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Hellions (2020)
Hellions, Vol. 3
There’s no need to worry! Mr. Sinister, the sadistic puppeteer of the Hellions, is just fine! Right? Eh, not really. Sinister’s menacing clone is on his way to Krakoa to reclaim the cape…and destroy the Hellions in the process! Elsewhere, Tarn the Uncaring and his murderous Locus Vile are also out for vengeance on both Sinister and the Hellions! This could get ugly. But never fear, the mutants you love to hate are ready for the ultimate rematch! Well…sort of. Almost ready. But little do they know that Psylocke’s secret side deal with Sinister is about to cause a schism that just might end the team before the villains can!
COLLECTING: Hellions (2020) 13-18
COLLECTING: Hellions (2020) 13-18
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2022
9 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Zeb Wells
708 books72 followersZeb Wells is an American comic book writer known for his work at Marvel Comics, as well as his work on the animated TV series Robot Chicken.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 8, 2024
On completing this Hickman X-universe series I have to say that it is very much one of the better ones, if not only for actually have some sort of linear storyline with a premise, a middle and this volume a very good end! The fallout of the machinations of Emma Frost and Sinister are not enough to stop carnage and chaos in the lives of the Hellions. The 'tarnished mutant heroes' and 'mutant villains' were given a second chance, will they earn a third? And what is the Quiet Council's purpose of allowing Sinister amongst all of them on Krakoa. A book with a heart, a nice 7 out of 12, Three Star read.
2024 read
2024 read
January 11, 2022
I'm tempted to call this more of a 2.5, except that I acknowledge this was one of the best series out post-Dawn of X.
This series had some good writing. I liked the earlier story from volume 1 of this title about Madelyne Pryor. Granted, I'm not 100% sure Zeb Wells understands that the resurrected Madelyne from Nate Grey's book in the late 90s later turned out to be an alternate reality version of Jean Grey. I'm not entirely sure how/why this resurrected version of Madelyne came about. But, still, his story about her was well done. He managed to make a demonic clone in a thong from the 1980s sympathetic.
However, this volume? This had less going for it. And so much of that was because of the ludicrous decision to feature Sinister so prominently.
Sure, we can talk about how this was Marvel's version of "Suicide Squad." (What a goal.) The majority of the cast were killers, except Havok and Wild Child didn't deserve to be there as much as the former villains. And it was weird that Kwannon was given a position of authority when hardly anybody has ever interacted with her. But, she's an ex-assassin because of course the sexy Asian lady is, so I guess that's enough of a qualification.
But then, fucking Sinister?
History lesson: Sinister was a serious villain up until approximately 10 years ago. Originally, he was conceived as an immortal adolescent boy named Nathaniel who shared a room with Cyclops at his orphanage. He was an evil genius, so he found ways to kill Cyclops' potential adoptive parents, because his goal in life was to breed Cyclops with Jean Grey, even before the two had met. Nathaniel used a holographic projection of what was essentially a nightmare clown, with the chalk-white skin and fangs. However, later writers decided to retcon this holographic projection as Nathaniel's actual, literal form. So Nathaniel was no longer an immortal adolescent. But okay. He was still an evil geneticist dedicated to breeding Cyclops and Jean, because the combination of Summers and Grey DNA was supposed to produce a godlike mutation. Later writers expanded upon Sinister's history, now making him a Victorian doctor whom had been studying and breeding Scott and Jean's ancestors for generations. But throughout the 90s, he was desperate to get DNA samples from Scott, Jean, and later Rachel. I own the comic where Sinister is thrilled that Siena Blaze slapped Rachel Summers and drew blood under her fingernails.
But all of that was rendered irrelevant when Marvel editorial decided that they no longer like the idea of Rachel Summers being godlike. Throughout the 90s she was the benevolent Phoenix, and she displayed her awesome power all the time. She hurt Galactus and Eternity. She powered a time travel machine. She could replicate awesome ninja moves just by watching them once. When Nimrod scanned her in the late 80s, he labeled her as an omega-level mutant. She is the reason why the term exists.
Now, with Hickman's run, Rachel isn't even counted as an omega-level mutant. She didn't make the cut when she's the reason why the term even exists.
