marneyjane's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
stories_of_the_soul27's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
GOD I AM SO HOOKED!!!! The story, the characters, the monologue, the art and the colouring, everything is done so fantastically!!!!!!
em_harring's review
5.0
LOVE. Velvet is such a kick ass character. The art is fabulous. The story is intriguing. It's basically everything I could want in a crime comic. Highly recommend.
iffer's review
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this spy thriller, but my review should be taken with a grain of salt, since I can't resist a good spy story whether it's serious and realistic like John Le Carre, or fun like Gallagher Girls.
The art and coloring have an evocative noir feel, especially the dark color palettes and skillful use of light and shadow. I can practically smell the smoke come off the page, and the fight scenes convey hand-to-hand combat briskly. I enjoy the way that the art was storyboarded, as if it's images flashing through the the characters' or an observing spy's memory.
As can also be seen in his Captain America, Brubaker writes gritty historical spy conspiracy, the emotional conflict of operatives, and flashbacks, well. In scant time, I feel like the volume achieved better characterization than many novels usually do, while still establishing that sense of mystery that we're missing the whole picture that pulls an audience along as any good mystery and thriller does. I also don't hate Velvet as a female character, which is a real risk for me in comic books. At least in my opinion, she's smart, sexy and complex, and not just a guy with boobs or a spider-lady fantasy. As a credit to the art, Velvet isn't drawn as ridiculously or frequently in porn poses as female characters in other series, and the fan service that does exist is tasteful.
Although I don't normally care for "thinking" bubbles in comics, I like them in this series, and I can actually hear Velvet's voice in my head throughout the story. The text is just the right amount for visual storytelling, which I think is much harder to do than people realize. I think that it's a credit to Brubaker, Epting, and Breitweiser's collaboration.
I can't wait to pick up the next issue this Thursday.
The art and coloring have an evocative noir feel, especially the dark color palettes and skillful use of light and shadow. I can practically smell the smoke come off the page, and the fight scenes convey hand-to-hand combat briskly. I enjoy the way that the art was storyboarded, as if it's images flashing through the the characters' or an observing spy's memory.
As can also be seen in his Captain America, Brubaker writes gritty historical spy conspiracy, the emotional conflict of operatives, and flashbacks, well. In scant time, I feel like the volume achieved better characterization than many novels usually do, while still establishing that sense of mystery that we're missing the whole picture that pulls an audience along as any good mystery and thriller does. I also don't hate Velvet as a female character, which is a real risk for me in comic books. At least in my opinion, she's smart, sexy and complex, and not just a guy with boobs or a spider-lady fantasy. As a credit to the art, Velvet isn't drawn as ridiculously or frequently in porn poses as female characters in other series, and the fan service that does exist is tasteful.
Although I don't normally care for "thinking" bubbles in comics, I like them in this series, and I can actually hear Velvet's voice in my head throughout the story. The text is just the right amount for visual storytelling, which I think is much harder to do than people realize. I think that it's a credit to Brubaker, Epting, and Breitweiser's collaboration.
I can't wait to pick up the next issue this Thursday.
trans_ishtar's review
4.0
A dangerous femme fatale/spy that finds herself ensnared in the web of lies and deceit. Can she catch them before she gets caught herself? Can't wait to find out!
The character of Velvet is determined, seductive, and dangerous. She is better than her "betters". She makes me want to be a little bit like her.
The character of Velvet is determined, seductive, and dangerous. She is better than her "betters". She makes me want to be a little bit like her.
bentheoverlordsbooks's review
5.0
Ed Brubaker does it again. He has come up with another kickass heroine, and has a story that oozes style. Can't wait to pick up volume 2
cribera's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic novel