68 – MASTERMIND

Subject: Mastermind
Real Name: Jason Wyngarde
Height: 5’10″ Weight: 140 lbs.
First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #4, March 1964

Power Ratings:

• Energy Projection: 1/7
• Mental Powers: 6/7
• Strength: 1/7
• Fighting Ability: 1/7
• Intelligence: 2/7

Mastermind’s one of those villains introduced in the early 60′s that never got a visual upgrade from the stereotypical “sniveling ratface” that all 60′s villains were, but then again I guess as a notorious date-rapist maybe the look suits him. Actually no, I guess then he should look like a douchey bro, right? And then he died of the Legacy Virus…

I really like Lee’s art for Mastermind’s card. It’s moody and intriguing, and the reflection in the mirror was a nice touch, though it unintentionally would imply that Mastermind’s power was simply of disguising himself, when he could really create elaborate mental illusions, capable of entrapping the entire X-team in intricate fantasy scenarios (like a circus or carnival).

Given how he arguably brought the Dark Phoenix saga to a head (by hypnotizing Jean Grey/Phoenix into thinking she was in love with Mastermind), and how he apparently managed to fool everyone, including the Hellfire Club, almost continuously throughout the Phoenix saga, Mastermind really should command more respect than he got (though his 6/7 Mental Powers rating gets you partway there).