. By the end of #170, Ororo leads both the X-Men and the Morlocks. The underground community continues to have a home and identity of its own.