Warning: comments below contain spoilers.
It’s hard to say too much about this title, which is smack in the middle of an ongoing caper arc. I picked it up based on Sean McKeever being assigned to writing chores. I loved his late, lamented INHUMANS run, and I was eager to try his work on another title. Happily, he’s still telling the kind of complex and balanced stories that won me over in his past work.
Mystique continues her investigation of DermaFree, in part because they’re using unwilling mutants as test subjects, but mostly because they’ve gotten their hands on her own stem cells. The issue is a solid blend of action sequences, mutant-themed espionage, and touches of humor.
Art by Manuel Garcia is just what a title like this needs. He draws distinct faces and body types, which is pretty much a prerequisite for a comic about a shape-shifter. He also excels at action sequences, keeping chaotic, fast-paced events clear and dramatic.
I’m kind of surprised Mystique works as well as she does as the book’s protagonist. She’s had some fairly inconsistent characterization over the years, but the take here is just about perfect. Still selfish and caustic, she’s also pretty dedicated to the well being of other mutants. There’s an undercurrent of unpredictability, too; she may work for Xavier, but she’s obviously far from being fully domesticated.
Special bonus points: this book has the best “Previously” page going. With fairly twisty plots being the norm, that’s really useful.