Hellions #9
Mastermind ensnares the Hellions in Hellions #9, by writer Zeb Wells, artist Stephen Segovia, colorist David Curiel, and letterer Ariana Maher. Krakoa is for all mutants, but not all of them want to follow the rules, as the Hellions learn in this fun little issue.
Mastermind meets with Sinister, who wants to work with Mastermind undermining the rules of Krakoa. Mastermind has other plans, though, as he poisons the tea that Mastermind brought him. The Hellions deal with their various personal issues when Psylocke summons them for a mission. Sage tells them that Sinister has disappeared and they need to find him. The whole situation made all the weirder by the fact that all the records have been erased. The Hellions go to NYC and are met by the Mastermind, who immediately begins messing with them. He keeps changing the circumstances they see themselves in before taking all of them down and bringing them to where Sinister is… and another classic X-Men villain.
Wells knows how to structure a book very well. He's able to fit in the book's main plot while also following up on the various characters' plotlines- Nanny and Orphan-Maker's relationship has changed, partly because of the changes to Orphan-Maker since his resurrection and partly because of Nanny's new charge. Empath is messing with Havok because Empath is terrible. Wild Child is acting out because all of the women are ignoring him, and Sinister is playing his usual games, except this time, he's been outplayed. Wells is able to fit all of this in a couple of pages, building each character's personal story while also setting up the main plot.
Krakoa has always been a bit of a powder keg. Having the X-Men and all of their enemies living on one island is a recipe for disaster, one that so far has gone uncooked. Sinister has his little machinations, but so far, things haven't gotten really bad. Having a mutant like Mastermind on the island and free isn't a very good idea; his whole schtick is manipulating people, and he hates rules. Someone beating Sinister at his own game is great because Sinister needs to be taken down a notch, but if Mastermind is involved, things can get pretty bad, especially with the reveal of who he's working with at the end.
Segovia's art is great as always. This issue doesn't have any big action scenes, but it lets Segovia show off his character acting skills. When the Hellions find out Sinister was taken, their reaction is priceless- it goes from surprise to hilarity in a second, and Segovia captures it perfectly, as well as doing a great job with the scenes where Mastermind is using his powers on them.
Hellions #9 is a good issue. Wells shows that he can do a lot with his characters in a few pages, using his page space strategically. The main plot of the issue is pretty interesting as well, as Sinister is outsmarted and Mastermind just does exactly what he's known for doing. The surprise villain reveal at the end is pretty great as well, as it's a villain that hasn't been seen in a bit and is always fun when he shows up. Segovia's art is the icing on the cake, his character acting, selling the issue's moments admirably. Hellions #9 sets up a new storyline and does some cool character work.