Whether operating undercover or fronting a band of genetic terrorists, the metamorphic mutant known as Mystique possesses an almost pathological capacity for deception. The sinister shapeshifter has infiltrated the highest levels of the federal government, trading on her lofty status to further her terrorist objectives. A sworn enemy of the human race, Mystique wages a one-woman war against those who hate and fear mutants!

Real Name: Raven Darkholme

Occupation: Terrorist

Group Affiliation: None

Base of Operations: Secret First Appearance: Ms. Marvel #16 (as Raven Darkholme, 1978), Ms. Marvel #18 (as Mystique, 1978)

Height: 5''10

Weight: 125 lbs.

Eye Color: Yellow, with no apparent pupils in her true form

Hair Color: Red; black as Raven Darkholme

Powers: A mutant metamorph, Mystique can psionically shift the atoms and molecules of her body and clothing so as to mimic the appearance of any human, humanoid or semi-humanoid being of either sex. Her control is so precise she can exactly replicate another person's retina, finger, palm and skin-pore patterns; even vocal cords are not beyond her ability to duplicate. Mystique is limited by her inability to diminish or increase her mass, and she cannot duplicate the powers of other mutants. As yet, she has not demonstrated an ability to imitate non-humanoid beings, animals, plants or inanimate objects. Doing so likely would interfere with the proper functioning of her internal organs and possibly result in her death.

Weapons: Mystique wields various-caliber handguns. Also, her influence as Raven Darkholme has afforded her access to advanced weaponry, military secrets and other assets she has exploited for her own subversive purposes.

History:

Because she learned to control her powers at a very young age, Raven Darkholme was able to pass as a normal human being until she gave birth to Kurt Wagner, the blue-skinned mutant who would become Nightcrawler of the X-Men. Hounded by a mob of angry villagers, she was forced to abandon the demon-like infant to save her own life.

Unable to reveal her true face for fear of recrimination, Mystique attempted to manipulate people and events to bring about peaceful coexistence between man and mutant. But shaping the future proved far more difficult than she had imagined. Personal success was child's play; social engineering, however, proved next to impossible. The harder she tried, the more frustrated she became. With each new failure, Mystique grew more and more angry. The struggle made her what she is today: a sworn enemy of humanity, waging a relentless crusade against those who hate and fear mutants.

Hoping to end the threat posed by humanity once and for all, Mystique established the second incarnation of the Brotherhood of Mutants, the subversive organization founded by Magneto. Mystique's Brotherhood gained notoriety when it attempted to assassinate U.S. Senator Robert Kelly, an anti-mutant provocateur. The X-Men thwarted the Brotherhood's plans, as well as many other acts of terrorism perpetrated by Mystique and her cohorts. Perhaps feeling remorse for abandoning Nightcrawler, Mystique later adopted Rogue -- but then forced the troubled teen to serve as a member of the Brotherhood. Mystique�s fanatical pursuit of her genocidal goals caused a breach between the two, however; Rogue left her adoptive mother's side to join the X-Men.

Whether operating undercover or fronting for a band of genetic extremists, Mystique possesses an almost pathological capacity for deception, and is willing to sacrifice her friends and allies to achieve her goals. Ever unpredictable and always dishonorable, the mutant metamorph has infiltrated the highest levels of the federal government. As Raven Darkholme, she rose rapidly through the U.S. Department of Defense, where her influence afforded her access to advanced weaponry and military secrets. In addition to well-placed government officials, Mystique has impersonated models, millionaires and politicos. Always, she insinuates herself into positions of power, exploiting all available assets for her own subversive purposes.

Mystique is as determined as she is patient. In what she perceives as the inevitable war between man and mutant, she will not be a casualty. Attempting on numerous occasions to cull the human heard, she aims to usher in an era of lasting peace for all mutants by eliminating the evolutionary deadwood that is humanity.