Writer: Zeb Wells

Art: Carmen Nunez Carnero, David Curiel, VC’s Ariana Maher, Tom Muller, Rain Beredo, and Stephen Segovia

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 18th, 2020

X OF SWORDS began and the premise and purpose of the HELLIONS seemed… important enough, right? So, why have this issue if the tournament already began? Shouldn’t this issue have already happened? What’s the point of Sinister’s team stealing the swords if the tournaments already on its way? Let’s dive into HELLIONS #6 by Zeb Wells and find out!

If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.

Since X OF SWORDS: STASIS #1, I’ve felt like things have been stuck in the mud. X OF SWORDS: CREATION gave us the background as to why all of “this” was about to happen. Subsequently, the next “roughly” 8-10 issues were all about the X-MEN getting their swords for the tournament. So, after X OF SWORDS: STASIS #1, my impression was that the second half of the event would be the actual fights. And of course, if you’ve been following along at home, these “games” have mostly been just that… games. From arm wrestling to dance battles, the sword use has been few and far between. So, enter in Sinister’s HELLIONS and readers, like myself, forgot that they were even in this event. Nonetheless, once I saw the preview like most, I became confused as to the point of the issue… until I read it.

You see, Sinister is always up to something. And for readers to think his plan was merely to steal swords to help Krakoa just shows how much these new X-fans that hopped on board since HOXPOX need to brush up on Mister Sinister. Readers, Sinister is far from noble and his character dictates that he’s always up to something! Therefore, Wells simply sets up new readers with this issue in a way that made them feel like this the story was pointless and carried no significance at all. However, I’d argue that Wells’ had more weight than any of the past four to five issues.

Wells creates Sinister’s secret plan perfectly and it fits the character flawless. Plus, the wrinkles that it provides for the future of this series, as well as the X-MEN titles, will be fascinating. Furthermore, the warfare that’s been missing from the books centered around the tournament comes up in spades in this action-packed issue. It’s intense, the stakes feel high, consequences are made, lives are lost (possibly for good), and the issue turns wildly violent real fast with even a few emotional moments. Finally, an issue that carries consequences and meaning.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Zeb Wells and HELLIONS continue to be the perfect mix. He gets the characters and understands the team’s purpose. Furthermore, Wells never overused Sinister and portrays his nature beautifully. Somehow, the mutants comprised of the broken and rejected, band together in unique ways that draw fans into the story in such a compelling way. This remains to be one of my favorite X-MEN titles, even through the X OF SWORDS event, and needs to be on everyone’s pull list. At first, the purpose of the issue makes no sense. However, as you read on, the pieces come together quickly making fans wonder if the true hidden crux of this entire event was merely to mask Jonathan Hickman’s real agenda i.e. Sinister’s agenda. Right now, HELLIONS is all that makes sense. Isn’t that crazy to say?!

9.1/10

If you’re interested in HELLIONS #6, click HERE to get a copy! Maybe you’ve been really digging Hickman’s X-MEN run? In that case, click HERE to get your hands on the latest Dawn of X trades and comics. And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for the read and continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.

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