Comic Book Review - Mystique #2
There’s more tactical espionage action as Mystique discovers her Destiny…
The first issue of Declan Shalvey’s Mystique mini-series flew out of the starting blocks like a bullet from a gun. Not only did we see what Mystique has been up to post Krakoa, Shalvey added in an espionage angle as Nick Fury Jr is hot on her tail. With Destiny as the focus point of this second issue, it’s becoming clear as to Mystique’s motivation.
Eagle-eyed readers will already clock from the cover who Mystique is dealing with in this issue as she takes the fight to Avalanche. As former member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Shalvey taps into this shared past to make their confrontation a personal one. As the duo battle in the snowy wilderness, there are plenty of cameos from other mutants as Mystique utilises everyone in her shape-shifting arsenal to tackle Avalanche. Her battle is also powered by her love for Destiny which is heightened further as Shalvey uses Destiny’s voice to show how devoted the shapeshifter is to her lover.
The other side to this narrative is Nick Fury Jr. He deals with the internal politics of S.H.I.E.L.D. as he tangles with his boss, Maria Hill. Hill’s on her warpath as not only does Fury Jr have a very expensive and missing power suit in his position, but his actions are very close to becoming a rogue agent. With Fury Jr warned off chasing Mystique, he’s also forced to hand over his intel to Hill.
Writing-wise Shalvey continues the high-tempo style that he started with in the opening act. Mystique’s side of the adventure is quite intense as she gets involved in a big mutant slot fest, to then perform a little espionage of her own. The drama unfolds at a decent pace with Shalvey using Fury Jr as a way to break up the relentless pressure of Mystique’s mission. While Fury Jr’s own story may be a bit boring for some, its deliberately slow pace makes it just as intriguing. With both plots slowly entwining, this espionage thriller is going to be a good one.
Artwork continues to be the icing on the cake when it comes to this series. Here Shalvey has great fun exploring the shapeshifters' abilities with cameo appearances from some classic X-Men characters. Action sequences are well choreographed with a splash of eye-drawing detail, while the talking heads moments with Fury Jr and Hill slow things down for a more serious tone.
Overall Mystique #2 continues to build upon both characters' missions with an engaging mix of espionage action. While this issue does slow things down, it allows Declan Shalvey to explore more of Mystique’s thirst for answers, whilst slowly entwining Nicky Fury Jr and S.H.I.E.L.D. into the mix.
Rating: 8/10
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