King of Spies is the newest comic book from Millarworld. With a script by Mark Millar and art by Matteo Scalera, King of Spies tells the story of an aged spy at the end of his life who wants to make amends. There will be spoilers for the first issue so if you haven’t read it yet don’t read on.
At the end of issue 1, Roland King decides enough is enough. As somebody who was paid to kill innocent people to cover things up for the British government and crown, he’s over it. The first issue quickly introduced us to a new character and did it well. So, how does issue 2 fair?
King of Spies #2 opens with events that easily be cliffhangers themselves. They’re non-stop and brilliantly gruesome. It’s surreal and slightly close to the bone of reality, but that’s what makes it work. Where issue 1 shows us who Roland is, issue 2 shows us how clever he is. There are several moments that will leave you shocked. It also makes you question what Roland got up to in the past.
However, none of that matters as he’s making amends now. Unfortunately for him, the government are quickly realising who’s behind it. This puts him in the crosshairs of several other spies and assassins. It includes someone that makes me excited to see what happens next.
King of Spies #2 also reveals that universe’s answer to certain events from our reality. In that way, it’s reminiscent of Kingsman: The Secret Service. However, that’s where the comparison stops. This is more brutal than Kingsman and the spies are less gentlemen and more brutish.
The art for King of Spies #2 is just as good as the first issue. There’s a particular panel where a character’s smoking. The smoke flows out of their nose and it’s done with such particular detail it looks realistic. As you can see from the pictures above, Matteo Scalera’s command of shading and coloring is gripping. It provides a great complement to the story.
King of Spies #2 hits the shelves Wednesday the 12th of January.
