Velvet – 2013-2016 (Image Comics) – Spy, Mystery, Action, Thriller
Author: Ed Brubaker
Art: Steve Epting
Series Contents: Velvet #1-15
A classic spy thriller with twists, turns, bullets, blood and mystery, Velvet rocks from beginning to end. Strong writing and art are on full display in this short and quick comic series.
Story:
The year is 1973. Richard Nixon is president. The world is in the depths of the Cold War. Spies are planning and surveilling all nations worldwide. Field operatives find their way into deadly scenarios, and try to give the edge to their respective countries. With all this world tension, what could possibly go wrong?
Velvet Templeton is a seemingly orderly 42-year-old secretary, with the only pizzazz to her life being a white streak in her black hair. She does however work for the Allied Reconnaissance Commission, as the agency’s Director Manning’s personal helper. Her life is mostly tame, and she goes about her duties with finesse and intelligence.
However… an agency operative is assassinated. Suddenly, Velvet is thrown into the crosshairs, as she is implicated in the death. She knows she didn’t do it, and suspects a dangerous game has begun as she has been set-up. Good thing that in reality she is much more than just a secretary, having herself been one of the agency’s top spies decades ago.
How will the story turn as Velvet begins to investigate, all while escaping pursuing members of ARC who are out to get their targeted lady? Will the agency understand who they are dealing with, or do they see her as just another secretary?
Velvet uses all her skills, past connections and knowledge to bring a reckoning down on those pursuing her, all while finding out who framed her, as well as who is actively killing agents. Enter all sorts of characters, flashbacks, plot twists and dangerous scenarios, all tied together by Velvet who is stuck in the midst of the craziness. Good thing she is a total bad ass, and has interesting technology on her side.
Art:
The artist and colorist from Ed Brubaker’s time on Captain America are reunited for this great spy story. Just as in Captain America, characters look great, backgrounds are brimming with life, action zips through the panels and the coloring and shading are spectacular. No complaints all around, but then I rarely find an artist I don’t jive with. In this case, the natural transition from the spy-oriented Captain America series over to Velvet makes total sense.
Reasons to Read:
Velvet is a total blast, and hits all of the prime spy story notes, bringing in all the right elements and presenting itself with excellent artwork. It is a quick read and each chapter compels you to dive into the next one as soon as possible. Thankfully at this point the entire series is collected in a few formats and any reader can blast through the whole thing in a few quick reading sessions.
The awesome elements of who to trust, what is real, and what surprises await next keep the pages flying by. The mystery at the core of the story is solid, and Velvet is an awesome character, who is well-realized. Additionally, the other spies, agency operatives, villains and allies alike all ring true and present memorable character traits. If you like action movies and spy thrillers, this is a story for you.
Similar Titles:
Sleeper; 100 Bullets; Criminal; Kill or Be Killed; Fatale; Captain America (Ed Brubaker’s run); Human Target; The Fade Out; Super Spy; Queen and Country