The new X-Men lineup of Marvel Comics continues to grow, but the latest top secret team and series has finally been revealed. The Hellions will surely live up to their name, now that Marvel has united some of the strangest X-Men villains (and a few heroes) - to be led by the former supervillain, Mr. Sinister.
The reveal of the Hellions series follows the mysterious introduction of the team's first cover art, keeping the roster of mutants secret, shown in silhouette and filled in one by one. Marvel revealed only that the assembled mutants would prove to be "the most dysfunctional X-Men team you could possibly imagine!" That's truly saying something, but the official announcement has raised the bar even higher. How? With the mutant world's "biggest troublemakers," starting with Wild Child, Nanny, Orphan Maker, Empath, and Scalphunter. Add in Psylocke and Havok, and you've got a team as deserving of being called 'Marvel's Suicide Squad' as any before. Especially given the "dirty work" they'll be taking on come 2020.
The series is coming from Zeb Wells (Amazing Spider-Man) and artist Stephen Segovia (Action Comics), with the official announcement said to bring fans something a bit different from the existing X-Men, the newly intelligence-focused X-Force, and lighter New Mutants. In short: the X-Men team you’re going to love to hate. Check out the first plot synopsis for Hellions, along with the completed cover art, below:
When the X-Men invited all mutants to Krakoa, they meant ALL mutants, even forgiving the past sins of some of their fiercest enemies. Chief among them was Mister Sinister who now tasks himself with finding purpose for mutantkind’s most dangerous outcasts: Wild Child, Nanny, Orphan Maker, Empath, and Scalphunter! Also on hand to do Sinister’s dirty work will be X-Men favorites Psylocke and Havok! Will they be able keep these murderous baddies in line or will the team’s deadly missions have them succumb to their own sinister natures?
The role played by Mr. Sinister in the founding of a new mutant nation is somewhat questionable, since he wasn't entirely aware he was helping, thanks to Xavier's mind-manipulation. But for those suspecting Mr. Sinister will betray the X-Men, it's nice to know he'll have Havok and Psylocke close by to keep him in line, even as his team does Krakoa's dirty work. The exact mission this team will be taking on isn't clear, but writer Zeb Wells sounds ready to jump at ANY chance to get into the new X-Men landscape:
I can't believe I get a chance to play in the sandbox Jonathan Hickman and company have so brilliantly created. For my money it's the most exciting game in town and I can't wait to let this merry band of psychopaths loose in it.”
With his horrifying experience on Contagion (meant in the best possible way) priming him for more dark adventures, Segovia also voiced his enthusiasm for the story Wells had in mind when first pitching the Hellions series:
I am HUGE fan of Zeb Wells' work. The moment I read his HELLIONS pitch, I was blown away. It's a new level of mutant stories and I was overjoyed and pumped to begin drawing it immediately. I can't wait for you guys to see the magic we're cooking up and I promise you'll enjoy the ride!
Marvel promises "more jaw dropping revelations" when the story official begins in March 2020, but until then, stay tuned for more details and previews of Hellions as they arrive!