Reviewing: The Hellfire Gala Variant Takeover pt. 2
Happy Holidays, folks! Hope everyone’s been keeping cozy and merry through both season and season pass. We’re back with Part 2 of our Hellfire Gala Variant coverage! This time we’re covering every other Hellfire Gala variant being released this month, and I’ll be giving my completely warranted and objective opinions on art. I’ll also spotlight a few variant covers we didn’t get— that I think definitely deserve a shot at Snap varianthood, down the line.
So, without further adieu.
Part 2: Getting Back To The Party
Now, back in part 1, I said we’d be returning to Mateus Manhanini very soon— and here we are, almost immediately. Manhanini is responsible for no less than 6 of the variants we’ve covered in Snap, 5 of which are below and 4 are brand-new, commissioned specifically for Snap. It’s no wonder why— there’s an appealing level of realism to his style, and he has a consistently strong grasp of powerful lighting to help bring the depth out in a piece, making him a perfect fit for the Hellfire Gala.
Original Cover: Snap Commission!
Artist: Mateus Manhanini
Starting strong, we’ve got the Spotlight Variant for the man of the hour himself: The Blob. (BLOB! BLOB! BLOB! BLOB!) Any art for Blob walks a line— veer too far, and you wade into the unfortunate territory of a bad fat joke. (Comics have certainly not always found themselves on the right side of that line.) But Manjanini understands the assignment, capturing Blob’s size while also giving him an air of distinction befitting any Gala attendee. The light blue lining is a refreshing break from some of the more common hues in the other variants, and the X-cross on the chain is a fun piece to center the viewer’s eye on. The pattern on his suit is a little nonsensical, but the rest of the piece holds it all together nicely for the most impactful card of the season so far.
Original Cover: Captain America: Symbol of Truth (2022) #2 (Variant)
Artist: Mateus Manhanini
This is the other sole existing cover we’re getting as a variant from Mahanini (with the first being Black Panther) and it fits right in with its compatriot, with lush colors and generous lighting giving Sam Wilson his most cinematic variant so far. Like T’Challa’s variant, Sam is in a reasonably traditional suit without too many embellishments, though it’s given proper pizazz by the broad lapel and shoulders and the Captain America colors. Rocking the shield, too, this makes for the third variant we’ve seen of Sam as Captain America, and it’s arguably the most eye-catching to boot. The light source here glints off that shield (where else!), and, combined with the eagle in the background, makes for an appropriately hopeful and heroic piece.
Original Cover: Snap Commission!
Artist: Mateus Manhanini
Any Season Pass player is going to be able to rock Manhanini’s take on Sebastian Shaw at the Gala, and it’s definitely a fine variant to have. Manhanini’s almost got his tongue in his cheek here— Shaw’s extravagance knows no bounds here, draped in a king’s cloak, covered in gold, and literally haloed like he’s a saint in a stained-glass window. It’s gloriously self-aggrandizing for the Black King, and he keeps his true nature confined to the darker elements of his outfit. It’s definitely a strong character piece for Shaw, and might be Manhanini’s most cohesive outfit for the Gala.
Original Cover: Snap Commission!
Artist: Mateus Manhanini
Selene’s not due to come out until next week, so just consider this a vision to torment your Spotlight Key planning— Manhanini’s behind her Spotlight variant as part of the Gala, and he gives her a sexy but tasteful take on the Black Queen’s function attire. Selene is a character whose look can often be boiled down to a corset or a dress and the color black (red optional)— standard vampire fare. But fancy as she might look on a normal day, Manhanini elevates her here, broadening her palette into a dark indigo under his trademark lighting and recontextualizing the red into a foreboding asymmetrical sleeve and cape. There’s a nod to her ordinary wardrobe in the garter belt showing here, too— the Black Queen might be at a civil event, but she’s certainly not changed. She’s just dressed to kill.
Original Cover: Snap Commission!
Artist: Mateus Manhanini
The latest Summers boy to hit the scene in Snap this week, Havok actually has not one but two different Gala variants! They’re different enough to earn their spots, too— Manhanini’s Spotlight Variant gives him a luscious diamond-quilted coat and a trademark concentric-circle pattern on the inside of his collar for this Snap-original design. It’s straightforward— specific enough to Havok with the colors and patterning, if not a little less daring than Dauterman and company’s Gala designs from the actual comics. I think many players will gravitate to Manhanini’s stark lighting and strong, stylized realism in his work; and players looking for that will certainly not be disappointed by this take on the younger Summers brother.
