The iconic X-Men villain gets a new solo series featuring the talents of star creator Declan Shalvey in Mystique: Most wanted. How do you track a subject with a history that contradicts itself? How do you stop a force whose motives change like quicksilver? How do you stop a target who can be anyone? That’s the question that confronts Nick Fury as he stumbles upon a web of lies and espionage leading back to Mystique.
With the Krakoa era of X-Men at an end, many of the X-Men cast have found themselves on the run, in hiding or it vastly different situations than they were when they had their own island nation. Mystique is no different, having fallen substantially from her position as one of the Quiet Council of Krakoa and is now on the hunt for her greatest love Destiny. All whilst being pursued by Nick Fury Jr. who is having his own problems at S.H.I.E.L.D. to the point where his position is in jeopardy.
The new line of X-Men titles have managed to do well in differentiating each other through different casts of characters, settings and scenarios. This series is no different in that regard as it stands out by being a straight up espionage thriller. The big hook is the cat and mouse chase between Mystique and Nick Fury Jr. which makes up the majority of the story.
Shalvey has experience with both writing Nick Fury and espionage style stories, so he is a natural fit. Fury’s attempt to piece together Mystique’s past to try and establish her motives and current location make for some gripping moments. Whilst the espionage thriller themes are prominent, this is still an action comic. Shalvey doesn’t forget this as he brings together some brilliant sequences whilst making use of the rich X-Men lore with the likes of the Sentinels and former Weapon X operative Maverick getting moments to shine.
But the main selling point of a Shalvey series will always be his art. He has always had a keen sense of design in both characters and page layout (as seen in his stellar work on Moon Knight). Whilst he is working with established characters, he leaves his mark on them and they all benefit from his brilliant action sequences and ability to build suspense. As a creator who started as an artist, he has a strong grasp on how to structure both comic stories and pages, so it is encouraging to see how well he has adapted to the writing side of the creative process.
This is a brilliant spy thriller that stands out from the other X-titles whilst also being a perfect showcase for Declan Shalvey’s talents. This is one X-fans will not want to miss.
Mystique: Most Wanted is out now from Marvel (9781302960193, p/b, £16.99)
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