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Kingsman #1
Kingsman: The Secret Service
Gary's life is going nowhere. He lives in public housing with his mother and spends his nights carousing with his friends. But Gary's Uncle Jack has taken a different path of glamour, danger and mystery. When Jack has to get his nephew out of trouble, their lives are going to intersect in a way neither of them could have foreseen. This book comes from Mark Millar (Kick-Ass) and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen).
180 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2014
95 people are currently reading
3329 people want to read
About the author
Mark Millar
1,514 books2,561 followersMark Millar is the New York Times best-selling writer of Wanted, the Kick-Ass series, The Secret Service, Jupiter’s Legacy, Jupiter’s Circle, Nemesis, Superior, Super Crooks, American Jesus, MPH, Starlight, and Chrononauts. Wanted, Kick-Ass, Kick-Ass 2, and The Secret Service (as Kingsman: The Secret Service) have been adapted into feature films, and Nemesis, Superior, Starlight, War Heroes, Jupiter’s Legacy and Chrononauts are in development at major studios.
His DC Comics work includes the seminal Superman: Red Son, and at Marvel Comics he created The Ultimates – selected by Time magazine as the comic book of the decade, Wolverine: Old Man Logan, and Civil War – the industry’s biggest-selling superhero series in almost two decades.
Mark has been an Executive Producer on all his movie adaptations and is currently creative consultant to Fox Studios on their Marvel slate of movies.
His DC Comics work includes the seminal Superman: Red Son, and at Marvel Comics he created The Ultimates – selected by Time magazine as the comic book of the decade, Wolverine: Old Man Logan, and Civil War – the industry’s biggest-selling superhero series in almost two decades.
Mark has been an Executive Producer on all his movie adaptations and is currently creative consultant to Fox Studios on their Marvel slate of movies.
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December 3, 2025
(A-) 82% | Very Good
Notes: On dignity-earning deep-end learning (all "teach a man to fish"), a genre-fluid, weird but suited, multi-flavored dish.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #1-2 ◦ Issues #3-4 ◦ Issues #5-6
Notes: On dignity-earning deep-end learning (all "teach a man to fish"), a genre-fluid, weird but suited, multi-flavored dish.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #1-2 ◦ Issues #3-4 ◦ Issues #5-6
March 3, 2025
2.5 stars
I didn't even realize Kingsman was a comic first!
For good reason, it turns out. Because I didn't think this was all that entertaining.
So yeah. Sadly, the movie was 100% better.
Now, that's not to say that the movie didn't follow some of the better scenes and/or ideas of Millar's book. But it did cherry-pick the storyline to the (I think) betterment of the movie. To be honest, I much prefer Colin Firth's character and backstory to Eggsy's uncle...whatshisname? Doesn't matter. He just shows up (routinely) and saves Eggsy from his trashy, thugish shenanigans with this odd Get Out of Jail Free card that he flashes at the local police. When the story picks up, this time (for whatever reason) his uncle has a change of heart and takes an active interest in him. <--this leads to spy school.
The spy school itself was loads more interesting in the movie. Everything about his training was better and more fleshed out. And, unbelievably, more reasonable. This was just dull. He has to panhandle and pick up women? Get the fuck out of here with that boring nonsense.
Now, I wouldn't say the art is bad, but in a lot of the panels, Eggsy looks less like a young guy just out of his teens and more like a world-weary man who's about to hit his 40's...hard.
It was off-putting, to say the least, but not a deal-breaker.
Some of the stuff with the villain was changed (once again, for the better) in the movie but Millar's core ideas were still in place. In other words, the world is overpopulated and this nutter wants to cull the herd.
Would I recommend it to fans of the movie? Eh. Maybe?
I'd say read it if you're one of those curious fuckers (like I am) that enjoy seeing what the source material looks like.
I didn't even realize Kingsman was a comic first!
For good reason, it turns out. Because I didn't think this was all that entertaining.
So yeah. Sadly, the movie was 100% better.