Original Cover: Legion of X (2022) #3 (Variant)
Artist: Russel Dauterman
Luckily for the indecisive, there’s another Havok Gala look around the corner, and this time it’s a bona-fide cut from Dauterman’s 2022 Hellfire Gala line! The concentric circles return (of course) but this look opts instead for jet-black leather and belts, complementing Havok’s self-lighting with a sheen. Dauterman is on colors as well— while there’s a pretty simple palette going on here, he navigates light on leather well without getting busy. This look takes chic in a different direction, and while it’s not radically out there like some of Dauterman’s other looks, it will certainly appeal to folks who want a less plush look. When it comes to fashion, you’ve got to love having options.
Original Cover: X-Men (2021) #12 (Variant)
Artist: In-Hyuk Lee
Not to be upstaged, the other Summers is also hitting the stage with a 2022 Gala fit, going breezy with draped coat over a loose shirt. In-Hyuk Lee’s design evokes Korean hanbok, with the ribbon at the waist and the shirt crossing over, and overall his style lends the piece some appropriately high-fashion gloss. In-Hyuk Lee’s brand of realism is almost cinematic, and while sometimes it feels a little too glossy for my personal taste, it works well here. I love Cyclops’ visor glow, and the outfit itself feels very tangible and thought-out. For anyone who bought the bundle purely for the variant, fear no judgment— Scott looks damn good here.
Original Cover: Ghost Rider (2022) #16 (Variant)
Artist: Gerald Parel
Ghost Rider’s 2023 Gala look is a bit simple: put frankly, he’s extra on-fire, and he’s got sunglasses on. And, honestly, I’m not usually mad at simplicity— but here, among a roster of bold and hard hitting looks, the Spirit of Vengeance does end up feeling a bit under-dressed. It’s similar to Scarlet Witch in Part 1, where the character’s ordinary look is a bit too close to the Gala outfit to really feel like a fashion statement. It’s a bit of a shame, because I normally love Gerald Parel’s work; the Rider is well rendered, and style-wise I enjoy Parel a lot. In fact, the other knock on this variant isn’t related to the piece itself; rather, like Rogue before, the frame break on the variant crops the top and bottom of the cover, which throws off the composition in a noticeable way. (We’re missing those great little ash flecks at his feet!) If these things don’t bother you, it’s a fun variant, but it's a far cry from the best looks at the Gala.
Original Cover: Fantastic Four (2022) #9 (Variant)
Artist: Oscar Vega
The Gala’s Ultimate Variant is none other than original X-Man Bobby Drake himself—rocking his look from the 2023 Gala, Iceman styles as a frosty driver, stepping out of a carved-ice car in a frosty vest and dress shirt combo. Like some of the other looks, it’s not as original or innovative a design as the best of them, but Vega has a perfectly serviceable style to match the grandeur of the Gala. The premise and composition is solid, and the ice car is a nice touch. I’m not sure if it’s something that grabs me as Ultimate-level (or, really, I’m sure that it doesn’t), but that’s such a deeply subjective thing it’s almost not worth saying. (I’ve lots of opinions on determining Art Value based on Second Dinner’s arbitrary pricing, but needless to say it’s more style-dictated than anything). If you want Bobby Drake in some Casino Royale attire, and you want it bad enough, this is the variant for you.
Original Cover: Daredevil (2022) #13 (Variant)
Artist: Javier Garrón
Colors: Francisco Martins de Souza
One of the more fun guest looks from the Gala this past year, Kingpin’s Caesar-esque look, complete with laurel, is a more specific take on gangland royalty than Manhanini’s Shaw, and that works to the piece’s favor. That the variant came in a $100 bundle alongside Parel’s Ghost Rider basically guarantees both will be very rare, but in this case the variant is quite fitting. I especially like the dark fur to offset the gold accents (thanks to de Souza’s smart colors), and the whole pose pushes Fisk’s imposing, large proportions into a rectangle of power without going beyond the believably real. A fittingly lavish variant for both its character and its bundle!
