Another ongoing series written by Brian K. (Y: The Last Man) Vaughan? Sign me up. Vaughan's inventive writing peeks through in this issue, but it doesn't quite grab my attention as well as it did on Y, and the characterization that blew me away in the first issue of Runaways isn't really here either. But there's a strong premise in the works here, and some sharp dialogue. I'm not as taken with the art, though, as at times, Lucas falls into a Kewl/Image style that works against the mature tone of the script rather than with it.
Having mutant super-heroes in yellow and black uniforms, saving the world in front of the cameras is all well and good, but sometimes, saving lives requires finesse and discretion. One such specialist holds the fate of many in her hand, but standing in her way is a ruthless, cold man with great power. She is lost, and the critical timing requires someone to take her place, and the leading candidate to play the role of heroine is a terrorist and villain wanted by the law the world over. She is Mystique.
The most impressive visual component of the book is the outstanding coloring job by Studio F. The textured hues bring depth and realism to this fantastic story. Lucas's artwork stuns as well when it comes to bringing the various settings -- Moscow, Baltimore, Washington -- to life, but I was a bit disappointed in this Barbie-doll depiction of the female characters. They're impossibly elongated and ridiculously underdressed. The cover makes it clear that sexuality will be an important element of this series, but it could at least be plausibly woven into it. Those gratuitous moments eclipse the strengths of Lucas's linework.
The notion of a mutant spy working for a cause rather than a government is a logical extension of the X-Men concept, and Vaughan sets the premise out clearly, whetting the reader's appetite for more in the way of mature espionage storytelling a la Queen & Country. I also love his take on the flexibility and unconventional applications of the title character's mutant ability.
I don't know if Vaughan plans on making Forge a permanent supporting cast member, but his appearance here really doesn't add a lot to this first issue. He seems to be here only to create a plot device to connect Mystique with her new purpose. I hope Vaughan has more in mind, because it would be nice for the character to be more than the guy who makes the magical machine that solves Problem X or Crisis Y.
This book is all about misdirection. The title character's powers -- which most folks should know about, thanks to the big-screen incarnations of the X-Men and company -- keep the reader on his or her toes. One never knows if any particular character is really who s/he seems to be, and it effectively drenches the book in suspense.
