It’s clear that Marvel has been leaning more and more into awesome female superheroes lately, and the upcoming Mystique series will only strengthen that trend. Sometimes hero, more often villain, Declan Shalvey is trying to give Mystique the focus she deserves, especially given her importance in the era of Krakoa. Now, in the From the Ashes era, the character is all about espionage, working behind the scenes to protect mutants and keep them safe. Having received a preview copy, I couldn’t help but share my thoughts on this fantastic first issue:
From the very first panel, it’s clear that Mystique #1 benefits from Shalvey’s writing and drawing of the series. While the story narrows in on a location deep in the woods, with a direct threat just outside the door and a figure inside silently waiting, the visuals draw the reader in before the story launches off to a new location.
As with any good spy story, there are plenty of transitions. Mystique’s ability to take on the appearance of anyone makes her well suited to espionage. Her first appearance involves a famous mutant and there’s plenty of action. Shalvey reminds us that she’s not just good at sneaking around, she’s good at fighting too. She’s agile, well thought out, and there are some great transition moments before the story moves on to a new setting. If you like Mystique as a rogue warrior, you’ll love Shalvey’s portrayal of her.
Credit: Marvel
The story also introduces Nick Fury Jr. in a new role that many can relate to – no longer a top-level officer, but handling paperwork and accidentally stumbling upon Mystique’s case. Shalvey expertly uses the character to not only add a government element to the espionage story, but also to provide a broader understanding of what S.H.I.E.L.D. is up to in the Marvel Universe. This gives the book a broader scope and makes it an important piece to the larger universe rather than just an isolated X-Men comic.
If you’re worried that Mystique is purely good, know that she’s done one or two extreme but heroically immoral things, and she doesn’t have a “no kill” rule.
Every good spy story has its MacGuffins and twists and turns. If this story has a weakness, it’s that it follows familiar tropes. It’s easy to guess how it will play out. But the art elevates it above par, with Shalvey delivering some of the neatest art of his career to date. When Mystique transforms into other mutants, you believe they’re there.
Matt Hollingsworth nails the colors in this issue, creating the perfect backdrop for the characters to pop out from. The color usage is particularly outstanding, for example in the underwater shots, where the water’s surface changes from dark blues to vibrant yellows.
Mystique #1 is a comic that everyone can enjoy, with its strong use of the title character and depiction of the state of S.H.I.E.L.D. The strong visuals and thrilling storyline create an atmosphere of adventure and mystery.
Mystique Volume 1 is a good thriller
Mystique #1
Mystique #1 is a comic that everyone can enjoy, with its strong use of the title character and depiction of the state of S.H.I.E.L.D. The strong visuals and thrilling storyline create an atmosphere of adventure and mystery.
The clean art style is a perfect fit for this tale of shape-shifting powers
The espionage aspect makes this a thrilling spy story.
Even if you’re not an X-Men fan, I think it’s worth keeping an eye on as it relates to the SHIELD situation.
It certainly plays with familiar tropes in the genre.
