WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Marauders #17 by Gerry Duggan, Matteo Lolli, Edgar Delgado & VC's Cory Petit, on sale now
The X-Men have been trying to re-establish their place in the Marvel Universe ever since forming the nation of Krakoa. There have been successes with this, but just as many hang-ups with other power players around the world. However, it seems that an upcoming social event is poised to determine the future of the mutant state going forward in the Reign of X era
As Marauders #17 attests, the Hellfire Gala is shaping up to be one of Marvel's most important social functions of 2021, and it could shape the future of Krakoa, the X-Men and the entire Marvel Universe.
The Hellfire Trading Corporation has been growing and increasing its influence in the Marvel Universe recently, even expanding to buy land in Madripoor. To further cement their placement in the world and celebrate it, the Hellfire Corporation is planning a major banquet, known as the Hellfire Gala. The event will likely take place at the Hellfire Corporation's new base, constructed by Magneto as a favor to Emma Frost. The event will be visited by political dignitaries from around the world, along with representatives from the superhero community who have experience working with the X-Men in the past. The event will also be a generally major event for all of Krakoa, as it will be when the results of the upcoming X-Men election are announced and the world will be introduced to the next official roster of the team.
With Krakoa's newfound political power only seeming to grow, the revelation of a new X-Men team (and as a result, the stated mission of the team) will likely have a major impact in the decision-making process for many leaders around the globe. The Hellfire Corporation is even making a point of inviting enemies as a way of making a statement, proving the confidence the Hellfire Corporation and Krakoa in general have in dealing with these matters. The first official state function carried out by Krakoa, the Hellfire Gala will likely set the stage for Krakoa's growing place in the world.
While they've proven their power and helped spread life-saving drugs across the globe, Krakoa's mutants have also picked up more than a few enemies, as well as jeopardizing alliances, such as when Storm betrayed the confidence of the Wakandan royal family to claim the necessary blade for X of Swords. The X-Desk has come to the conclusion that the Hellfire Gala will likely be a good chance for Krakoa to solidify the relationships it has with friendly countries, and make a statement to their enemies about their potential power and reach. With multiple world leaders and intelligence heads from across the globe expected to make appearances, it'll be interesting to see how the Hellfire Gala plays out and if it better helps establish the mutant nation as a more permanent place in the global community.
Naturally, the Hellfire Gala could also serve as a perfect place for the X-Men's problems to increase tenfold after an orchestrated attack or another Red Wedding-like turn of events.
Still. this could be the perfect opportunity to calm down some of the aggravated emotions that exist between Krakoa and their former allies like Wakanda -- or if things fell apart, could lead to any number of international incidents that makes things worse. Considering the alliances the X-Men have formed with the Shi'Ar Empire (and are trying to foster with the Kree/Skrull alliance in SWORD), the Hellfire Gala could even have galactic consequences.
It'll be crucial for the Krakoa commanders to present a strong face during the Hellfire Gala -- especially considering how splintered the ruling body of the island nation has been since the Jean Grey and Apocayplse left two vacancies on the Quiet Council. The Hellfire Gala might be one of the biggest social events of the year in the entire Marvel Universe, and it could end up having a major impact on the entire future of the X-Men and how they contend with the rest of the Earth.