New writer Sean McKeever does an excellent job of providing an accessible jumping-on point for new readers here, and I remain impressed with the potential in the title character as the main player in an espionage genre. The more realistic leanings in the artist's style suits the non-super-hero qualities of the book nicely as well. In and of itself, this is a satisfying and exciting read, but there's something nagging at me. In the overall context of the series, there doesn't seem to be much different about this title. Almost everything remains the same, and the only new element -- Mystique's counter-offer to work against Professor X -- doesn't advance at all here.
Mystique returns to the United States, and even though he's now operating out of Genosha, Professor X still makes contact with the shape-shifting mutant in order to give her a new mission. It seems that a European cosmetics maker that's made a major breakthrough in treating skin conditions is rumored to have done so at the expense of mutant test subjects. Yep, forget about bunnies and lab mice; cosmetics are now being tested on mutants. Xavier assigns Mystique to investigate, and if the rumors prove to be true, to expose the company's illegal activities to the media.
Garcia's work elicits easy comparisons to the styles of Adam (Rose and Thorn) Hughes and and Karl (Route 666) Moline. He brings an appropriately dark tone to key scenes, and he captures the title character's exotic and sensual appeal. His figures are a bit on the sketchy side at times, though. I love how the coloring is used to set apart Professor X's psychic projection. His movements are those of someone who is physically present, but the colors grant him a ghostly quality.
The plot is a little on the heavy-handed side. Cosmetics testing is a little over the top, but I like that Mystqieu is now playing in a corporate playground. I also appreciated the fact that her cockiness gets her in over her head rather quickly, that these regular folks actually pose a threat to her.
As much fun as the notion of the title character as a secret mutant agent is, there is a distinct impression that the title is just spinning its wheels. This follows the formula established early on in the series rather closely. Furthermore, while the plot reigns supreme, we don't get much in the way of characterization here. Mystique doesn't seem to be growing in her new role.
