When Hellions was first pitched, it was branded as a series that asks “can the bad guys behave?” In many ways, that descriptor doesn’t fit — the team itself has often proved to be anything but “bad guys” — but with Mister Sinister in particular, that descriptor is apt. Hellions #9 takes that question and brings it to new heights.
The issue opens with a great exchange between Sinister and Mastermind, proving that Mister Sinister isn’t the only bad guy on Krakoa who refuses to behave. From what we’ve seen in this series thus far, Sinister has no qualms turning on his own team — which makes it great when Mastermind turns on him. It’s interactions like this that truly assert Hellions‘ place in the current X-line — where else would this exchange ever occur?
Orphanmaker’s status was among the more interesting after X of Swords, with Xavier getting involved because he was scared of resurrecting Orphanmaker to his full potential. Hellions #9 finally brings Orphanmaker truly back into the fray. Though the issue itself doesn’t too much to answer any questions about how his resurrection will change him, it certainly plants the seeds for something in the future.
The Hellions‘ team dynamic is great and it’s like nothing else in the line, featuring a group of outsiders who begrudgingly work together. Some of these team members even hate each other just like they hate their leader, Mister Sinister. Their reaction to his disappearance is golden and on a much sadder note, it’s probably the closest thing to bonding these people have all shared with each other. Kwannon and Greycrow might have moments, but it’s rare for this group to be all in agreement like this. ‘Tis the beautiful dysfunction of Hellions.
Marvel Comics
Mastermind’s return alone was a nice throwback to a classic villain, but when the Hellions start to investigate Sinister’s appearance they run into yet another classic baddie, Arcade. There’s something exciting about seeing people like Arcade and Mastermind being prominent X-Men villains in 2021, and Hellions definitely makes it work.
Though Hellions #9 doesn’t do much to answer the myriad of questions the title has raised, it is a fun ride. Wells continues to capture the wonderful dysfunction of this team’s dynamic and Segovia’s pencils tie it all together in a beautiful knot.
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