Now, that's not to say that the movie didn't follow some of the better scenes and/or ideas of Millar's book. But it did cherry-pick the storyline to the (I think) betterment of the movie. To be honest, I much prefer Colin Firth's character and backstory to Eggsy's uncle...whatshisname? Doesn't matter. He just shows up (routinely) and saves Eggsy from his trashy, thugish shenanigans with this odd Get Out of Jail Free card that he flashes at the local police. When the story picks up, this time (for whatever reason) his uncle has a change of heart and takes an active interest in him. <--this leads to spy school.
The spy school itself was loads more interesting in the movie. Everything about his training was better and more fleshed out. And, unbelievably, more reasonable. This was just dull. He has to panhandle and pick up women? Get the fuck out of here with that boring nonsense.
Now, I wouldn't say the art is bad, but in a lot of the panels, Eggsy looks less like a young guy just out of his teens and more like a world-weary man who's about to hit his 40's...hard.
It was off-putting, to say the least, but not a deal-breaker.
Some of the stuff with the villain was changed (once again, for the better) in the movie but Millar's core ideas were still in place. In other words, the world is overpopulated and this nutter wants to cull the herd.
Would I recommend it to fans of the movie? Eh. Maybe?
I'd say read it if you're one of those curious fuckers (like I am) that enjoy seeing what the source material looks like.
October 9, 2018
The next generation of spies!
This TPB collects "The Secret Service" #1-6.
Creative Team:
Creators: Mark Millar, Dave Gibbons & Matthew Vaughn
Writer: Mark Millar
Co-Plotter: Matthew Vaughn
Illustrator: Dave Gibbons
MI6 WON'T BE THE SAME EVER AGAIN!
This is the original story where the film "Kingsman" was based on, to the point that while this comic book title was just "The Secret Service", it was added "Kingsman" to the title to match both projects with the same title.
However...
If you already watch the movie, don't think that you don't need to read the comic book anymore, since while both projects have several similar elements, there are still enough differences to enjoy the original angle taken in the graphic novel.
London, Jack London.
Master spy of the MI6, and meanwhile he's on the case of world celebrities' kidnappings, he decides that it's about time to take a direct approach to avoid that his nephew, Gary "Eggsy" Unwin, would waste his life, and takes him to the "spy school".
While Eggsy's street smarts give him several advantages in the three-years spy training, he's still ignorant in several social skills and common knowledge in real life, but good ol' Jack won't be too away for leading his nephew in the right path.
Jack & Eggsy will have to work together to stop the insidious plans of an insane villain that is menacing (literally) of ending the world population...
...and even without lifting a hand...
...since the world population will do the dirty work!
This TPB collects "The Secret Service" #1-6.
Creative Team:
Creators: Mark Millar, Dave Gibbons & Matthew Vaughn
Writer: Mark Millar
Co-Plotter: Matthew Vaughn
Illustrator: Dave Gibbons
MI6 WON'T BE THE SAME EVER AGAIN!
This is the original story where the film "Kingsman" was based on, to the point that while this comic book title was just "The Secret Service", it was added "Kingsman" to the title to match both projects with the same title.
However...
If you already watch the movie, don't think that you don't need to read the comic book anymore, since while both projects have several similar elements, there are still enough differences to enjoy the original angle taken in the graphic novel.
London, Jack London.
Master spy of the MI6, and meanwhile he's on the case of world celebrities' kidnappings, he decides that it's about time to take a direct approach to avoid that his nephew, Gary "Eggsy" Unwin, would waste his life, and takes him to the "spy school".
While Eggsy's street smarts give him several advantages in the three-years spy training, he's still ignorant in several social skills and common knowledge in real life, but good ol' Jack won't be too away for leading his nephew in the right path.
Jack & Eggsy will have to work together to stop the insidious plans of an insane villain that is menacing (literally) of ending the world population...
...and even without lifting a hand...
...since the world population will do the dirty work!
April 24, 2015
Imagine if James Bond had a wayward, street wise nephew that he took under his wing and brought into the spy business. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? You could play it straight or tongue-in-cheek and both techniques could conceivably work. Try mixing these two approaches and you could have a disaster.
Millar tries to straddle both methods and it’s not a total failure, but the tonal shifts are jarring.
What’s to like
If nothing else the main characters are well conceived and for the most part, believable and in spite of the off skew writing, you become invested in what happens to them. This is the strength of the book, that and the humor. Sadly, they don’t play well together.
Sayonara, . The way he meets his demise is hilarious. Gruesome, but hilarious.
