Warning: major spoilers ahead for Way of X #2!
A new X-Men costume is sparking romance ahead of the Hellfire Gala. With the special event kicking off this week, many of the mutants in Krakoa are getting ready and that includes getting new outfits. Marvel has already shown some of the outfits ahead of the occasion, but the events aren't just stunning fans - they're also causing quite a stir among the X-Men themselves in Way of X #2.
The upcoming Hellfire Gala is making a splash in fashion as several mutants have gotten upgraded looks. Some are stunning, while others should have never been made. One of the major lineups impacting this issue is one that includes Nightcrawler, Loa, Mercury, Dazzler, and Pixie. Of special notice in this group should be Mercury and Loa. Both look fabulous, but one of these outfits is drawing some special attention.
Way of X #2 - created by Si Spurrier, Robert Quinn, Javier Tartaglia, and Vc Clayton Cowles - predominantly deals with the return of Legion and the major reveal of the X-Men's upcoming foe. However, it also addresses some of the new attention that some of Krakoa's inhabitants are catching from one another thanks to their Hellfire Gala outfits. In particular, Loa has begun to notice Mercury a lot more.
While having a few drinks, Loa is seen having a conversation with Pixie about Mercury's new gala outfit. She reflects on the uniqueness of the outfit and then her true feelings are revealed. The outfit brings out major nervousness in Loa and it makes her begin to realize that she may have a bit of a crush on Mercury. She is stumbling over her words and she wants Mercury to go with her to the gala - in one capacity or another. Later in the issue, during the rebirth of Legion, Loa is seen talking to Mercury. Could she have possibly asked her to go to the Gala with her? She also may have just extended the invitation platonically, but only the night of the Gala will reveal if this innovative outfit was the spark that lights another.
Mercury's outfit is certainly different from every other piece of evening wear that has been revealed thus far. Dresses in different fabric types, tuxes, bodysuits, and coats have made appearances, but Mercury's is incredibly distinct. She has a liquid metal body she can use to create weapons, similar to the T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Her outfit for the gala capitalizes on this feature, swirling around her very organically without hiding any of her figure. While potentially strange and underwhelming at first glance, it takes a new angle to the fashions revealed and makes Mercury stand out with a streamlined and natural silhouette. It could also be very practical since certain transformations to her body leave her without clothes. These paints may be able to stay. Loa certainly likes it and that may be all that matters should Mercury feel the same.
Mercury and Loa have worked together before, though they have never dated. For a long time, Mercury had feelings for her teammate Hellion, however, nothing ever came of it. At present Mercury appears single. Loa had previously been involved with Elixir, but this X-Men member has clearly been able to move on from that part of her life which very obviously did not work out. Now, both may be turning over a new leaf and could have a fresh start together, if Loa indeed invited Mercury successfully, and if the evening goes well. Either way, sparks of romance are in the air for the X-Men as they make final preparations for the Hellfire Gala.