Original Cover: Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2022) #8 (Variant)
Artist: Bernard Chang
Colors: Marcelo Maiolo
Bernard Chang’s design for Miles this past Hellfire Gala has lots of strong thought in it, and I love the upside-down posing as he enters Krakoa— but I think the parts all add up to something a little less, on the whole. The sneakers are fun and youthful, but they feel at odds with the more aristocratic-looking tailcoat. (Some people might gripe about the coattails pretty obviously defying gravity, but I’ll never take away points for prioritizing cool over realistic.) The suit-jacket incorporates the spider nicely, and the colors are great, but the glasses on top of the Spider-Man mask feels a little gaudy. These are individual decisions that I like and even love, but for me they don’t quite come together. Still, it’s a swing for something more out there, which I’ll never begrudge.
Original Cover: X-Men: Hellfire Gala 2023 #1 (Variant)
Artist: Mashal Ahmed
After all the smoke has cleared surrounding her controversial entrance into the X-corner of the universe, and after her explosive arrival onto the scene as Snap’s latest premier 4-drop, I think the dust has cleared and left the Marvel Universe with just that much more Kamala— which, really, is always welcome. And if Miles’ Gala fit leaves a little to be desired, Kamala wears her 2023 look gracefully, with Mashal Ahmed giving her an elegant dress and shirt combo that incorporates her iconic palette and logo tastefully. I especially love the red fabric texture and its weight contrasted with the rest. The look is a change of pace for Kamala’s ordinary pluck, and it ends up a natural fit.
Original Cover: Ultimate Invasion (2023) #2 (Variant)
Artist: Lucas Werneck
One of the Season Pass variants, Professor X steps onto the scene in Lucas Werneck’s capable hands: well-drawn, but, perhaps, understated. The big ol’ Cerebro permanently affixed to Charles’ dome is an attention grabber for a reason— it conveys a sense of both power and mystery, obscuring his visage and replacing it with a machine of power. He also wears it @#$!ing everywhere, which makes it a bit less of a fashion statement. The cape and shirt, while nice, are far in the background compared to Cerebro, which means that, while he’s dressed for the occasion, Professor X doesn’t stand out among the other attendees. Still, it’s a solid variant; I very much enjoy Werneck’s art, and it’s a cool almost evergreen alternate look for Xavier’s Krakoan-Era look.
Original Cover: Thor Annual (2023) #1 (Variant)
Artist: David Marquez
Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Thor’s Hellfire Gala attire for 2023 is yet another swing at a design for visiting royalty, and where Kingpin and Shaw scrabble and backstab for their claim to power, Thor is the real deal. He’s got a much more relaxed look, with an X-motif to honor his hosts and a general billowing, effortless fit that matches a truly well-adjusted Asgardian King and lets him flex a bit to boot. (Thor’s had a rough go, but he seems in good spirits, recently.) The fit conveys wisdom and ease without falling into much of the pomp and circumstance other ‘royal’ looks at the Gala have rocked, and perfectly fits Thor’s vibe at this stage in his maturity. (The cane helps.) As the Conquest variant, many will get this one incidentally, but it’s a great one to have, showcasing a different side to the God of Thunder.
Original Cover: Immortal X-Men (2022) #4 (Variant)
Artist: Meghan Hetrick
Honestly, I’m damn close to saying we’ve saved the best for last— because, frankly, we’ve saved the best for last. Emma Frost murders her Gala outfit every year, but Hetrick’s design deserves special attention. The entire dress taps Emma’s trademark sex appeal (the White Queen has never been a prude) but also steers away from any predictable fare for Emma, instead utilizing the X-motif present in all the designs prominently and elegantly, revealing in some places while leaving others fully covered. (The shoulder pads into full sleeves are great.) Emma herself looks great under Hetrick’s pen and colors: straightened white hair and gold lipstick is a good look for Emma, especially complemented by the background colors. Season Pass variants are often a win, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise— but this White Queen variant might be my favorite so far.
(Bonus points to Hetrick’s original design accounting for wearability, allowing for cosplayers while also lending extra tangibility to the costume. I couldn’t resist sneaking some of those in here, because I think it’s damn cool design work!)
Snubs!
Like any high-class fashion event, there will be snubs in the mix. After all, there are only so many variants, and, frankly, no shortage of Hellfire Gala covers and designs from the past 3 years. But there’s no reason more Gala variants might find their way to Snap down the line, whether through another takeover or not. After all, there have already been variants from the Hellfire Gala in the game!
