Moneypenny– errr I mean, “Velvet” continues this month after a short break, a break that should have been enough time for you get the excellent first trade. In “Velvet” #6 the stakes are higher than ever and the tagline couldn’t be more correct: she indeed will, and does, kill for the truth.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Illustrated by Steve EptingTHE SECOND ARC BEGINS HERE! Following the revelations at the end of issue 5, Velvet’s quest for the truth and her innocence takes her right back to the heart of her own organization — to London, where every move she makes is even more dangerous than the last!
“Velvet” #6 effectively picks up where “Velvet” #5 left off. Velvet Templeton is back in London more determined than ever to get the truth. Her entire post spy career has essentially been based on a lie. In the first arc major secrets were revealed about her past; things unknown to her that affect more than just Jefferson’s death.
The most striking aspect of “Velvet” is the inner monologue of Velvet herself. Writer Ed Brubaker gets to know his characters on a whole new level; it’s part of what makes him a living legend. Velvet is a deeply layered character. This mission of hers has become so personal and her inner thoughts reflect that, but they also reflect those of a spy. She’s a spy first and a woman second but despite this she’s a deeply intriguing character.
Velvet balances the spy with the human within her through not only her fondness for the woman who trained her but also in the way she looks at certain people. Not only do they serve a purpose, but she immediately thinks of the past she shares with them or the emotional tie to them. It’s those small moments that we see the humanity in her and that sets her apart from many other characters in the genre. It also elevates her as one of the best female characters in the last few years. Brubaker writes Velvet as a woman with real vulnerability without ever making her a helpless damsel in distress or overly emotional in a stereotypical way.
“Velvet” is not Brubaker or artist Steve Epting’s first foray into the spy/thriller genre. Because of this, “Velvet” continues to break the boundaries and pre-conceived notions of what a spy thriller is. There’s plenty of action but still wonderful character stuff. While it is set in the past, it still seemingly has some influences from current pop culture. Velvet herself is reminiscent of Jennifer Garner’s character in Alias but has some classic noir/femme fatale characteristics, and even a little Jo from “Fatale” mixed in.
The story itself also has many layers. It’s part political drama and part character drama that reminds me of the movie Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The cast is sizable and while we have gotten so much backstory on Velvet, I want to see more about Jefferson, the head of this organization and all the players that are involved. They’ve been developed in a way that, while we don’t know a ton about them, we are invested in what happens to them, especially Jefferson. He’s been dead from the beginning but I feel that there’s still something more there to explore that I’d really like to see.
“Velvet” #6 wastes no time setting up this part of Velvet’s mission. I loved the way that Brubaker and Epting recap the story so far without it coming off as too repetitive or unnecessary. I haven’t read an issue of “Velvet” since the last issue about 2 months ago, and not only did I feel caught up but it also refreshed my memory of some of the smaller details. I think this is the perfect way to continue a story like this. With only one arc completed, now is a great opportunity to jump into the story. I feel that even without reading the first arc, a new reader would have no problem following what’s happening. You’ll want to know what’s happening now and be excited for issue #7 but you’ll also run out right away to pick up the first trade. And in all honesty, isn’t that what a creative team wants?
Continued belowSteve Epting and Elizabeth Breitweiser make for an amazing artistic team. With Brubaker doing so much in building the characters through dialogue, Epting and Breitweiser set the mood and give the book the perfect tone. Epting adds to the complex character that Velvet is through her facial expressions. She’s not always scowling. She has this confident yet almost scared look. She’s not stupid and knows how much trouble this mission is bringing her and without her outwardly saying that, Epting does it in this less than obvious way.
The story takes place over a few different time periods and not once does it get confusing. Not only does Epting help create seamless transitions, but he also draws each time period perfectly, so that even without the date listed on the page, we could easily pick up on it. On top of this, Epting is perfectly detailed. Everything from the background to the flaws on each characters’ face is done unique to that setting or character. It makes this book so much more special. Epting’s action scenes are top notch. Velvet moves like a gymnast but with far more attitude. Despite her age, Epting ensures that we know how dangerous she is.
Elizabeth Breitweiser has quickly become my favorite colorist in the business and truly has a unique style. She works with a lot of dark colors and shadows. With a spy thriller like “Velvet”, I think it would be absolutely silly to use bright colors. I feel that would give off a comedic vibe and “Velvet” is far from that. Her colors give off an almost thrilling sensation. You never really know what is around the corner and it is because of all those shadows.
Overall, “Velvet” #6 is a strong start for the second arc. It does almost everything right and the time is still right to jump on. The strong and stunning artwork adds an atmospheric and “old school” feel to the book. I’ve never been more intrigued by Velvet’s mission.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – Buy it! “Velvet”‘s second arc is off to a bang and continues to reinvent the spy genre.
