Will Inferno Squad Show Up in Bounty Hunters #31 or #32? [Spoilers]

Ok, this is going to be an odd post. I’ve talked ad nauseam about Iden Versio and Inferno Squad’s first comic appearance. I’ve speculated on multiple issues that COULD be considered their first comic appearance. I think we have an answer… and not everyone will agree on it.

Check out all variants for every issue of Star Wars: Bounty Hunters, Hidden Empire, and Revelations on the Drunk Wooky Hidden Empire Checklist here.

Well, this past week I was able to get Bounty Hunters #31 (out this week) and was sent a special sneak peek preview of Bounty Hunters #32 (out next month) and I can confidently say that Inferno Squad is officially here. I’ll share spoilers about those issues below and then explain the conundrum.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #31

I won’t go into the plot of the issue but I will say that Inferno Squad officially appears directly in a storyline, and have lines, on the final page of the issue.

It’s kind of tough to read in that picture but Iden Version is essentially just announcing the Inferno Squad’s presence in the arc.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #32

So about a week ago, some retailers got an exclusive sneak 8-page sneak-peek at Bounty Hunters #32. That preview shows clear as day that the Inferno Squad will be heavily featured in the issue as they show up on multiple pages and have a direct role in the plot.

So which one is their “First appearance?

That’s where things get dicey. Their first appearance (using the literal definition) is well before Bounty Hunters #31 or #32. The inferno squad has actually shown up in two comics before this and on a variant cover. Here’s a breakdown of everything related to the Infer Squad.

Iden Version First Cover Appearance – Bounty Hunters #28 Taurin Clarke Variant

Iden Versio actually showed up on the cover of the Taurin Clarke “Revelations” variant for Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #28.

While she’s not in the comic it’s clear as day Iden Versio and had been confirmed by the artist that it is indeed her.

First Cameo Appearance – Star Wars: Hidden Empire #1

Then in November Iden Versio and the Inferno Squad were seen in the background during a Qi’ra monologue in Star Wars: Hidden Empire #1.

And look, I know not everyone agrees with the distinction between full and cameo appearances. I understand both sides of the argument. I’m just going off what I believe the market will call the issues.

Ok, so I think we’re pretty clear on first cover appearance and first cameo appearance…

But what is their first full appearance. Here are the options and why or why not I think they will be considered a full appearance.

Star Wars: Revelations #1

This book came out a week later than Star Wars: Hidden Empire #1 but includes Iden Version being the center of attention and being named directly on page.

Since they are named some may call this their first full appearance while others still don’t think it’s significant enough to be called a “full appearance.”

Then we get to present day…

Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #31

I already mentioned this above. Iden Versio and the Inferno Squad show up for the first time directly in a story. Not just a mention but in the story and speaking lines. Some will consider this to be their first appearance but others will say they were still only on a single panel on a single page.

And then there is Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #32.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #32

As I mentioned above there is no doubt that the Inferno Squad show up significantly for the first time throughout an entire issue in Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #32.

The fact that they show up significantly throughout the entire issue will cause many to call this Iden Versio, Dell Meeko, and Gideon Hask’s (Inferno Squad) first full comic appearance.

Others will say that they already “appeared” in multiple comics so this can’t be their first full appearance.

And everyone would be right. The term first full appearance and cameo appearances can be subjective and the one you value most should be the one that you buy. Don’t listen to what I tell you is their first. Don’t listen to Key Collector Comics. Listen to what you like and what you think.

That being said… here’s what I think?

Conclusion: What Are The Key Issues For The Inferno Squad?

I think it’s pretty clear that the first cover appearance is the Bounty Hunters #28 “Revelations” variant and the first “cameo” appearance is Star Wars Hidden Empire #1.

While I get the urge to think otherwise I think the market will ultimately crown Bounty Hunters #32 the first full appearance of all of the three main members of the Inferno Squad. Not only is it their first full issue being in a comic story it also has an iconic cover in the Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #32 “Inferno Squad variant by Rachael Stott.

It certainly feels like this is the issue that Marvel and Lucasfilm have chosen to be considered their first appearances. And regardless of any one opinion, I think the market will agree with them.

That’s all for now.

You can check out all of the variants for all issues of Revelations, Hidden Empire and Bounty Hunters on the Drunk Wooky Hidden Empire Variant Checklist.

For light and life!

Grand Admiral Frik