Velvet is what you get when Ms Money Penny is actually a total badass and is framed for murdering an agent. She's on the run to prove her innocence, but as with any good spy story, there's more to this conspiracy than it seems.

Ed Brubaker has yet to write something I don't like, and his teaming with Steve Epting is always worth checking out. This issue is a lot of action with some of the usual spy/noir mixed in for good measure. The colors from Elizabeth Breitweiser are some of the best on the shelves today. The action flows really well and the lighting sets the mood perfectly. The art team is possibly the best around at making talking head scenes look dynamic and exciting. This is a book I could almost just look at the art alone.

Thankfully for us, the story is just as good. Velvet has been double crossed for the umpteenth time and is out to untangle the latest knot in the web. The running commentary from Velvet provides some spectacular insight into her character. And in usual Brubaker fashion, just when you think you have something figured out, there's a few more twists to throw you off. It's such a well crafted story that I always want more after the issue ends.

Velvet is a book that is even better than you would expect from this team. Issue #10 means we're at the end of the second big arc and things just keep getting crazier. I cannot recommend this book enough. Go buy it now!

5 out of 5 Dead Secret Agents