In this review of The Fury of Firestorm #6, Ronnie, Stein, and Lorraine must take on the Firestorm Matrix, but who will survive the encounter?
THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #6
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and Main Cover: RAFAEL DE LATORRE
Variant Covers: BRAD WALKER, ERIC CANETE, JUNI BA
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 9/9/26
This review contains spoilers
At the end of The Fury of Firestorm #5, the Matrix was left kneeling before Professor Stein and addressing him as “Father.” As The Fury of Firestorm #6 begins, Stein takes advantage of this, activating his machine, instantly transporting himself and Lorraine into the Matrix where they find Ronnie.
After Ronnie attacks Stein out of anger, Lorraine breaks the two up, reminding Ronnie that Stein will be needed to take on the Firestorm Matrix.
Shortly afterward, they encounter the Matrix. Lorraine attacks but quickly needs help. Reluctantly, Ronnie joins with Stein in an effort to overpower the Matrix and regain control. They’re successful in the fight for control, but Firestorm realizes the Matrix is too dangerous and must be destroyed.
After saying their goodbyes to Lorraine, Ronnie and Stein fly off into the Sun, sacrificing themselves to protect everyone else.
The final page of The Fury of Firestorm #6 reveals a new twist, though. In Ostrander, Texas, on a dry, cracking piece of land, a flame ignites. From that flame, a new version of Firestorm, the Fire Elemental, emerges.
Analysis
This title was originally set to end with The Fury of Firestorm #6, but was extended to nine issues due to solid sales. I’m glad this decision was made because had this been the final issue, it would have been disappointing. I suspect Jeff Lemire originally had a different ending in mind because the way this issue ends is rather significant.
Fans of Firestorm are likely already familiar with this “new” version we see on the last page. In Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #85 from 1989, writer John Ostrander (massively cool Easter egg by Lemire on naming the town after him) turns Firestorm into this Fire Elemental form. The circumstances are a little different here, but it’s definitely that version of the character and I’m excited to see where Lemire takes the story now.
This version has a black shadow face and red eyes just like the Firestorm Matrix, so it seems there’s more danger ahead for Lorraine and the rest of the world.
Lemire’s exploration of the connection between Ronnie and Stein is interesting, mainly because the relationship changes so quickly from the beginning of the issue to the end. Ronnie goes from strangling the professor early in the story to basically accepting his apology as they’re heading into the Sun. It feels a bit rushed, though.
While there’s plenty of prior history between the two and they physically merge to become Firestorm, but a little more back and forth between them before diving into the Sun would have been nice. Perhaps we’ll get something more in the final three issues, depending on how Lemire plans on resolving the Fire Elemental’s appearance.
The artwork in The Fury of Firestorm #6 remains consistent, as artists Rafael de Latorre and Marcelo Maiolo continue their work from previous issues. If you’ve enjoyed the first five issues, there’s more of the same goodness to enjoy. I’m glad to see their design for the Fire Elemental is only slightly tweaked from how the character looked years ago.
Final Thoughts
The Fury of Firestorm #6 sets up the final arc of this limited series in spectacular fashion. The arrival of the Fire Elemental is a great callback to the past and should allow for some exciting battles to close out this run. Have fun, comic lovers!
