Declan Shalvey has proven he has a very particular set of skills when crafting espionage stories, and this fall he’ll apply them to the greatest spy in mutantdom, Mystique.
As a part of the X-Men: From the Ashes initiative, Marvel has announced a new series starring the former leader of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Shalvey will write and draw a five-issue miniseries, which will feature Mystique sifting “through the dark underbelly of the Marvel Universe for an unpredictable tale of action and espionage.” Nick Fury’s appearing in it as well.
“Mystique is hands down one of the most compelling characters to come from the Marvel Universe,” Shalvey said. “To have an opportunity to put my own stamp on such an iconic character and showcase her in a series of her own is a unique privilege.”
While Krakoa may have shown Mystique’s softer side — if such a thing exists — as she reconnected with her wife, Destiny, and her kids, Nightcrawler and Rogue, the new series will feature the shapeshifter using her old bag of tricks to protect mutants in the post-Krakoa world.
“As a rabid X-fan since childhood, I’m having a blast channeling all my X-enthusiasm into writing and drawing this project,” Shalvey said. “In this series, Mystique is reeling from the fall of Krakoa. She’s a rogue element with no accountability putting a mysterious plan into action, ruthlessly destroying anything and anyone in her way.”
Look for the first issue to arrive in stores Oct. 16.