So, Sinister no longer has a purpose. He's no longer an immortal adolescent boy. (Though, over the years he has been given shapeshifting and near-immortality, despite his evil clown form, so his adolescent form is still a possibility.) He's no longer obsessed with combining Summers and Grey DNA, I guess. Rachel is hanging around as a mediocre telepath/telekinetic, and we're supposed to think now that combining Summers and Grey DNA is no great shakes. It was just Sinister's goal for more than 100 years in the comics. But, sure. I guess that was just a weird hobby.
So now I ask, WHAT THE FUCK IS SINISTER FOR NOW!?
Writers decided to give him the Deadpool treatment, and make him talk about his goddamn fucking cape in almost every appearance he has had since Dawn of X, BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO HIM.
What's weird about Sinister is that typically his methods are evil, but his goals are not. So throughout the 90s he just wanted a married couple --Scott and Jean-- to have kids. Seriously. He had the same evil plan as an overbearing aunt, or wannabe grandparents. Now, he did evil things to make that plan come about, like killing Scott's prospective adoptive parents. But the goal he wanted was not, in itself, evil.
This is not just a 90s thing. In this run of Hellions, Sinister had a goal of collecting blood samples from Amenth. Now, his method of getting those blood samples was underhanded. He tried to collect them without permission, and he was careless about throwing away the Hellions' lives as part of the mission. But his actual goal of collecting blood samples is the same thing nurses and lab techs do in hospitals every day.
Writers are just incapable of writing Sinister as being boring. I don't know why. What is so awful about letting Sinister be, if not a hero, at least neutral? Why do we have to give him the same tired Deadpool treatment that Marvel has been busting out for characters all the time now?
Even in this volume, when we are finally given some explanation for what his new "evil plan" really is?
The quality of writing was better than most any other series. Excalibur is the worst abomination since DoX. Way of X was the best. This was the next best series after Way of X. If only the writer could have been given a better cast to work with. Or, at the very least, if Sinister could have been removed from the equation...
This series had some good writing. I liked the earlier story from volume 1 of this title about Madelyne Pryor. Granted, I'm not 100% sure Zeb Wells understands that the resurrected Madelyne from Nate Grey's book in the late 90s later turned out to be an alternate reality version of Jean Grey. I'm not entirely sure how/why this resurrected version of Madelyne came about. But, still, his story about her was well done. He managed to make a demonic clone in a thong from the 1980s sympathetic.
However, this volume? This had less going for it. And so much of that was because of the ludicrous decision to feature Sinister so prominently.
Sure, we can talk about how this was Marvel's version of "Suicide Squad." (What a goal.) The majority of the cast were killers, except Havok and Wild Child didn't deserve to be there as much as the former villains. And it was weird that Kwannon was given a position of authority when hardly anybody has ever interacted with her. But, she's an ex-assassin because of course the sexy Asian lady is, so I guess that's enough of a qualification.
But then, fucking Sinister?
History lesson: Sinister was a serious villain up until approximately 10 years ago. Originally, he was conceived as an immortal adolescent boy named Nathaniel who shared a room with Cyclops at his orphanage. He was an evil genius, so he found ways to kill Cyclops' potential adoptive parents, because his goal in life was to breed Cyclops with Jean Grey, even before the two had met. Nathaniel used a holographic projection of what was essentially a nightmare clown, with the chalk-white skin and fangs. However, later writers decided to retcon this holographic projection as Nathaniel's actual, literal form. So Nathaniel was no longer an immortal adolescent. But okay. He was still an evil geneticist dedicated to breeding Cyclops and Jean, because the combination of Summers and Grey DNA was supposed to produce a godlike mutation. Later writers expanded upon Sinister's history, now making him a Victorian doctor whom had been studying and breeding Scott and Jean's ancestors for generations. But throughout the 90s, he was desperate to get DNA samples from Scott, Jean, and later Rachel. I own the comic where Sinister is thrilled that Siena Blaze slapped Rachel Summers and drew blood under her fingernails.
But all of that was rendered irrelevant when Marvel editorial decided that they no longer like the idea of Rachel Summers being godlike. Throughout the 90s she was the benevolent Phoenix, and she displayed her awesome power all the time. She hurt Galactus and Eternity. She powered a time travel machine. She could replicate awesome ninja moves just by watching them once. When Nimrod scanned her in the late 80s, he labeled her as an omega-level mutant. She is the reason why the term exists.
Now, with Hickman's run, Rachel isn't even counted as an omega-level mutant. She didn't make the cut when she's the reason why the term even exists.
