Writer: Gerry Duggan & Chris Claremont
Art: Matteo Lolli & John Bolton

Colors: Edgar Delgado & Glynis Oliver

Letters: VC’s Cory Petit & Tom Orzechowski

Publisher: Marvel
Price: $4.99
Release Date: 6/2/21
Reviewer: Soycornholio

The Gala is HERE:

Marvel’s BIGGEST event of the year is FINALLY here: The Hellfire Gala. We have been teased for the last couple of months in regard to something universe-shattering taking place during this event. The Gala in general coupled with the AMAZING outfits that each of Marvel’s Merry Mutants are wearing has been too much for this X-Men fan! The Gala officially starts in Marauders #21 by Gerry Duggan. While the story is solid, how further along does it push the X-Agenda?

*There is also an amazing backup story to Marauders #21 that takes place in Classic X-Men #7. There will be some mild spoilers*

Marvel’s Met Gala:

This is the best way to describe the Hellfire Gala. Throughout this issue, we see the likes of our 616 heroes ranging from The Avengers and the Fantastic Four to members of Shi’ar Galaxy schmoozing amongst one another. It stuck out seeing CPT America and the FF in their uniforms, while Storm struts past them wearing a cloud. Now, I am assuming that it was intentional, but only the X-Men were dressed up for the event. I am willing to bet that Emma purposely left this part out to garner more “ooohs” and “awws” from everyone. Let’s put it this way, the only person who DOESN’T stand out (as he notes) is Dr. Strange.

FF+A+X:

Each page is a dessert buffet. The art team of Lolli and Delgado created a background that was so rich in detail, that you felt as if you were at an actual social event. The thing that stood out the most, was the character interactions. On one panel, as we see Emma walking in her 2^nd wardrobe reveal, you notice Dr. Doom and Colossus chatting it up in the background. THAT is what I like to see and what I miss with the Marvel Universe. I despise the silos that seem to be riddled within the universe nowadays. The Avengers is with the Avengers, the FF is the FF and no one interacts with the X-Men unless they’re pissed about something. The Marvel Universe is one unique setting, and it is appropriate to see The Thing shooting dice with Bobby, Bishop, and Pyro! Great job on this!

The White Queen:

I have so many thoughts about Emma taking lead on the Hellfire Gala. Who else would be better than the White Queen? Even though Marauders #21 was about the Hellfire Gala, Emma was the main character. Everything from the telepathic concert (with the 5 in 1 and Jean) to the invite list (I hear that Slim Shady should be in attendance) is pure Emma. This is Mutandom’s “coming of age” if you will. They are owning their status and running with it. Emma recognizes this and is ensuring that they set the stage AND the standard.

Back-Up:

I love any and everything from Chris Claremont. This issue gave me total fan service by providing a backup story (Classic X-Men #7) in which we can witness the first Hellfire Gala and the death of Shaw’s wife, Lourdes Chantel. I have to be honest; I have not read too many of the classic X-Men stories (they’re on my list) so I was super shocked to even learn that Shaw had a wife (is that Shinobi’s mother?). We do not know what her role will be moving forward, BUT for Marauders #22, we know she will be back (I am guessing due to the Resurrection Protocols).

Final Thoughts:

Something is missing in this issue. Something big happens, BUT what is it? What I am guessing, is that it will be revealed in one of the other Hellfire Gala Books. Marauders #21 sets the stage for what is sure to be a new feather in X-History. Everything from the White Queen, the outfits, the hustle and bustle in the kitchen, etc., is perfect! Overall, I would recommend picking up this issue. Something big is going to take place in the Marvel Universe and it starts here!