Warning: contains spoilers for Sentinels #2Marvel’sX-Menare known for their iconic fashion choices and fierce heroic costumes, but one monstrous mutant is finally called out inSentinels#2for having the worst fashion at Marvel…the despicable Sebastian Shaw. Former leader of the Hellfire Club’s Inner Circle,Sebastian is stuck living out an aristocratic fantasy that has failed him time and time again, all while looking like a total fool in a waistcoat and frilly cravat.
Sebastian Shaw, a mutant with kinetic absorption abilities, was introduced in 1979’sX-Men#129 asthe charismatic and pretentious Black King of the Hellfire Club, a villainous role he held for many years andlorded over former Hellfire member Emma Frost.
Sentinels#2, from writer Alex Paknadel with artists Justin Mason and Federico Blee, seesthe Sentinel task forceinflitrating a high-security Bagalia prison to capture Shaw and bring him to Graymalkin Prison. Just as the impressively powerful Shaw is about to murder Voivod,his teammate Sawtooth smashes into Sebastian, hilariously screaming:
Sebastian Shaw’s Hellfire Club Was Based On Real-World Aristocratic Groups
Delusions of power, prestige, and influence have kept Shaw stagnant
The wealthy, obnoxious Sebastian Shaw is always seen either entirely shirtless, or wearing a ridiculous Colonial-inspired outfit, that looks so wildly uncomfortable. When Shaw was first introduced, his “costume” made a lot of sense, since he was the perennial leader of the Hellfire Club, a bougie Gentleman’s Club based off ofthe real life Hellfire Clubs from 18th Century Great Britain. These aristocratic organizations were filled with the “movers and shakers” of Britain, and all wore similar cravat, waistcoats, and suits. Shaw’s creators Chris Claremont and John Byrne based Marvel’s Hellfire Club on these historical groups, as well as the popular episode “A Touch of Brimstone” from the 1960s TV spy showThe Avengers.
The X-Men’s Hellfire Club Was Inspired By BRITAIN’s Avengers
The Hellfire Club are classic X-Men villains - but they were actually inspired by a British TV series called The Avengers.
However, not only has the Hellfire Club outgrown the tired old Victoria-era garb, but Sebastian Shaw is not even leading the club any longer. Most recently, the Hellfire Club was owned by Tony Stark, and then Wilson Fisk, yet Shaw has continued to wear his ridiculous costume for years. He really does look like a character from Lin Manuel Miranda’s popular Broadway musicalHamilton, and at this pointit feels like Shaw is just a super niche 18th Century cosplayer, with no real identity. Yes, Shaw almost always finds his way into a position of leadership wherever he goes, but that does not mean he needs to continue dressing like a stuffy Lord with an entourage of servants.
Marvel Really Needs To Update Sebastian’s Entire Vibe
“Old school” barely scratches the surface…
If Sebastian Shaw is ever to be taken seriously as a real villain, or even a reluctant mutant antihero, Marvel seriously needs to update his look, even if it means making him look like a stuffy aristocrat from the 19th Century instead of the 18th. However, in truth, amajor appeal of the Sebastian Shaw character is that he is so ridiculous, and so easy to make fun of, so it is doubtful that Marvel will update such an iconic and instantly recognizable costume.
As of now it appears thatthe Marvel Universe is stuck with Sebastian Shaw looking like a real “Hamilton-looking Mother#$&$&!!!“and to be honest, at least that is better than him just walking around fighting theX-Menshirtless with his chest stuck out all day every day.