So, Sinister no longer has a purpose. He's no longer an immortal adolescent boy. (Though, over the years he has been given shapeshifting and near-immortality, despite his evil clown form, so his adolescent form is still a possibility.) He's no longer obsessed with combining Summers and Grey DNA, I guess. Rachel is hanging around as a mediocre telepath/telekinetic, and we're supposed to think now that combining Summers and Grey DNA is no great shakes. It was just Sinister's goal for more than 100 years in the comics. But, sure. I guess that was just a weird hobby.
So now I ask, WHAT THE FUCK IS SINISTER FOR NOW!?
Writers decided to give him the Deadpool treatment, and make him talk about his goddamn fucking cape in almost every appearance he has had since Dawn of X, BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO HIM.
What's weird about Sinister is that typically his methods are evil, but his goals are not. So throughout the 90s he just wanted a married couple --Scott and Jean-- to have kids. Seriously. He had the same evil plan as an overbearing aunt, or wannabe grandparents. Now, he did evil things to make that plan come about, like killing Scott's prospective adoptive parents. But the goal he wanted was not, in itself, evil.
This is not just a 90s thing. In this run of Hellions, Sinister had a goal of collecting blood samples from Amenth. Now, his method of getting those blood samples was underhanded. He tried to collect them without permission, and he was careless about throwing away the Hellions' lives as part of the mission. But his actual goal of collecting blood samples is the same thing nurses and lab techs do in hospitals every day.
Writers are just incapable of writing Sinister as being boring. I don't know why. What is so awful about letting Sinister be, if not a hero, at least neutral? Why do we have to give him the same tired Deadpool treatment that Marvel has been busting out for characters all the time now?
Even in this volume, when we are finally given some explanation for what his new "evil plan" really is?
The quality of writing was better than most any other series. Excalibur is the worst abomination since DoX. Way of X was the best. This was the next best series after Way of X. If only the writer could have been given a better cast to work with. Or, at the very least, if Sinister could have been removed from the equation...
June 16, 2022
I loved Hellions, easily one of the best Marvel runs of the last couple of years, and it caught me by surprise. I had no idea who most of these mutants were, yet these were the mutants that I cared about the most in the Dawn/Reign of X. I love their absolute lack of chemistry as a team, it gives room for Zeb Wells to create really hilarious situations, but not just that, there was a lot of heart packed into these stories as well, and I'm sorry to see this title go, specially when most of the other titles pale in comparison, but I get that the Hellions served their purpose, hopefully we will see more of these guys in the future.
I feel this third volume was not as good as the other two, but I still loved the Locus Vile story arc, not so much the other stuff with "The Right" and the new A.I., still a heck of a good read, and a good send out for the Hellions, four stars.
I feel this third volume was not as good as the other two, but I still loved the Locus Vile story arc, not so much the other stuff with "The Right" and the new A.I., still a heck of a good read, and a good send out for the Hellions, four stars.
February 6, 2022
Zeb Wells brings the Hellions' adventures to a close in these final issues, including an oversized finale.
Hellions has easily been one of the best X-books of this era, and it's such a shame to see it go. This final volume is packed to the brim with the same hilarious humour and raw emotion as the previous ones, as the Hellions face off against the returning Tarn and his minions (from Arakko), before Nanny and Orphan-Maker's drama explodes to conclusive effect.
This book prides itself on walking the line between a complete farce and the most emotional book that you've ever read, and considering it's populated by characters I hadn't even heard of before this series and now don't want to be without, I think that's a huge achievement. It just hammers home the idea that the lower tier comic characters are the ones that you can do a lot more with, there's far more leeway, and the results are always more impressive. The final issue of the series is perhaps one of the best final issues I've read in a long time, going a long way to show how far all of these characters have come, how their relationships have grown, and how their time as Hellions will continue to affect them going forward.
Farewell Hellions - I hope this isn't the last we see of you.
Hellions has easily been one of the best X-books of this era, and it's such a shame to see it go. This final volume is packed to the brim with the same hilarious humour and raw emotion as the previous ones, as the Hellions face off against the returning Tarn and his minions (from Arakko), before Nanny and Orphan-Maker's drama explodes to conclusive effect.
