The Hellfire Gala Explained & How It Will Effect The X-Men

The recent X-Men relaunch saw most of earth’s mutant population find refuge on the living island of Krakoa. They formed their very own mutant nation with largely isolationist ideals. The slogan for the mutant nation was an action, reaction based response strategy with the overall message being that Krakoa will never initiate a conflict with the rest of humanity unless it is provoked.

However, it appears that the citizens of Krakoa, and even some members of the infamous quiet council, have realized that their isolationist ideals could eventually doom their nation. These People presumably developed this mindset after Krakoa’s lack of communication with the rest of the world almost cost the nation points during the recent X Of Swords event.

In response to the issue, the Hellfire Trading Company, the only outlet for trade to and from Krakoa, has arranged the Hellfire Gala. The event will serve as a way for representatives of the mutant race to share their political intentions with intelligence organizations and world leaders.

‍The Mutants Are Dressing Up For The Gala

The Hellfire gala will also debut a new wave in mutant fashion. New gala suits and dresses have been custom tailored by mutant a mutant fashion designer with a known history of cooperation with the Hellfire Trading Company. Jumbo Carnation, the mutant designer, has clearly designed the gala wear of certain X-Men members to reference past costumes. For instance, Rogue’s dress is a clear wink and a nod toward her 90s costume originally created by Jim Lee.

The Series Issues That Will Tell the Story of the Hellfire Gala

The following issues will tell the story of the Hellfire Gala. Each will focus on the specific characters from the respective series:

• Hellions #12 by Zeb Wells and Stephen Segovia. Who thought it was a good idea to invite the antisocial Hellions to the fanciest bash of the year? Oh, no one? They weren’t invited but they showed up anyway? Yeah, that sounds about right.
• Marauders #21 by Gerry Duggan, Chris Claremont, Matteo Lolli and John Bolton. The Hellfire Trading Company has put together the biggest event of the season — the very first HELLFIRE GALA! Everyone will be there — all your favorite mutants, their closest allies…even their worst enemies — for a night of dinner, drinks, diplomacy and deceit. Fireworks to follow. Plus: From the archives, a classic X-Men tale with our very first look at a Hellfire Gala by Chris Claremont and John Bolton!
• X-Force #2o by Benjamin Percy and Joshua Cassara. It’s party time, but somebody’s got to work it. And when invited guests (and a few crashers) prove to be planted antagonistic agents, X-Force will need to get their hands dirty and keep this all under wraps…before anyone catches wind!
• Excalibur #21 by Tini Howard and Marcus To. RICTOR HATES PARTIES. Even the nice ones. And with Captain Britain’s return to a changed world, this one is looking to be not so nice. Excalibur’s Earth-shattering Hellfire Gala issue will change Krakoan diplomacy forever.
• X-Men #21 by Jonathan Hickman, Russell Dauterman, Nick Dragotta, Sara Pichelli, and Lucas Werneck. THE HEROES OF KRAKOA DEBUT! It’s a changing if the guard as the first X-Men team of Krakoa debuts! One era ends as a new one begins, and the handoff happens here.
• New Mutants #19 by Vita Ayala and Alex Lins. The HELLFIRE GALA is here, and the New Mutants have the chance to take a break from training the youth of Krakoa — an opportunity to get dressed up and get down. But not everyone is on their best behavior…and someone has vanished without a trace.
• Planet-Size X-Men #1 by Gerry Duggan and Pepe Larraz. THEY CAME TO SLAY! The Hellfire Gala rages on, but bigger things are afoot a world away. Make no mistake — this is an X-Men book drawn by superstar artist Pepe Larraz. It is absolutely the most important issue of the month.
• X-Corp #2 by Tini Howard and Alberto Foche. A SHARK IN THE WATER! After X-Corp’s shocking debut, they’ve got fences to mend, hands to shake and most importantly — a board to staff. With Dr. Jamie Madrox’s top-class dupes staffing the Hellfire Gala, CXOs Monet and Angel must stalk the dance floor and hope they don’t get preyed on themselves.
• SWORD #6 by Al Ewing and Valerio Schiti. THIS IS WHAT COMES NEXT. On Earth, the Hellfire Gala is in full swing. But on SWORD Station One, a very different guest list comes together…as Abigail Brand finally unveils her plans for Mysterium — and the future of human and mutantkind.
• Way of X #3 by Si Spurrier and Bob Quinn. MAKE MORE MUTANTS. It’s the Hellfire Gala hangover. Nightcrawler tries to root out the evil working to destroy Krakoa by investigating all its laws, starting with… **SEXY SAXOPHONE SOLO**
• Wolverine #13 by Benjamin Percy and Scot Eaton. Can Wolverine and X-Force keep the peace or is the gala doomed?
• X-Factor #10 by Leah Williams and David Baldeon. THE LAST DANCE! At the Hellfire Gala, SECRETS WILL BE REVEALED! VENGEANCE WILL BE HAD. And someone’s number is up. You’ll never guess whose.

The Special Guests Invited To The Gala

As well as inviting a number of international representatives, the X-Men have also invited heroes such as The Avengers, The Fantastic 4 and even members Doctor Strange. Since the beginning of Dawn Of X, the X-Men, and Krakoa in general, have had a shaky relationship with other super individuals, especially The Fantastic Four after the events of the X-Men/Fantastic Four limited series. The upcoming seemingly seeks to heal the relationship between the multiple enhanced individuals in the Marvel Universe.

The event is also open to less favorable political leaders in the Marvel Universe such as Victor Von Doom who has shown very little interest in the safety of mutant kind as evidenced by his experiments in X-Men/Fantastic Four. Representatives from Russia, a nation with multiple prison camps containing mutants, will also be present for the gala.