Velvet #5

I'm so glad that I've decided to stick with this series. It's definitely the highlight of the month. I have no idea how many issues of Velvet there are going to be, but I'm definitely going to ride this series out. It's rare that I stick with something all the way to the end, but it doesn't look like I have much of a choice in this case. So many different comics run out of steam after a few arcs, but I think that it's safe to say that that won't be the case here. Read Full Review

This comic escaped me until just recently and I'm so glad that I finally hopped on board. An all around great comic, original story, and a fun to read page-turner. Read Full Review

So far the story has been fun - it's been a pretty complex plot, and the art has never been better. It looks like in the next issue, Velvet will be going back to London. I do think in the single monthly issues a synopsis on what has happened previously might be a good thing to include, but so far, I've enjoyed the ride, and look forward to future issues. Read Full Review

Jordan may have to wrestle me in chocolate pudding to get this book back"or we could just do that anyway"whatever works. (Editor: I'm not paying for this. May charge for admission, though.) Read Full Review

Velvet #5 is a solid comic from start to finish, fleshing out some of Velvet's past and delivering a great cliffhanger to close out the first arc. Brubaker and Epting have created one of the most interesting characters in comics, and are telling the strongest spy story I've read in years. This isn't the fastest moving series, or issue, but when big moments hit they drive home with extra weight due to the masterful pacing of these storytellers. Brubaker and Epting are one of those creative pairings that will be spoken of in hushed, reverent tones for years to come and they are bringing their best to Velvet. I highly recommend you try this series, as issue #5 brings the first arc to a close in a very solid way that will have you demanding more….right now. Read Full Review

This is a near perfect ending and beginning to the first arc that flows smoothly and coldly as the ice that runs through Velvet's veins. Velvet #5 is chock full of insight, twists and turns all of which makes for a satisfying conclusion to the first arc in a story that gets better each and every issue and in the end sets readers up for great things to come! Read Full Review

With issue #5, Ed Brubaker has thrown down the gauntlet, thumping his chest and daring anyone to challenge the greatness that is Velvet. His conclusion to the book's first arc is terrific, a confident and exciting finale that offers great hope for the series' future. Read Full Review

"Velvet" has always had strong plotting, skillful art and an addictive combination of noir darkness and wry humor, but Brubaker and Epting have taken the story to a new level. "Velvet" #5 cracks open the heroine's heart without taking her down. Read Full Review

In short, another great issue of this fantastic series from Image, definitely among their best titles by far. Read Full Review

For those waiting for a little more insight into who Velvet is and what makes her tick, Velvet #5 is an issue you don't want to miss. It also lays the groundwork by alerting the character than her hidden enemy has done far more damage to her life than recently framing Velvet for murder. I can't wait to see where her story goes from here. Best of the week. Read Full Review

We get Velvets super-spy origins, the possible secret of her move from field-agent to secretary, and a new layer of espionage from the highest ARC-7 levels spanning years. Its an appropriate conclusion to our introductory arc and sets the course for what is hopefully a long run. Read Full Review

Velvet, as a character and as a book, continues to be strong, believable and engaging. There's an intensity to the protagonist that echoes through the narrative and while it hits enough tropes of the genre to make hardcore fans happy, there's a refreshing reality to Velvet that makes it one of the highlights of the comic book landscape at the moment. The trade of the first volume, containing this and all previous issues will be out in June and as you may have guessed I highly recommend it! Read Full Review

This issue is another strong book and a great conclusion to the first arc of this excellent spy story. This issue brought in more characters, more mystery, and more history, and the pay-out was a really fun and emotional to read. Read Full Review

“Velvet” #5 closes on a shocking plot twist that gets readers excited for the next issue. If you're a huge fan of espionage thrillers, you're definitely going to enjoy the “Velvet” series. Read Full Review

While this isn't my favorite issue of Velvet so far, it's still some pretty amazing storytelling overall, and I love the fact that the main character is a female secret agent, who is over 40, in a world best emblemized by the vague misogyny of James Bond. Epting is doing amazing work on the visuals, and Brubaker's story has multiple facets, each of which seems to change everything you know while maintaining a feeling of cohesion throughout the decades and around the world. Velvet #5 is beautiful, as always, and has some very strong emotional content, all the while serving as an excellent spy tale, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall. If you're willing to stretch beyond Big Two superhero books, the upcoming TPB should be an excellent place to step into the world of Velvet… Read Full Review

Velvet #5 is a solid read that offers a little bit of personal history to this already popular protagonist. It is a great to see that this trained killer is not stone cold. This makes her a bit easier to relate to and understand " adding that sense of reality to a genre that needs it most. Velvet is not a programmed killing machine. She is a human and it is her humanity that drives her through each issue in this great series. Read Full Review

Some really solid stuff, but some things to be concerned about too. If the comic is going to involve the men in the story, they need to be developed a little more. Read Full Review

Again, I dont think this was really a bad issue, but for what will likely prove a very important piece of the overall story, I just dont think it came off nearly as well as it could have. Overall this is still undoubtedly an intriguing story, a few factors just seemed to conspire here to cause this particular issue to miss its mark. Read Full Review

GreyMouser

May 23, 2014

This amazing flashback story expertly reveals so much in just one issue. It could be considered a 1shot, and would be excellent for hooking in new readers. I'm glad i read it in this order, as it triple the depth and paranoia brilliantly, to an already deep and paranoid story. Art, colors and design are at the top of the industry and the pulp/noir feel will transport you. This is gearing up to a spy thriller deeper then any spy movie, with characters more complex then even James Bond. This series is NOT to be missed, and you can get the first TPB for ONLY $10! Highly Recommended!