This book prides itself on walking the line between a complete farce and the most emotional book that you've ever read, and considering it's populated by characters I hadn't even heard of before this series and now don't want to be without, I think that's a huge achievement. It just hammers home the idea that the lower tier comic characters are the ones that you can do a lot more with, there's far more leeway, and the results are always more impressive. The final issue of the series is perhaps one of the best final issues I've read in a long time, going a long way to show how far all of these characters have come, how their relationships have grown, and how their time as Hellions will continue to affect them going forward.
Farewell Hellions - I hope this isn't the last we see of you.
March 30, 2022
So I guess this is how it ends, a bunch of mutant misfit toys fighting Arakkoan weirdos due to scheming and duplicity by Sinister (seriously, why does this guy get to have any say in the governance of Krakoa? He's probably the least trustworthy individual in the Marvel universe, and that's saying a lot!)
Actually a pretty worthwhile question, Alex.
I never particularly warmed to most of the characters or their team dynamic so I'm not all that sad. I hope Psylocke gets something more interesting to do next.
Actually a pretty worthwhile question, Alex.
I never particularly warmed to most of the characters or their team dynamic so I'm not all that sad. I hope Psylocke gets something more interesting to do next.
June 17, 2022
I was really rooting for this team. I just like these problem kids. Also I much prefer Kwannon in the role of Psylocke.
The secrets are exposed. The results are literally explosive. What happens when one of the team goes too far?
I really want to know what happens next. I think this team has a lot to offer. I would live to see them work with X-Force. Things have gotten very interesting. Secrets, returns, relationships and justice? The book finishes with a cover gallery that includes variant covers.
The secrets are exposed. The results are literally explosive. What happens when one of the team goes too far?
I really want to know what happens next. I think this team has a lot to offer. I would live to see them work with X-Force. Things have gotten very interesting. Secrets, returns, relationships and justice? The book finishes with a cover gallery that includes variant covers.
June 16, 2022
Tarn and his minions return to get back what Sinister stole in X of Swords. Then all the rest of Wells's ongoing plots come to a head and the team breaks up. While this volume wasn't quite as good as the previous two, it is a title I'm sorry to see go. This was one of the best of the HoX/PoX X-Men era of comics.
March 10, 2022
Me pareció un buen volumen final para esta serie. Todo empieza con la lealtad dividida de Kwanon hacia el equipo o a Mr. Sinister pues la tiene chantajeada. Sin embargo los de Ameth vuelven y develan la gran traición de Mr. Sinister con su equipo que había pasado en números previos.
El desmadre termina con Alex Summers destruyendo todo otra vez pero sin ninguna culpa como en casi toda esta serie. También se evidencia lo gran planeadora que fue Emma Frost quien casi no aparece en los números pero estuvo en la sombra. El personaje de Empath definitivamente llama la atención es un loco despiadado pero original.
En resumen éste es el peor equipo que puede haber y los números finales resaltan eso, todos se odian prácticamente y tienen sus propios demonios. Si pasaron todas las pruebas fue algo para nada planeado. Final contundente y con una gran gran sorpresa.
El desmadre termina con Alex Summers destruyendo todo otra vez pero sin ninguna culpa como en casi toda esta serie. También se evidencia lo gran planeadora que fue Emma Frost quien casi no aparece en los números pero estuvo en la sombra. El personaje de Empath definitivamente llama la atención es un loco despiadado pero original.
En resumen éste es el peor equipo que puede haber y los números finales resaltan eso, todos se odian prácticamente y tienen sus propios demonios. Si pasaron todas las pruebas fue algo para nada planeado. Final contundente y con una gran gran sorpresa.
December 14, 2021
Sad to see the most consistent X-Book go. But I loved reading it month to month.
March 14, 2022
4
A good series. Uneven at times. But a good exploration of some darker themes and characters. Glad it's ending. The storyline has run its course.
A good series. Uneven at times. But a good exploration of some darker themes and characters. Glad it's ending. The storyline has run its course.
December 10, 2021
This series is such a gem. It has everything an x-series should have: brilliant dialogues, great characterization of the members of the team, amazing interactions between them, excellent handling of the various subplots while being part of the bigger Krakoan picture.
It's a shame it's ending, Wells did such a wonderful job of making us care about these B- and C- list characters. I highly recommend it!
It's a shame it's ending, Wells did such a wonderful job of making us care about these B- and C- list characters. I highly recommend it!