So what Hellfire Gala looks got snubbed this time around? Which ones deserve a spot?
I’ve a couple in mind…
Original Cover: Wolverine (2020) #22 (Variant)
Artist: Russel Dauterman
At the top of my list, I think this punk-rock look from Laura’s 2022 Gala look by Dauterman was criminally missed— it’s got such great attitude and energy! I love the visual call-back to both Wolverine’s classic mask and the tiger-stripes on his costume, tied together by that wonderful primary yellow and black, while the studded boots pop in yellow and evoke Laura’s iconic foot-claws— this is a Wolverine that’s successfully taken the mantle and made it her own. The pink paint-splash in the background acts as a larger than life shadow for Laura, and her expression brings personality to both Laura and her outfit. Needless to say, this has to come to Snap at some point. Please!
Original Cover: X-Factor (2020) #10 (Variant)
Artist: Miguel Mercado
Miguel Mercado’s Forge wasn’t the only piece he’s done for the Hellfire Gala before, and he brought his painterly realism to a real challenging design for Polaris in 2021— wearing a dress that looks like flowing liquid metal, befitting the daughter of Magneto herself. Her iconic green tint is dictating the whole piece, and Mercado weaves it so expertly into the lighting it keeps the hue from getting anywhere close to one note. I said it last article, but I really can’t get enough of Miguel Mercado's lively realism, and a second Hellfire Gala variant would be as good a reason as any to bring him back around.
Original Cover: A.X.E. Judgment Day Omega (2022) #1 (Variant)
Artist: David Nakayama
Nakayama’s no stranger to Snap, and he’s certainly no stranger to the Hellfire Gala— so how strange is it that his only Gala variant is the quite-exclusive Promo-Track Magik pictured above? Nakayama has brought a stylish level of fun to variant covers with his faux-magazine covers for the Gala, and the textless versions are terrifically high-quality character-centered pieces that would draw buyers in Snap in droves. Here, we’ve got Psylocke with her hair up in a dress that evokes Kwannon’s signature psychic energy— if it isn’t just flat out using it! The pink helps this riff on Psylocke’s classic look pop, and the creative and fun incorporation of her powers is exactly what mutant high fashion ought to do. Bring on the Nakayama Gala variants, Second Dinner! You’ve done it once, there’s no reason not to do more!
Special Mention
Original Cover: Spider-Man (2022) #10 (Variant)
Artist: Stephanie Hans
The Hellfire Gala is missing a partygoer, courtesy of a last-minute cancellation— Firestar is nowhere to be seen after a curious deletion from datamines late in November! She was an exciting and powerful card that I’m sure will make a return— but in the meanwhile, what better place to hype up a terrific Gala piece by Stephanie Hans, whose Firestar is, by my estimate, the best Firestar in the business. Now, Firestar had both a Gala variant by Manhanini and another variant by Hans already datamined— but if we’re going to bring back Spider-Man’s Amazing Friend at a later date, there’s zero reason not to tap into this wonderfully designed Gala outfit for 2023’s Gala. The flames wreathing her cloak make the dark colors really work, giving Angelica a refreshing darker palette without sacrificing her fiery presence. I can forgive Firestar’s absence, but another Stephanie Hans variant to smooth it over when she does come out would sure be sweet.
And That Wraps Us Up!
Even without Albums, the Hellfire Gala Takeover was possibly the largest infusion of themed variants done in a season so far. (I could check, but time of writing as of now is Christmas Eve, so I’m going to settle for ‘possibly’ here.) With a combination of A-game original commissions and a cream of the crop in back-issue variants, I’m ultimately very pleased with this season’s variant game. And while there’s been lots of controversy and buzz surrounding albums, variants, and other cosmetic monetization concerns, I’m ultimately mostly glad I can see some more terrific art and artists get some attention on a platform as big as Snap. Any chance to introduce more artists to people and more people to artists is a win— and Second Dinner’s willingness to do a big deep-dive into a recent Marvel event like this gives me hope for future inclusion of other wonderful artists. And on that note, happy holidays all, players, readers, and otherwise— I hope you’ve enjoyed this little nerdy art deep-dive as much as I have. And if you’re interested in more— whether it be covering existing variants or covering covers and art you’d like to be variants— let me know! I’d sincerely love to do more.
And from the snap.fan writing squad— Happy New Year!
