20 Of Our Favorite X-Men Characters

Mystique (Image via Marvel)

6. Mystique

Not every X-Man on here is going to be a totally “good” character. In fact, the X-Men franchise revels in moral ambiguity; uncertainty seems to be its bread and butter. When it’s done poorly (ahem, 1990s X-Men), it’s annoying. Done well, however, and that particular storyline or character will stay with you for quite a while.

Mystique has been around for long enough that she’s been through several different literary transformations. She is also, coincidentally, a powerful shapeshifter who is far older than you might suspect. Mystique is able to take on the appearance and, depending on the comic you’re reading, the powers of any given person. She’s also able to manifest other non-organic items,such as glasses, clothing, cards, and test tubes.

Now, like any good comics villain, Mystique has been back and forth between “good” and “bad” sides. It doesn’t help that the X-Men franchise in general loves to play with the basic notions of good and evil, anyway. Whatever side Mystique is on is glad to have her, though. She’s naturally a talented actress who speaks multiple languages.

She also possess a formidable mind, with a particular affinity for strategy and weapons knowledge. If the unadulterated power of her mutant abilities don’t impress you somehow, then surely her intelligence will. At the very least, she deserves recognition for that cool skull belt.