Some nice nerdy humor.
What’s not to like
The goofy, caper-ish, cartoony, kill-billions-of-people scheme that glues this volume together.
is actually on board for this scheme. Bastard!
NOTE: Goodreads didn’t have the cover of the collected volume to pick from. This is the cover of one of the single issues.
Millar tries to straddle both methods and it’s not a total failure, but the tonal shifts are jarring.
What’s to like
If nothing else the main characters are well conceived and for the most part, believable and in spite of the off skew writing, you become invested in what happens to them. This is the strength of the book, that and the humor. Sadly, they don’t play well together.
Sayonara, . The way he meets his demise is hilarious. Gruesome, but hilarious.
Some nice nerdy humor.
What’s not to like
The goofy, caper-ish, cartoony, kill-billions-of-people scheme that glues this volume together.
is actually on board for this scheme. Bastard!
NOTE: Goodreads didn’t have the cover of the collected volume to pick from. This is the cover of one of the single issues.
March 23, 2023
"Mister Hamill, I'm here on behalf of the British Secret Service, and I want you to know you're in very good hands." -- a dashing secret agent, rescuing special guest star hostage Mark Hamill
"What the f***?!" -- the villainous henchman, walking in on a now-rapidly deteriorating situation
I can recall watching Kingsman: The Secret Service with friends four or five years ago and I remember it being a stylish but over-the-top violent action flick peppered with off-color and/or easy humor - Samuel L. Jackson as a lisping lawbreaker, anyone? - throughout. Now I finally get to read the source material . . . and yes, this graphic novel by Mark Millar is better than its movie adaptation. (It's yet another winner by Millar, just days after I read his excellent King of Spies) So take a wayward young man destined for a probable life of crime, or worse, and have him placed in thoroughly in-depth espionage training - courtesy of his uncle, a renowned British operative with the moniker Jack London (?!) - then watch him stumble but soon succeed, due to much innate gumption, beyond his handlers' imaginations. I especially liked the involved celebrity targets - William Shatner, David Beckham, and Mick Jagger, among others, are taken hostage by the lead villain of the piece for a diabolical plot that actually makes some sense - and the dark humor (such as an unexpected fatal snowmobile crash in the opening pages) that worked without seeming too mean-spirited.
"What the f***?!" -- the villainous henchman, walking in on a now-rapidly deteriorating situation
I can recall watching Kingsman: The Secret Service with friends four or five years ago and I remember it being a stylish but over-the-top violent action flick peppered with off-color and/or easy humor - Samuel L. Jackson as a lisping lawbreaker, anyone? - throughout. Now I finally get to read the source material . . . and yes, this graphic novel by Mark Millar is better than its movie adaptation. (It's yet another winner by Millar, just days after I read his excellent King of Spies) So take a wayward young man destined for a probable life of crime, or worse, and have him placed in thoroughly in-depth espionage training - courtesy of his uncle, a renowned British operative with the moniker Jack London (?!) - then watch him stumble but soon succeed, due to much innate gumption, beyond his handlers' imaginations. I especially liked the involved celebrity targets - William Shatner, David Beckham, and Mick Jagger, among others, are taken hostage by the lead villain of the piece for a diabolical plot that actually makes some sense - and the dark humor (such as an unexpected fatal snowmobile crash in the opening pages) that worked without seeming too mean-spirited.
December 20, 2017
I am disappointed here.
The plot seems like a great spy-comic. And great it was but still things were off for me. One of my problems here is the way of picturing protagonists, Jake and Gary. They look almost alike! There is a big age difference but still, I couldn't distinguish between them.
Overall, I would recommend this comic. It's not a great one, but not a bad one either. The reason I read this was its on-going comic series; Kingsman: The Red Diamond. Now I can start that. And hope I would enjoy that more than this.
Overall, I would recommend this comic. It's not a great one, but not a bad one either. The reason I read this was its on-going comic series; Kingsman: The Red Diamond. Now I can start that. And hope I would enjoy that more than this.
October 27, 2023
Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons attempt at creating their version of James Bond. The main character is a poor English kid living in public housing. His uncle gets him out of trouble from time to time and after his latest screw up, tells Eggsy that he's really a spy. His uncle ships him off to spy school to learn along with a bunch of upper crust Brits. In the background a rich nerd is kidnapping his favorite famous people before depopulating the world.
