Velvet Vol #1 Before the Living End
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting
Image Comics
I actually just got into Velvet when I was afforded the chance to read the first 10 issues for review. I am however choosing to write the review as if it was the collected TPB Before the Living End. The TPB includes the first five issues of the series, and is the most likely entry point for new readers.
So to start if you are a fan of Robert Ludlum’s Bourne books I suggest you stop reading this review right now, and just get in your car and head to the comic shop, or pop to an online source, and buy this book.
Velvet is very much in the realm of spies, where everything is in a shadow, if not an outright lie.
Another reference point would be the current Legends TV series starring Sean Bean from TNT (which is great TV by-the-way).
Velvet is written by Ed Brubaker, who doesn’t pen anything bad, at least in the sampling I’ve read. He excels in the noir, and Velvet stays at least on the edge of noir. It is less noir than say Fade Out, Criminal or Fatale, all by Brubaker, and maybe because it is less in his powerhouse, the weakest of the four series.
That is not to say this is a bad read, far from it. But the other titles are outstanding, with Velvet merely solid reading. Again spy thriller fans are going to argue that point I am sure.
The premise is not a new one. An agent is killed. There is talk of double agents. Bodies pile up, and a spy who has been retired to a desk job for years becomes suspicious, and is soon framed for the whole mess.
Steve Epting’s art is best when he uses blues and blacks to add background mood.
Away from those panels, the art is fine, but no one will rave about the book’s look.
In the end spy fans will be in heaven.
Brubaker fans will enjoy.
After that, the book is likely a 50/50 thing in terms of finding lovers.
Pathfinder: Hollow Mountain #1
Written by James L. Sutter
Art by Tom Garcia
Dynamite Comics
Yours truly has enjoyed role playing games for a lot of years now, although at 55 the core group around me has dwindled away to the point I have not gotten to cross swords with many orcs or goblins in far too long. That said I would play some Dungeons & Dragons just about anytime given an opportunity.
In the meantime, I get my D&D fix in other ways where possible, and that includes the occasional comic book.
So seeing Pathfinder: Hollow Mountain #1 in a file of review copies was rather exciting.
And, the book did not disappoint. Issue #1 follows a group of adventurers on an adventure into an underground labyrinth. There is peril, swords swinging, spell casting. All the best things about a good D&D campaign.
Kudos James L. Sutter has almost certainly rolled a few D20s in his life, as he has a good ‘feel’ for what a story based on a fantasy RPG should be.
Tom Garcia’s art is clean, and that too is a bonus on the title.
If you are a fan of D&D then this is a must book.
If you like fun fantasy, this book should be high on the list too.
All around one to check out.
