Over at the remnants of the Tsunami line, Mystique concludes its second storyline.  Quite why the story is called "Tinker, Tailor, Mutant, Spy" still isn't entirely clear, since it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the central plot about a mutant smallpox virus.

Of course, the title refers to John Le Carre's novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.  I've never read it, and the BBC version was before my time, but I gather it involved an investigation into the identity of a mole within British intelligence.  Double agents, in other words.  Vaughan has been pushing the book in that direction with the Quiet Man subplot, where Mystique is offered the chance to doublecross Xavier and hook up with somebody who claims to support her politics - but who might be lying.

That storyline advances very nicely in this issue, as Mystique tentatively explores her options while remaining very sceptical about the whole thing.  And then Vaughan throws in a nicely unexpected swerve at the end, by revealing one of the supporting cast to be in on the plot as well.  That sets up plenty of possibilities for the future.

It's a fantastic subplot.  The main plot, however, has basically been an extended fight scene for the last couple of issues.  Rather than take the obvious weapons of mass destruction route with the genetically engineered smallpox, Vaughan has used them as a device to introduce his character the Host, a woman who believes herself to be guarding the rights of poor innocent viruses.  It's not really quite as good an idea as it first seems, because she's obviously just nuts and the moral point is superficial at best.  But Vaughan's managed to get an entertaining couple of issues out of the fight scene.

The art, shot straight from Michael Ryan's pencils, is also impressive.  Admittedly, the colours are perhaps a little over saturated.  But they do blend nicely with the pencil shading to give a real sense of depth to the art.

Good solid fun.

Rating: B+

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