Before I go on, I feel it is my duty to highly recommend to everyone who reads this to get the back Issues of Mystique. Vaughn’s writing in the first part of the series, besides being incredibly good, gives new life to an old and important character in the Marvel U. Mystique as the focus of the comic becomes deeper and more meaningful to the reader than ever before. We get to see her, not only a smirking villain, but as a hero and a very conflicted individual that only becomes more intriguing as the story continues. The series starts off with the heavily detailed and almost classically lined artwork of Jorge Lucas. Though sometimes a bit choppy, Lucas begins Mystiques debut in the spotlight with a classic look, as it should be.

Enter Michael Ryan (penciler) and Matt Milla (colorist). At issue seven begins the story arc “Tinker, Tailor, Mutant Spy,” and also begins the artwork of Ryan and Milla. Ryan’s style of artwork is one of the best I have ever seen. The clear lines and amazing shading, not to mention the attention to detail, all create a wonderful environment to match Vaughn’s writing. Mystique has never looked so good, and more than a little credit should go to Milla for this fact. Taking the already excellent artwork of Ryan; Milla applies such an aptitude for coloring that Mystique looks more like a painting. This comic book art shines with such luminescence that it is sometimes like looking at a stained glass window.

Currently doing the artwork for Mystique are Manuel Garcia (penciler) and Raul Fernandez (inker). Yet again, Mystique receives the rock star treatment with this intrepid team or artists. Starting on Issue 11, Garcia’s drawings have a more modern style than any of the previous artists. What is most impressive about Garcia are his people. Each character is unique and shows intense detail of expression and motion. Garcia and Fernandez also have an ability to show movement and action that few posses. Frame by frame, the pictures seem to flow more than jump, and every punch, kick, explosion, and shift by Mystique gives the reader a true since of their impact. Also it should be noted that the cover art for issues #11 and on by Matt Mayhew as some of the best I have ever seen. I highly recommend you check them out if you doubt me.

Mystique #22 is the third Issue in the story arc “Quiet.” This story arc is the conclusion of what has been the main plot in the Mystique series so far. Mystique, in an earlier issue, was forced into the service of Charles Xavier in return for her protection from the satellite wielding searchers and lonely fanboys that hunt her worldwide. But during her service, Shepard who is working for the mysterious “Quiet Man" approaches her with an offer. In return for her freedom from Xavier, Shepard enlists Mystique as a double agent. (See the story arc “Unnatural” which is very, very good and also written by McKeever) The story arc “Quiet” begins when Mystique finally agrees to kill Xavier as her last job for the “Quiet Man.” McKeever (writer) picks up the spirit of Mystique in spectacular fashion. I was worried when Vaughn stepped down, but my fears were unfounded. McKeever shows us a more vicious and ruthless Mystique, and leads the reader into a slow but tangible tension as Shepard and the Quiet Man play both Mystique and Short Pack (Mystiques minuscule X-field agent) in a tangled and unknown plot. Under the word- weaving of McKeever, the plot of Mystique becomes ever more twisted, as Mystique’s unknown intentions become ever more sinister. Will she kill Xavier and gain her freedom, or is she actually the one playing the “Quiet Man?” I honestly don’t know. So I guess we all just have to wait for the next Issue.

-Fumanchu