Millar worked alongside director Matthew Vaughn while making this and it shows. It skews pretty closely to the movie. I liked the extras. This started out as a pitch to Marvel about Nick Fury taking on a poor kid to SHIELD. There's also the letter Millar wrote to Dave Gibbons when he was in school about how much he liked Watchmen along with a pitch for a Shazam book. Gibbons response is also included. It's a good thing Gibbons is a nice guy.
Millar worked alongside director Matthew Vaughn while making this and it shows. It skews pretty closely to the movie. I liked the extras. This started out as a pitch to Marvel about Nick Fury taking on a poor kid to SHIELD. There's also the letter Millar wrote to Dave Gibbons when he was in school about how much he liked Watchmen along with a pitch for a Shazam book. Gibbons response is also included. It's a good thing Gibbons is a nice guy.
August 9, 2017
2.5 stars overall
---
Well, very different from the film in most ways.
Book different from the fim? Shocker! ;-P
I expected that but I was expecting the names to stay the same for some reason haha... perhaps blame it on me only hearing of KINGSMAN from the film and not knowing the graphic novels existed till awhile afterwards. Wasn't paying attention I guess :).
Needless to say, I loved the film. It was fun, and the cast had a great chemistry together (have such a crush on Harry Hart) but somehow never got around to reading this until the trailer for 'Golden Circle' came out. One of those 'Why Not?" moments and ordered it off Amazon.
The story was interesting in some parts but mostly lackluster for me. It jumped around alot in and some cases it felt like things were missing and rushed. The artwork too I wasn't impressed with for the most part... had a hard time wrapping my head around how a few of them were looking (biased from the film? A little but at the same time... Eggsy and his mom especially, looked weird to me and not 'in sync' with how they drew Jack).
Jack London was just as interesting as his counterpart in the film, would have loved to know more of his backstory... a whole series on him would have me shelling out the money.
The villain in this was a good one like Valentine but more, not pathetic exactly... lackluster perhaps instead? I was rooting for him to his comeuppance but overall felt no strong emotions toward him.
*Minor spoilers ahead if you haven't seen the film as well*
Good points:
Jack London
Eggsy's character development was great
Eggsy kicking Dean's behind is shown more
Some of the humor
The Spy Gadgets
Not-so-good- points:
Most of the artwork
No Roxy or Merlin from the film (come on, they are awesome! can you blame me?)
Story could have been fleshed out more
Maybe if I had read this before the I saw film I would have liked it more? Perhaps not *shrugs* I only started reading some graphic novels a couple years ago so Kingsman still might not have made it on my radar for awhile anyway.
I didn't entirely hate this but for me, it could have been so much better. Bit of a mixed bag really.
---
Well, very different from the film in most ways.
Book different from the fim? Shocker! ;-P
I expected that but I was expecting the names to stay the same for some reason haha... perhaps blame it on me only hearing of KINGSMAN from the film and not knowing the graphic novels existed till awhile afterwards. Wasn't paying attention I guess :).
Needless to say, I loved the film. It was fun, and the cast had a great chemistry together (have such a crush on Harry Hart) but somehow never got around to reading this until the trailer for 'Golden Circle' came out. One of those 'Why Not?" moments and ordered it off Amazon.
The story was interesting in some parts but mostly lackluster for me. It jumped around alot in and some cases it felt like things were missing and rushed. The artwork too I wasn't impressed with for the most part... had a hard time wrapping my head around how a few of them were looking (biased from the film? A little but at the same time... Eggsy and his mom especially, looked weird to me and not 'in sync' with how they drew Jack).
Jack London was just as interesting as his counterpart in the film, would have loved to know more of his backstory... a whole series on him would have me shelling out the money.
The villain in this was a good one like Valentine but more, not pathetic exactly... lackluster perhaps instead? I was rooting for him to his comeuppance but overall felt no strong emotions toward him.
*Minor spoilers ahead if you haven't seen the film as well*
Good points:
Jack London
Eggsy's character development was great
Eggsy kicking Dean's behind is shown more
Some of the humor
The Spy Gadgets
Not-so-good- points:
Most of the artwork
No Roxy or Merlin from the film (come on, they are awesome! can you blame me?)
