Comic Book Review - Mystique #1

How to solve a problem like Mystique? 

Another week, and we’ve got yet another new X-Men-related release under the “From the Ashes…” umbrella. This time we’re catching up with Mystique as she aims to show the world why she is one mutant that should be feared. Holding Mystique’s reigns for this outing is Declan Shalvey, who takes the shape-shifting mutant into the espionage world of Nick Fury. 

How it all comes together? Well, come with me as I find out…

First off there’s very little story within this opening that gives away what exactly Mystique is up to. All we know is that she’s after something (or someone) called “Protozoa” and Maverick has intel on where this mysterious MacGuffin is located. As such we follow Mystique as she heads off to Germany to lure Maverick to her. Deciding to portray herself as Sabertooth, it isn’t long before Mystique and Maverick meet and a bloody - yet quick - battle ensues.

 

We then switch perspective to Nick Fury Jr as he’s bogged down with bureaucracy as he attempts to keep tabs on the mutants for the current incarnation of S.H.I.E.L.D. Seemingly being pressured by his superiors, the Fury we see here is a far cry from his past self. This is until Nick Fury Snr appears with some intel on a certain Raven Darkholme. What then follows is a game of spy vs spy as Fury Jr, and Mystique attempt to outwit each other.

Mystique #1 is quite a slow-paced opening act. While we do get a decent action sequence, the bulk of the issue tries to set up the title character's mission whilst simultaneously not giving much detail. However, that isn’t to say that there’s not a lot to enjoy here. There’s quite a degree of paranoia at play as we are dealing with a mutant who can be anyone. This does lead to some questions as to whether Fury Jr is being set up by Mystique rather than dealing with his pops. I think it’s a little too soon to go down this avenue, but it would make quite a twist in future issues.

When it comes to art, Shalvey shows he a jack of all trades as he takes on drawing his narrative as well as writing it. This isn’t any new for the veteran creator, and this way we get this comic exactly how it was originally conceived. The pacing is spot-on throughout and each page is a wash with various cell layouts and spreads that give everything a cinematic twist. While Mystique’s overall goal is quite a serious one, Shalvey does have a little fun when it comes to Maverick’s questioning. I won’t ruin the surprise but it’s a nice surprise that plays into the character shape shape-shifting persona. Colours come from Matt Hollingsworth who uses various tones and styles to differentiate between the moods in each scene. 

Overall while Mystique #1 sets off to a slow start, it’s got the makings of quite a thriller. The slow pacing allows for Shalvey to take his time in building up Mystique’s overall agenda, whilst simultaneously not giving too much away. While the other “From the Ashes…” series’ has the residents of Krakoa out there with a bang, Mystique gives us a more intimate glimpse into the next role of one of the mutant kinds more elusive characters.

Rating: 8/10

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