you hit like a girl! #4

in this episode: Marvel's sexiest shapechanger, Mystique.

i suspect that Mystique's reputation as a hardcore villain actually helped her get a 24-issue series, a long tenure for a supporting character. anti-heroes are so popular because there are so many shades of gray in the character that you can explore. plus the public consciousness has the luscious Rebecca Romijn tattooed on it, when asked to associate anything with "Mystique". my only question, is that shapely mother of two her real form? who's to know? who's to say?

the 2-year Mystique run saw her written by heavyweight (non-literally) Brian K. Vaughan and Sean McKeever. it contained action, skullduggery and intrigue, as well as copious amounts of girl-on-girl violence. the creators were clearly channeling the woman in themselves.

in the "Tinker, Tailor, Mutant, Spy" arc, Mystique goes head to head with a mutant girl who can control viruses.

in the stunning conclusion of the series, Mystique finally uncovers the identity of the villain behind the scenes, the Quiet Man (shades of X-Files), only to learn that he's a "she".

of course, Mystique also kicks ass of the opposite sex. like men in uniform ...




or men out of uniform, especially when they get sleazy and creepy ...



or brainwashed musclebound Germanic mutant twins ...


or dodgy chauffeurs.

in keeping with this equal opportunity theme, even quasi-allies like Fantomex and Forge are not spared the occasional slugging.

her former lover Forge, in particular, has to endure both emotional and physical torment from this blue lady. although in retrospect, if i were Mystique, i'd do this too, because Forge just looks real ugly here and he deserves a beatdown for losing his hotness.

Mystique can also do the Indian god thing to double the ass-kicking. although i doubt this can really be effective, because she's a shapeshifter, not a power-mimicker. these soldiers were probably paid to throw this fight.