Writer: Gerry Duggan
Art: Kris Anka, Russell Dauterman, Matteo Lolli, CF Villa, Rain Beredo, Frank Martin, Matt Milla, Matthew Wilson, VC’s Cory Petit, Tom Muller, and Jay Bowen
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$5.99
Release Date: July 13th, 2022
The second HELLFIRE GALA kicks off as the dirty, little, resurrection secret is front-page news. But as much as the humans question the resurrection process, as well as the sneaky secret-keeping, the mutants themselves circle the HELLFIRE GALA wondering about the secrets being kept from themselves by their own. However, as if things couldn’t get any worse, the mutant antagonists are joining forces to bring them down hard and fast. Let’s hop into X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1 by Gerry Duggan as we gain a better picture of the next X-MEN as well as the foundation of stories spinning forth this next year. Moira MacTaggert, Dr. Stasis as a Sinister clone, Orchis, Feilong, and so much more await. Let’s take a look!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Without spoiling too much, the opening memo put quite an interesting twist on the resurrection process and showcased what lawmakers can and actually do at times to appease their agenda. Nevertheless, I’m not going to necessarily sit here and say the humans have a point because I think they definitely went too far as well. Yet, Stasis brings up a great question about murder and mutants that should be under investigation. This was and should continue to be, a great topic of conversation that Duggan lays out on the table.
Yet, as the dominos fall toward the worldwide reveal of mutant resurrection, Duggan continues to lay out the logical conclusion, safety protocols, and next steps with ease. Sure, X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1 isn’t full of energy and action but it’s cluttered with pertinent information and logical conclusions that readers have been pondering since HOXPOX began. And readers will get many of those answers this week. However, the information doesn’t stop with Orchis, Stasis, Moira, resurrection, or even the HELLFIRE GALA, Duggan unveils another secret about one of his most powerful X-MEN members that could cause a large wrinkle moving forward.
Moreover, Duggan does a fantastic job giving all X-MEN fans the perfect starting point. Emma and Cyclops have a moment where they recap events of the past year (or more) so well that fans interested in hopping on board the X-MEN bandwagon should strongly consider picking up X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1. Plus, it would be very beneficial to read this issue before A.X.E.: JUDGEMENT DAY #1. The end of this issue does seem to tie right into A.X.E. Additionally, the choices for this roster of X-MEN are far better than the last. Duggan kept the three standouts and sprinkled in an “amazing friends” call back as well as a few more classics making this roster quite powerful and loads of fun.
Nevertheless, for as much good as X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1 was, it did have some elements that came across as a bit of a hindrance. For example, Duggan made some valiant attempts at some clever jokes that simply didn’t land or hit the mark. And for all the good that oozes off the pages, this comic is LONG. Longevity isn’t a bad thing as long as it is coupled with action, suspense, and some thrills to shake things up a bit. Alas, that’s not the case in this week’s X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1. Duggan set this puppy up as being informative, a great jumping-on point, and to slide in some future reveals while poking the bear in the process. His approach was all well and good except it lacked the power and conviction that wraps a story altogether.
ART
I was a bigger fan of the art before the party “Gala” began. The funky dress attire seemed out of place and a bit too much for some of the characters. Plus, the layout and design of the panels made the issue tough to read at times. Smaller panels bouncing around to multiple characters lacked depth and definition later surrounded by full-page spreads of situations and scenes that didn’t need to be full-page spreads. As for the positives, it was obvious that this creative team loves Emma and showcased her well throughout X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1.
Moreover, the full-page spread of the new team was incredibly dynamic, vibrant, and colorful. By no means was the art team a hindrance BUT I feel like they worked with the cards they were dealt. When a comic lacks action, it’s difficult to showcase exactly what you can do. And keeping that aspect in mind, the art team certainly didn’t hold this comic back BUT it didn’t propel them forward either.
FINAL THOUGHTS
X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1 provides a fantastic place to get caught up, brings together a new X-MEN roster that’s sure to impress, and all while unloading some dirty laundry in the process. However, it’s long, drawn-out, and almost entirely action-less. Moreover, if something was to lack action, one would expect more drama to compensate which was sadly also not the case. X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1 was super informative and will certainly get fans’ brains cooking with possibilities and ideas for the future. But, that’s about all we get this week along with the new team reveal which will probably turn heads. Nevertheless, I highly recommend any comic fan who’s wanted to hop on the X-MEN train and never has because of the overwhelming nature of the books, to pick X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA #1 as the perfect place to hitch a ride. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!