June 4, 2022
I’m sad to see my favorite of the recent X-books end, but glad it ends with probably its best set of issues yet. Wells’s dialogue is still hilariously irreverent but his plotting is equally impressive here. He satisfyingly resolves all the scheming and treachery and seeming villains-of-the-month seen so far into a coherent climax that avoids the rushed reverse-engineered ending that Big 2 comics can tend to end with. I’m also impressed that, as silly as the tone is overall, Hellions has some of the most honest, heartfelt (but not feel-good) consequences of any of the recent Krakoa series . I wish Segovia had been able to draw all of these issues, but the guest artists are solid, and the coloring looks great in every issue.
January 16, 2022
Hellions was probably my favorite thing to come out of the new X-Men lineup since HoX/Pox because it had what a lot of the other titles completely lack: fun. And for someone who was unfamiliar with most of their lineup, it got me to care about some of the characters who all felt distinct and nuanced. Hellions isn’t some masterpiece but it is a good comic to read and definitely strays from what other writers decided to do with the Krakao backdrop. And I’m looking forward to reading Zeb Wells Amazing Spider-Man now that I’ve seen what he can do! Should be fun!
April 11, 2024
Mister Sinister in a battle of sass with the clone he sent to its inevitable demise? LOVE.
Examination of what happens when mutant gene survives and rewrites itself to ward off deaths-that-aren’t-the-end? HMMMM. That’s a head-scratcher. Is this the same Zeb Wells who must’ve been co-responsible for all the fart jokes in Robot Chicken? I didn’t think he had this level of introspection in him.
Wrapping up this team-book-for-mutants-that-never-should-be-let-out-to-play is a weird sensation. Am I sad they’ll fade into the background noise of the X-verse? Yes. Do I think this kind of book could sustain itself long term? Maybe. Would it get uncomfortably adult and make us face squirmy questions of existence (through the lens of sociopathy)? Definitely (we’ve already edged up to that corner that’s so hard to peer around).
Am I more enthusiastic about more Zeb comics? FUCK YEAH.
Examination of what happens when mutant gene survives and rewrites itself to ward off deaths-that-aren’t-the-end? HMMMM. That’s a head-scratcher. Is this the same Zeb Wells who must’ve been co-responsible for all the fart jokes in Robot Chicken? I didn’t think he had this level of introspection in him.
Wrapping up this team-book-for-mutants-that-never-should-be-let-out-to-play is a weird sensation. Am I sad they’ll fade into the background noise of the X-verse? Yes. Do I think this kind of book could sustain itself long term? Maybe. Would it get uncomfortably adult and make us face squirmy questions of existence (through the lens of sociopathy)? Definitely (we’ve already edged up to that corner that’s so hard to peer around).
Am I more enthusiastic about more Zeb comics? FUCK YEAH.
March 12, 2022
FULL REVIEW *Spoiler Free*- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_UiA...
What a Finish to a Series we wanted more of!!!
OVERALL RATING: 5 stars
Art: 4.5 stars
Prose: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Pacing: 5 stars
Character Development: 5 stars
World Building: 4.75 stars
What a Finish to a Series we wanted more of!!!
OVERALL RATING: 5 stars
Art: 4.5 stars
Prose: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Pacing: 5 stars
Character Development: 5 stars
World Building: 4.75 stars
September 25, 2022
What happens to the villains in the new X order? Well, a lot of them end up in government. Ok, but what happens to the villains who are villains not because they’re omega level geniuses but because they’re broken, fucked up or just downright ungovernable? They go into the Hellions.
Hellions has been one of the X-Books I’ve looked forward to most each issue, a collection of third rate characters, discards and terrible ideas which was also the most satisfying traditional team book in the line. Everyone gets stuff to do every issue, everyone has subplots, there’s simmering mutual hatred but also respect (even love!), and it’s often extremely funny. Chris Claremont would be proud, especially as the book is a love letter to some of his maddest 80s ideas.
I’m sad to see it go, but it’s a fine send off. Not everyone gets a happy ending but everyone gets the right ending, and it’s often surprisingly moving. (Young me’s jaw would drop to hear me say it but… I hope we’ve not seen the last of Nanny) The redeemable get a shot at it, the irredeemable at least realise they are, and Sinister continues his welcome evolution from a joke character into a funny one. Easily Zeb Wells’ best X-Books work and I hope this isn’t the end of his return to the line.