Story could have been fleshed out more
Maybe if I had read this before the I saw film I would have liked it more? Perhaps not *shrugs* I only started reading some graphic novels a couple years ago so Kingsman still might not have made it on my radar for awhile anyway.
I didn't entirely hate this but for me, it could have been so much better. Bit of a mixed bag really.
March 3, 2015
The only reason I read this last night was because milady took us us out for a double feature last Saturday night (50 Shades of Gray and Kingsman). After reading this last night I'm edging closer to one conclusion.
Matthew Vaughn's movie version of Mark Millar's comics are better than comics. Vaughn made the only X-Men movie that I've liked so far out of the the three I've seen on DVD, and I liked the Kick-Ass movie more than the comics. With The Secret Service it might be that I liked the movie more because Vaughn decides to take the premise of a gentleman spy movie and play it a bit more as a parody. I certainly never thought I'd see Collin Firth pull off an action role, and be so good at doing it.
The movie's basic bad guy plot is the same for both the movie and the comic. Gary remains a likable enough character, and arguably the comic does a slightly better job of showing Gary's maturation process. There are some Easter Eggs in the script for fans of old British spy television shows.
At the same time I have to give Millar some credit from going away from his usual shock and awe school of of writing that he has indulged himself in the past few years. I'm not a prude but good story telling is not always about trying to shock your or repulse your reader. Perhaps, like Gary, Millar is growing up a little bit.
Matthew Vaughn's movie version of Mark Millar's comics are better than comics. Vaughn made the only X-Men movie that I've liked so far out of the the three I've seen on DVD, and I liked the Kick-Ass movie more than the comics. With The Secret Service it might be that I liked the movie more because Vaughn decides to take the premise of a gentleman spy movie and play it a bit more as a parody. I certainly never thought I'd see Collin Firth pull off an action role, and be so good at doing it.
The movie's basic bad guy plot is the same for both the movie and the comic. Gary remains a likable enough character, and arguably the comic does a slightly better job of showing Gary's maturation process. There are some Easter Eggs in the script for fans of old British spy television shows.
At the same time I have to give Millar some credit from going away from his usual shock and awe school of of writing that he has indulged himself in the past few years. I'm not a prude but good story telling is not always about trying to shock your or repulse your reader. Perhaps, like Gary, Millar is growing up a little bit.
February 15, 2015
I don't see The Secret Service as a spy thriller story but as a YA coming of age story. Well, Millar's style of coming of age. It is the good point of start. There are other secret agent parodies with children or teenagers as main protagonist. There is similar theme with XXX movies that set adult rebellious adults as USA secret agents. But this book takes a further step, a delinquent British Secret Service agent.
I am not impressed with the antagonists, the standard secret organization. They are dangerous (a mad visionary leader with high tech, goons that properly trained), but somehow pathetic.
The lack of details in the plot are suitable for children. The bloody violence scenes are not. The jokes are for older generations . So, I am confused... what is the target market of this book?
I am not impressed with the antagonists, the standard secret organization. They are dangerous (a mad visionary leader with high tech, goons that properly trained), but somehow pathetic.
The lack of details in the plot are suitable for children. The bloody violence scenes are not. The jokes are for older generations . So, I am confused... what is the target market of this book?
April 21, 2014
Gary is a thuggish oik from a generic housing estate in Britain who spends his days boosting cars and smoking spliffs. His dad’s a thug who beats up his doormat mother and they all live on benefits. Then one day Gary’s Uncle Jack shows up and reveals that he’s a Secret Agent on Her Majesty’s Secret Service - and would Gary like to be one too?
I generally like Mark Millar’s Millarworld books but I couldn’t believe how derivative so much of this book was. The opening sequence is reminiscent of Kick Ass’s opening scene where you see a “superhero” soar off a building - and then land on a car, dead. The setup of the young nobody suddenly realising he has untapped potential within him is Wanted all over again. The rest of the book is just brazenly lifted from James Bond - the debonair secret agent, the gadgets, the licence to kill, the swish car and associated weaponry, even the bad guy with the fiendish plan in his mountain lair!
