Mystique is shipping twice this month, presumably in order to keep whatever momentum it gets from Reload.

New writer Sean McKeever is sticking to the established format - lots of action and a bit of conspiracy around the sides.  And it's working well for him.  Last issue, he set up Mystique against evil manufacturers of skincare products.  By most standards, that's a rather odd choice of villain, but thematically, it makes a certain degree of sense for Mystique.

This issue, we find out that it's not just a thematic connection.  The baddies are working off Mystique's own cell samples.  But nobody told her that when she was being briefed - so is it all just a surprising coincidence, or is Xavier hiding something from her?  And if so, why?

I really enjoy this book, and not a great deal has changed with the new creative team.  It's simple, direct plotting and some imaginative action sequences making good use of Mystique's shapechanging powers.  Manuel Garcia's art is attractive, and he does some particularly good work with Shortpack, who's wonderfully cute flying around on his little jetpack.

Another solid issue.  The book seems to be as consistent as ever.

Rating: B+

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