Hellions has been one of the X-Books I’ve looked forward to most each issue, a collection of third rate characters, discards and terrible ideas which was also the most satisfying traditional team book in the line. Everyone gets stuff to do every issue, everyone has subplots, there’s simmering mutual hatred but also respect (even love!), and it’s often extremely funny. Chris Claremont would be proud, especially as the book is a love letter to some of his maddest 80s ideas.
I’m sad to see it go, but it’s a fine send off. Not everyone gets a happy ending but everyone gets the right ending, and it’s often surprisingly moving. (Young me’s jaw would drop to hear me say it but… I hope we’ve not seen the last of Nanny) The redeemable get a shot at it, the irredeemable at least realise they are, and Sinister continues his welcome evolution from a joke character into a funny one. Easily Zeb Wells’ best X-Books work and I hope this isn’t the end of his return to the line.
March 2, 2022
An excellent wrap-up of this series.
I haven't actually read the X of Swords crossover, and something in that story drove the plot for most of this series. It's is both referenced and a little is explained, but admittedly I didn't quite understand it. The action is excellent, some really strong personal moments: seeing how Manuel really feels despite his behavior, the relationship between Crow and Kwannon, the continued oddness of Nanny and Peter, and poor Alex. Despite their severely dysfunctional team dynamic, they look out for one another (mostly) and Wells makes that very clear. From the overall X-Men perspective, Wells brings up a few interesting topics and perspectives which only adds to the layered richness of this title.
Segovia's art still astounds me and I'm looking forward to seeing where he shows up next.
The title is easily my favorite X-Title since Krakoa. It's a shame it has come to an end.
I haven't actually read the X of Swords crossover, and something in that story drove the plot for most of this series. It's is both referenced and a little is explained, but admittedly I didn't quite understand it. The action is excellent, some really strong personal moments: seeing how Manuel really feels despite his behavior, the relationship between Crow and Kwannon, the continued oddness of Nanny and Peter, and poor Alex. Despite their severely dysfunctional team dynamic, they look out for one another (mostly) and Wells makes that very clear. From the overall X-Men perspective, Wells brings up a few interesting topics and perspectives which only adds to the layered richness of this title.
Segovia's art still astounds me and I'm looking forward to seeing where he shows up next.
The title is easily my favorite X-Title since Krakoa. It's a shame it has come to an end.
December 16, 2021
Stuck the landing. Really going to miss this series.
September 16, 2023
Genuinely bummed that this series is over, but hopeful that certain story elements will continue and get answers. I specifically loved the Nanny/Orphan Maker storyline in this one. That last issue was an absolute banger!
February 21, 2022
The series started poorly but it just needed some time to reveal its endgame. Now it’s done and kind of well done at that!
It ends very satisfyingly, with real closure for all the characters. Dialogues are mostly good when they’re not on the pompous and cryptic side- then again this might actually be the problem for most X-titles nowadays.
Good art from Antonio for most issues-a bit rushed at the end tho.
I don’t think the basic concept of the Hellions was made for the long haul but actually designed for this oversized 18 issues format. And it’s just as wel, as it is.
It ends very satisfyingly, with real closure for all the characters. Dialogues are mostly good when they’re not on the pompous and cryptic side- then again this might actually be the problem for most X-titles nowadays.
Good art from Antonio for most issues-a bit rushed at the end tho.
I don’t think the basic concept of the Hellions was made for the long haul but actually designed for this oversized 18 issues format. And it’s just as wel, as it is.
January 31, 2022
Excellent, excellent stuff
December 24, 2021
Algo apurado el final, se arregla en el último número.
Read
November 3, 2022And so we bid goodbye to the most purely fun X-book since Hickman's ludicrous space adventure for the New Mutants. Zeb Wells is a writer who'd been knocking around for ages without ever quite getting my attention, but between this and the therapy group episode of She-Hulk, at some stage he's clearly become brilliant at putting D-list bad guys centre stage and making them sympathetic without sacrificing their awfulness. Making it annoying for me, if not for him or his bank manager, that he's now leaving these hilarious horrors behind to write tedious wet Peter Parker instead. Still, the upside of this book ending is that Wells is now at liberty to detonate the various betrayals and breakdowns he's been seeding since it began. So Nanny is ignoring and belittling Orphan-Maker in favour of her new (mutant AI, obviously) baby, Psylocke's covering up for Sinister is out in the open, Havok's annoyance at being on the team of lunatics and fuck-ups is bubbling over – and above all, Sinister's various machinations are out in the open. Meaning at one stage he's trying to kill the team before their memories can be backed up, memories which include the previous time he killed them before their memories could be backed up. Except that now the fact he's been making illicit multiple versions of himself is also out in the open, and because he's Sinister, that means he's even stabbing himself in the back:
"No, my Hellions, don't be fooled by these lies."