The book has a good message to impart of how anyone can make something of themselves even if they come from nothing, and that they shouldn’t let stereotypes define their identity, but it’s diluted with a lot of cynicism from elsewhere in the story. Part of the villain’s plan is abducting celebrities (for no real reason it turns out) and is just there so that when Matthew Vaughn, the film director who co-plotted the book, films it, he can put in some famous faces for the trailer.
The ending is predictable (duh, does Jame Bond ever fail to stop the bad guy?), Gary’s training happens too quickly (those three years feel like three months at most), in fact most of the book rushes by in a series of trite and forgettable moments. Millar’s bloody sense of humour is present in a couple of scenes but for the most part the story never once becomes interesting.
The characterisation was completely lazy: Uncle Jack WAS James Bond, Gary was pitiful and dreary as the lead, and the rest of the cast were archetypes from the abusive boyfriend to the megalomaniacal boss. I’m not a big Dave Gibbons fan and found his artwork just so-so - not terrible but nothing that stands out as particularly impressive.
I usually get through Millar’s books in one sitting but it took me several attempts to get through The Secret Service - it was that boring. It tries too hard to be edgy, cool, even inspiring and winds up being the opposite of all three. The Secret Service: Kingsman is by far the worst book in the Millarworld so far.
I generally like Mark Millar’s Millarworld books but I couldn’t believe how derivative so much of this book was. The opening sequence is reminiscent of Kick Ass’s opening scene where you see a “superhero” soar off a building - and then land on a car, dead. The setup of the young nobody suddenly realising he has untapped potential within him is Wanted all over again. The rest of the book is just brazenly lifted from James Bond - the debonair secret agent, the gadgets, the licence to kill, the swish car and associated weaponry, even the bad guy with the fiendish plan in his mountain lair!
The book has a good message to impart of how anyone can make something of themselves even if they come from nothing, and that they shouldn’t let stereotypes define their identity, but it’s diluted with a lot of cynicism from elsewhere in the story. Part of the villain’s plan is abducting celebrities (for no real reason it turns out) and is just there so that when Matthew Vaughn, the film director who co-plotted the book, films it, he can put in some famous faces for the trailer.
The ending is predictable (duh, does Jame Bond ever fail to stop the bad guy?), Gary’s training happens too quickly (those three years feel like three months at most), in fact most of the book rushes by in a series of trite and forgettable moments. Millar’s bloody sense of humour is present in a couple of scenes but for the most part the story never once becomes interesting.
The characterisation was completely lazy: Uncle Jack WAS James Bond, Gary was pitiful and dreary as the lead, and the rest of the cast were archetypes from the abusive boyfriend to the megalomaniacal boss. I’m not a big Dave Gibbons fan and found his artwork just so-so - not terrible but nothing that stands out as particularly impressive.
I usually get through Millar’s books in one sitting but it took me several attempts to get through The Secret Service - it was that boring. It tries too hard to be edgy, cool, even inspiring and winds up being the opposite of all three. The Secret Service: Kingsman is by far the worst book in the Millarworld so far.
August 5, 2022
This one was so good omg!
I freaking love this!
The origin of Eggsy and how he becomes a super spy and well we see his rough origins and then the meeting his uncle Jack and then training and all that and forming close bonds with him until the big mission to stop the villain James Arnold who wants to annihilate the world because villainous reasons and yeah it may seem basic but what Millar does here is so fun and shows a great tragic origin and gives our young hero his big moment vs the villain and while it has tragic-ness in its final scenes, it has a great ending and the start of a great adventure for Eggsy!
I really enjoyed the fast paced nature of it and the emotional scenes here were perfect and the art by Gibbons is just next level! <3
I freaking love this!
The origin of Eggsy and how he becomes a super spy and well we see his rough origins and then the meeting his uncle Jack and then training and all that and forming close bonds with him until the big mission to stop the villain James Arnold who wants to annihilate the world because villainous reasons and yeah it may seem basic but what Millar does here is so fun and shows a great tragic origin and gives our young hero his big moment vs the villain and while it has tragic-ness in its final scenes, it has a great ending and the start of a great adventure for Eggsy!
