Marvel has been teasing an upcoming Hellfire Gala, both in the X-Men line of comics and through their own promotional channels — it’s where we’re supposed to learn who will be on the new X-Men team that Cyclops and Jean Grey are putting together, along with the results of the fan vote for one of the members.
This gala will run through 12 of the X-titles — that’s quite a party! — and will also get a special of its own, titled Planet Size X-Men. Gerry Duggan and Pepe Larraz are working on this double-sized issue.
“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,” editor Jordan D. White promises. “Pepe is absolutely the star of the X-line and he is doing the most amazing work of his career. You cannot miss this.”
I know we’re looking forward to seeing the reveal of the new X-Men team; Smash Pages officially endorsed Tempo for the fan-chosen spot, while our own Carla Hoffman dissented and went with Strong Guy. Marvel offered up 10 options for fans to choose from for the vote: Banshee, Polaris, Forge, Boom-Boom, Tempo, Cannonball, Sunspot, Strong Guy, Marrow and Armor.
Planet Size X-Men arrives June 16.