"Yes, we mustn't take his literal memories of events at face value."
Of course, while it would be perfectly possible for the team to self-destruct without any further external pressure, it's even more entertaining if they do it while also being menaced by outside forces, so bring on Tarn the Uncaring. Now, for the most part I continue to find the Arakki mutants unutterably tedious, not helped by the recent switch towards treating them as something like homesteaders or whatever the fuck they've become in X-Men Red (except the ones who've become ashes, obviously – say what you like about Uranos, but that was a lovely bit of triage on dud characters the genocidal old git pulled off there). Here, helped by an emphasis on the most ghastly of the lot, they're instead played as terrifying goons with an edge of cosmic horror, especially in the case of the grotesque Amino Fetus, who might at any stage evolve into his final form, the Atrocious Infants (tautology?). Which would also be final for the universe! In one sense it shouldn't work at all, because we all know perfectly well that the world isn't going to be ended by developments in a third-string X-book, but needing to drop-kick reality-eating babies into a black hole is just too perfectly Hellions a development.
And then suddenly, at the end, the violence and betrayal isn't funny anymore, but where that could be a jarring 'aaaah', instead it's perfect too.
Tell you what, though: seldom have I so devoutly wished that a mainstream superhero comic were allowed to do proper swearing.
"No, my Hellions, don't be fooled by these lies."
"Yes, we mustn't take his literal memories of events at face value."
Of course, while it would be perfectly possible for the team to self-destruct without any further external pressure, it's even more entertaining if they do it while also being menaced by outside forces, so bring on Tarn the Uncaring. Now, for the most part I continue to find the Arakki mutants unutterably tedious, not helped by the recent switch towards treating them as something like homesteaders or whatever the fuck they've become in X-Men Red (except the ones who've become ashes, obviously – say what you like about Uranos, but that was a lovely bit of triage on dud characters the genocidal old git pulled off there). Here, helped by an emphasis on the most ghastly of the lot, they're instead played as terrifying goons with an edge of cosmic horror, especially in the case of the grotesque Amino Fetus, who might at any stage evolve into his final form, the Atrocious Infants (tautology?). Which would also be final for the universe! In one sense it shouldn't work at all, because we all know perfectly well that the world isn't going to be ended by developments in a third-string X-book, but needing to drop-kick reality-eating babies into a black hole is just too perfectly Hellions a development.
And then suddenly, at the end, the violence and betrayal isn't funny anymore, but where that could be a jarring 'aaaah', instead it's perfect too.
Tell you what, though: seldom have I so devoutly wished that a mainstream superhero comic were allowed to do proper swearing.
March 29, 2022
This is the final Volume of Hellions, another X-book that ends, this time, leading right into Inferno (which I can't wait to read!). Overall, I enjoyed the title, as it featured many characters we haven't spent a lot of time with (with the exceptions of Havok and Kwannon). I'll definitely be interested to see where these remaining minor characters end up, or if they will just fade back into the background of Krakoa.
Highlights:
- A scarred Sinister returns from Amenth, having survived his experiences there, which doesn't sit well with the current Sinister. He brings back with him Tarn, one of the leaders of the Great Ring of Arakko, and his group of flunkies, the Locus Vile. They seek vengeance for the actions of the Hellions when they were in Amenth... which they can't remember... because Sinister killed them so they would forget. When the team finds out, they are pissed.
- One of the members of the Locus Vile is Amino Fetus, who is in the process of birthing babies who will destroy the world. Under mind control (again!) Havok uses his powers to kill the whole team and the Amino Fetus babies.
- As the team recovers, Nanny continues to take care of the alien baby she stole. THE RIGHT, a group of terrorists that she belonged to, invades to take the baby back. Nanny dies in the ensuing battle, which causes Orphan Maker to kill 2 humans in revenge. This is one of the worst Krakoan laws to break, as it means going to The Pit to suffer in isolation. Orphan Maker is sentenced and Nanny goes with him. (Is Sabretooth still down there?)