I really enjoyed the fast paced nature of it and the emotional scenes here were perfect and the art by Gibbons is just next level! <3
December 6, 2025
It was with cautious optimism that I picked this one up, and I'm glad to say it not only exceeded my expectations, it also redeemed Mark Millar in my eyes.
Back in the heyday of The Ultimates, The Ultimates 2, Wolverine: Enemy of the State: Enemy of the State Ultimate Collection, and The Authority Vol. 2, Mark Millar was one of my favourite writers. The over-the-top plots, the witty (and occasionally off-colour) dialogue, and the crazy action set-pieces all helped make these books favourites of mine, books that I will go back and re-read every once in a while.
But then over time, in his subsequent books, I noticed that he was recycling some of the same stunts and that the frequency of characters calling each other morons or retards was on the way up. And then there was the shock value factor. At times it felt like he was writing some of this stuff just to see how far he could go. It can be argued that because of his own imprint - Millarworld - he can go pretty far indeed, and as long as people buy his books, why should he change anything?
His Millarworld titles are hit-or-miss with me. Superior was okay, Kick-Ass was juvenile, the inappropriate - and even more juvenile - Kick-Ass 2 turned me off completely. It's like Millar thought his readership was comprised exclusively of male teenagers. On the other hand, Wanted, Nemesis and Supercrooks were all fantastic.
So, as you see, it could have gone either way with this book. The super-spy origin story, the mysterious abductions, personal redemption, ultra-cool spy gadgets, and the Bond villain with his dastardly plan all helped make this a very fun book. Most importantly - at least for me - Millar seemed to have restrained himself with the cheap put-downs and the shock & awe. The main character goes through a major transformation, and achieves the potential he always had but was never encouraged to pursue.
The story serves as a set-up for a franchise, and if Millar does write more books for this series, hopefully they will be just as fun, and not geared towards the Kick-Ass demographic.
Back in the heyday of The Ultimates, The Ultimates 2, Wolverine: Enemy of the State: Enemy of the State Ultimate Collection, and The Authority Vol. 2, Mark Millar was one of my favourite writers. The over-the-top plots, the witty (and occasionally off-colour) dialogue, and the crazy action set-pieces all helped make these books favourites of mine, books that I will go back and re-read every once in a while.
But then over time, in his subsequent books, I noticed that he was recycling some of the same stunts and that the frequency of characters calling each other morons or retards was on the way up. And then there was the shock value factor. At times it felt like he was writing some of this stuff just to see how far he could go. It can be argued that because of his own imprint - Millarworld - he can go pretty far indeed, and as long as people buy his books, why should he change anything?
His Millarworld titles are hit-or-miss with me. Superior was okay, Kick-Ass was juvenile, the inappropriate - and even more juvenile - Kick-Ass 2 turned me off completely. It's like Millar thought his readership was comprised exclusively of male teenagers. On the other hand, Wanted, Nemesis and Supercrooks were all fantastic.
So, as you see, it could have gone either way with this book. The super-spy origin story, the mysterious abductions, personal redemption, ultra-cool spy gadgets, and the Bond villain with his dastardly plan all helped make this a very fun book. Most importantly - at least for me - Millar seemed to have restrained himself with the cheap put-downs and the shock & awe. The main character goes through a major transformation, and achieves the potential he always had but was never encouraged to pursue.
The story serves as a set-up for a franchise, and if Millar does write more books for this series, hopefully they will be just as fun, and not geared towards the Kick-Ass demographic.
May 1, 2021
4,5/5
I was fully expecting to hate this, given how trash I am for the movies, but I was very pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed this, though its hilariously straight and 'tough'. Some of it was super on the nose which was incredibly cringe-y. I mean, "I'm a spy. A super spy." and "That's right: the spy school" is not what I'd call great writing, haha! I'm not majorly fond of the art, especially after Eggsy's gone through his make over- he looks about 40 after that.
Overall I did really love reading this, and I even laughed at loud near the end. I quite love how they dealt with the signal here, and would have loved to see that in the movie, haha!
Definitely intend on picking up the next one!
I was fully expecting to hate this, given how trash I am for the movies, but I was very pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed this, though its hilariously straight and 'tough'. Some of it was super on the nose which was incredibly cringe-y. I mean, "I'm a spy. A super spy." and "That's right: the spy school" is not what I'd call great writing, haha! I'm not majorly fond of the art, especially after Eggsy's gone through his make over- he looks about 40 after that.
