REVIEW: ‘Mystique’ Issue #1

Mystique #1 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written and illustrated by Declan Shalvey, with colors by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Clayton Cowles. This is part of the “From the Ashes” relaunch of the X-books. Mystique begins hunting for information after the fall of Krakoa, but a reborn S.H.I.E.L.D. is also tracking her down.

The structure of Mystique #1 is brilliant, setting up this spy thriller from both sides. There is Mystique, a shapeshifter and spy with unknown allegiances at the present moment. She begins with an attack on a mutant mercenary, Maverick. It’s an entertaining beginning filled with surprises and one-upmanship. This thriller is both hysterical and thrilling simultaneously, with the biggest entertainment stemming from the shapeshifting, with a surprise every time it is used.

It’s a violent and bloody comic that can suddenly increase its pace on a dime to deliver a fantastic fight scene. S.H.I.E.L.D. is only just reforming, and the bureaucracy and budget problems are an interesting piece of satire by Shalvey. Their threat level is minimal initially, gradually increasing by the end of the issue. The action is most explosive by this stage, and a dramatic ending will have devastating consequences.

The characters are superb in Mystique #1. The most interesting part is the title character. Spending more time with her means the reader can see more detail in her shapeshifting. Part of her power revolves around confusion and manipulation. So it is funny to see her sometimes get things wrong, information of personal entails that blow her cover. Often, Mystique is viewed through the eyes of her enemies, which makes her cold and unnerving.

Maverick knows Mystique well, so her trickery attempts lead to some hilarious and intense standoffs. The switches are purposefully confusing. Other soldiers have accompanied Maverick on his mission, and they end up suffering the most from the misdirections. During a montage, Mystique shows her ability to change vocal patterns and how transforming alters her personality.

On the other side of Mystique #1 is Nick Fury Jr, son of the great spy himself. The man has fallen far down in the depths of the new S.H.I.E.L.D. It is enjoyable to see the classic faces of Marvel’s premier spy agency trying to rebuild, hampered by budgetary restraints.

The art is immaculate. Shalvey’s demonstration of shapeshifting is mesmerising. Often, the faces are half and half, with one pupilless eye representing Mystique. Every time she transforms, the forms aren’t quite finished. There is undulated, writhing flesh still moving, which is creepy and unsettling. So not only does Shalvey create other characters, famous figures from the past of both Maverick and Mystique, but there is always something not quite right about them. Mystique looks fantastic. She looks serious and intimidating, with her mouth sometimes obscured, so all you can see is those blank eyes.

S.H.I.E.L.D. has gone from helicarriers to office buildings, normalising and grounding the once grand organisation. This is a bloodthirsty issue, too, with both characters being violent villains with little care for life. The injuries look painful and visceral.

The colors are wonderfully atmospheric. Mystique #1 is a dark issue that makes flat tones look realistic and authentic. Mystique’s blue skin has a deep shade that better represents flesh and is often the only blue on the page. The other color that marks this issue is red, which can be seen coming out of people in vast quantities. During the office and outside scenes, the book has more intense brightness. The lettering is clear and very easy to read.

Mystique #1 is a spectacle from Shalvey. The creator is becoming quite the auteur, establishing himself as a fantastic writer and artist. This creepy, scintillating spy thriller makes the shapeshifting mutant the star of the show, making her scary and unsettling once again. Her ruthless streak makes her terrifying, even to the most fearsome secret agents and mercenaries. At the same time, the reinvention of S.H.I.E.L.D. makes this issue important for the future of the Marvel Universe as a whole.

Mystique #1 is available where comics are sold.