Paradise Isn’t For Everyone: ‘Hellions #1’ Reviewed
by Josh Davison
Mild Spoilers Ahead
Wolverine, Siren, Rockslide, Nightcrawler, and Havok have tracked down anti-mutant terrorists intent on recreating the Mutant Massacre. Everything seems resolved until Havok loses control and almost burns one of the terrorists alive. Later, the Quiet Council has to decide what to do with some antisocial mutants on Krakoa: Orphan-Maker, Nanny, Wildchild, Empath, Scalphunter…and Havok. All attempts at rehabilitating these mutants have been to no avail and extreme measures are being considered. Mister Sinister has a suggestion. He has had a history with mental instability himself and he thinks he can rehabilitate these Hellions. He enlists the aid of Kwannon to lead the team.
Hellions #1 shows us how Krakoa has been dealing with some of the more violently problematic mutants on the island. That is to say they don’t really know what to do with them yet. They don’t want to emulate the humans and they don’t want to punish mutants for complications from their mutation.
This gives the likes of Sinister an opening to profit of course. Sinister is easily the star of the issue too; He’s fabulous, catty, snide, and thoroughly delightful.
We’re also introduced to this would-be mutant Suicide Squad throughout. We learn what’s been going on with Havok and the quirks of the other members of the team too. Surprisingly little reference to Fallen Angels considering that this seems to be a follow up to that book.
Stephen Segovia brings a fantastic treatment to the book, making it look as sleek, grim, and gritty as it needs. He makes good use of shadowing and the characters are visually emotive. David Curiel gives the book a moody color palette that is still vibrant and popping.
Hellions #1 is a darkly charming new start for the X-Men family of titles. We get to see how the Quiet Council handles (or mishandles) mutants incapable of living peacefully on Krakoa and how the likes of Sinister can take advantage of the situation. It’s a damn compelling read with great visuals and it earns a recommendation. Check this one out.
Hellions #1 comes to us from writer Zeb Wells, artist Stephen Segovia, color artist David Curiel, letterer VC’s Cory Petit, cover artist Stephen Segovia with Rain Beredo, and variant cover artists Woo Dae Shim; and Whilce Portacio with Chris Sotomayor.
Final Score: 9/10