- The Quiet Council grants Havok's request to resurrect Madelyne Pryor (WHY? CAN'T THEY SEE THAT THIS IS A BAD IDEA!?) and she makes it clear to the reader that Goblin Queen is still within her, despite any feelings she may have for Havok.
- Emma and Magneto discuss how bad Sinister is getting and whether or not they need to do something about it. (They will soon, I assume.)
Seems like evil is brewing again on Krakoa. When will the breaking point happen?
Excited to get back into this round (Hellfire Gala to Inferno) of X-Books.
Recommend.
Highlights:
- A scarred Sinister returns from Amenth, having survived his experiences there, which doesn't sit well with the current Sinister. He brings back with him Tarn, one of the leaders of the Great Ring of Arakko, and his group of flunkies, the Locus Vile. They seek vengeance for the actions of the Hellions when they were in Amenth... which they can't remember... because Sinister killed them so they would forget. When the team finds out, they are pissed.
- One of the members of the Locus Vile is Amino Fetus, who is in the process of birthing babies who will destroy the world. Under mind control (again!) Havok uses his powers to kill the whole team and the Amino Fetus babies.
- As the team recovers, Nanny continues to take care of the alien baby she stole. THE RIGHT, a group of terrorists that she belonged to, invades to take the baby back. Nanny dies in the ensuing battle, which causes Orphan Maker to kill 2 humans in revenge. This is one of the worst Krakoan laws to break, as it means going to The Pit to suffer in isolation. Orphan Maker is sentenced and Nanny goes with him. (Is Sabretooth still down there?)
- The Quiet Council grants Havok's request to resurrect Madelyne Pryor (WHY? CAN'T THEY SEE THAT THIS IS A BAD IDEA!?) and she makes it clear to the reader that Goblin Queen is still within her, despite any feelings she may have for Havok.
- Emma and Magneto discuss how bad Sinister is getting and whether or not they need to do something about it. (They will soon, I assume.)
Seems like evil is brewing again on Krakoa. When will the breaking point happen?
Excited to get back into this round (Hellfire Gala to Inferno) of X-Books.
Recommend.
October 25, 2022
Thank goodness I read X of Swords before getting around to the third Hellions volume because here now we're finally getting the real fallout from that event. Namely, the Hellions have discovered just what Sinister did to them and also, Tarn of Amenth has arrived from Mars for a reckoning.
As is now clear, the Hellions make for an intriguing X-team because they are replaceable heroes, meaning that shocking twists and deaths are par for the course. This third Hellions volume never pumps the brakes in that regard. Characters go to some dark places. And ultimately, yeah, the team is dissolved, but that's kind of excellent too? All these other X-teams go on and on - here's one with a clear beginning, middle, end and character arcs galore.
Excited to see what happens next for our various almost-heroes. And it sure seems like that Sinister fella isn't done making messes.
As is now clear, the Hellions make for an intriguing X-team because they are replaceable heroes, meaning that shocking twists and deaths are par for the course. This third Hellions volume never pumps the brakes in that regard. Characters go to some dark places. And ultimately, yeah, the team is dissolved, but that's kind of excellent too? All these other X-teams go on and on - here's one with a clear beginning, middle, end and character arcs galore.
Excited to see what happens next for our various almost-heroes. And it sure seems like that Sinister fella isn't done making messes.
July 22, 2022
It's a shame to see Hellions come to an end, but this is a great finale.
Oh, it's a bit wobbly at the start, possibly because it continues so directly on with the repercussions of the Sword of X crossover, but the deeper into the story this volume gets, the more it's about the characters and their interactions.
By the end, we've had major turning points for almost the entire cast, and really had a fine finale for the series.
Oh, it's a bit wobbly at the start, possibly because it continues so directly on with the repercussions of the Sword of X crossover, but the deeper into the story this volume gets, the more it's about the characters and their interactions.
By the end, we've had major turning points for almost the entire cast, and really had a fine finale for the series.
April 11, 2022
feeling very mitski 🎶my baby, my baby, you’re my baby🎶 about nanny and the orphanmaker
Read
July 10, 2022kwannon you will always be famous <3
June 29, 2022
Really good finish for one of the strongest titles in the new X-Men revamp.
April 19, 2024
They will be missed
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