Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Era #11, Part 09: Unnatural (Mystique)

Grade: B

Mystique's next mission for Professor Xavier takes her to Europe to investigate rumors that a large biotech firm is illegally using mutants to test experimental cosmetics. Tensions continue to grow between Mystique and Shortpack, her field handler, as the trail leads to a deeper conspiracy that includes mutant trafficking and an unsettling revelation that hits close to home for the shape-shifting mutant terrorist turned reluctant spy. 

Sean McKeever takes over the title and keeps the tone and stories consistent with Brian K. Vaughan. I think he does a slightly better job portraying Mystique's more unpredictable and nonconformist side (rather than as a roguish anti-hero), but his portrayal of Shortpack seems to shift direction without much explanation. As for the plot, mutant slave trades and corporate exploitation are not new material in the X-Men books, but I appreciated that this one was a little more grounded. I was also intrigued by the Quiet Man storyline that is slowly played out in the background. 

While this was not an especially memorable run, it was a fun read. 

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