Advance Review: King of Spies #1 (of 4)

Having just watched No Time To Die, I feel that I am in the perfect place to check out this advance review of King of Spies from Image Comics. After all, what’s better to read after the possible demise of the greatest spy than to read about the demise of another,

Roland King is a spy par excellence. Over his time in the service he has saved many, killed many more and generally been quite unapologetic and unremorseful about it. Now, as he enters later life, Roland gets some bad news which leads to one massive question; what does a super spy with a dodgy past and an equally dodgy morals do when he only has six months to live?

Mark Millar is probably best known for deconstructing superheroes. In doing so, he takes the time to work out the why does someone want to be a hero (Kick Ass), or what does having Superman like powers do to a person (Jupiter’s Legacy), or even why people take advantage of the good natured (Huck). The answers to these question have given us some very impressive books. King of Spies is no exception, in that in Roland you have the view of a man who is suddenly aware that his life lived is in fact not his life loved. The world weary narrative pays homage to the original James Bond from Ian Fleming books as well as touches of The Dark Knight Returns. Millar has managed to create a character that is both the best and worst of characters like the aforementioned Bond.

The art is provided by Matteo Scalera with a style that reminds me of Rafael Albuquerque in a good way. The first act is the setup act delivered in a chaotic, action oriented style. things settle down from there on in, with mature settings matching the mature images. I absolutely love the art; it’s full of expressions and background details. A true masterpiece. Giovanna Niro’s colors are a painted effect which give the book a sort of realistic look, especially. the look and feel of a grimy London. Scenes are embellished with a one color focus. Letterer Clem Robins uses an easy font, which is a great choice when you consider the action paced scenes and the heavy detailed backgrounds, the letters do not need to add to the excitement. There are a few covers to choose from. For me the main cover is the best, but as always it is buyers choice.

Timing is everything in comedy and at times, comic books, With the public psyche all geared to the end (?) of a super spy, Millar has delivered an alternative viewpoint and raison d’etre. A fabulous read with a character you will hate to love!

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Written by; Mark Millar
Art by; Matteo Scalera
Colors by; Giovanna Niro
Letters by; Clem Robins
Published by; Image Comics

King of Spies #1 (of 4) is due in shops 2nd December

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network