Overall I did really love reading this, and I even laughed at loud near the end. I quite love how they dealt with the signal here, and would have loved to see that in the movie, haha!
Definitely intend on picking up the next one!
June 29, 2019
Most of the time I find that books are far superior to their visual counterparts. Kingsman is a toss up. I liked the moive and I liked the comic. There are major similarities, but there are some differences. I like the villain and the henchmen of the movies better than the comics (Samuel L Jackson and the female version of Gazzelle), but everywhere else the story in the comic is better.
For those who haven't seen the movie-it's about a low class kid joining the elite ranks of the "Kingsman" Secret Service. Expected to fail, under his uncle's supervision he becomes a super secret agent. Millar's writing is very good and this is a fun and exciting story. I also like that the comic didn't use the trope of "kill this dog to show your loyalty" which is mind-numbingly stupid. As someone, a long time ago, who used to do strange things for the government allow me to point out-killing a dog (or any animal) proves absolutely nothing (other than you are a complete ass). You'd think the test would be to shoot a person..you know as in the actual targets you will run into, since dogs (or any animal) aren't Fascist/Nazi nor are they Socialist/Communists-that level of stupidity and awfulness is something only HUMANS indulge in. Also killing an animal proves jack shit..kinda like saying "I've killed this crustacean and now you can trust me with all the secrets!"
A fun and interesting look at a Bond-like agency that is over the top in terms of violence. Also, note to any hipsterish types, Uncle Jack's advice about clothes is spot on! This is a different, and original, version of the story than the movie. Both have their own merits and both should be watched/read. Millar's Kingsman works for me and look forward to more from this series.
For those who haven't seen the movie-it's about a low class kid joining the elite ranks of the "Kingsman" Secret Service. Expected to fail, under his uncle's supervision he becomes a super secret agent. Millar's writing is very good and this is a fun and exciting story. I also like that the comic didn't use the trope of "kill this dog to show your loyalty" which is mind-numbingly stupid. As someone, a long time ago, who used to do strange things for the government allow me to point out-killing a dog (or any animal) proves absolutely nothing (other than you are a complete ass). You'd think the test would be to shoot a person..you know as in the actual targets you will run into, since dogs (or any animal) aren't Fascist/Nazi nor are they Socialist/Communists-that level of stupidity and awfulness is something only HUMANS indulge in. Also killing an animal proves jack shit..kinda like saying "I've killed this crustacean and now you can trust me with all the secrets!"
A fun and interesting look at a Bond-like agency that is over the top in terms of violence. Also, note to any hipsterish types, Uncle Jack's advice about clothes is spot on! This is a different, and original, version of the story than the movie. Both have their own merits and both should be watched/read. Millar's Kingsman works for me and look forward to more from this series.
January 14, 2015
I was unaware the upcoming movie Kingsman: The Secret Service was based on a graphic novel until I saw this in my local comics shop, but had to pick it up when I saw Mark Millar's name on it (And, bonus, the artist is Dave Gibbons of Watchmen fame). This is typical over-the-top Millar, taking a known quantity -- in this case the spy genre -- and "putting it up to 11", creating a warped coming-of-age story only he could imagine. It's similar in a lot of ways to what he did with superheroes in Kick-Ass and with assassins in Wanted, but better, as this story has a tighter focus and is fully resolved in this six-issue arc.
June 12, 2015
I would say not Millar's best work but still pretty passable. Some interesting ideas. Would have probably been great as the start of a new series.
July 27, 2021
I think it's better than the movie.
March 31, 2020
There have been some real highs for Millar in my book as of late. And there’s also been a real lows as well. Of course, this swings toward the latter. SAD!
Just like Superior, poorly chosen internal structures and their according manifestations of plot or lack-thereof drive this otherwise visually pleasant read off the cliff. Careening into our capacities to reason, the raison d'etre here reveals itself to be as thin as the characters themselves. Sure, who hasn’t fantasized about being a spy at one point in your childhood? But did we really need a 150 page testosterone addled wank-fest written about it?
Just like Superior, poorly chosen internal structures and their according manifestations of plot or lack-thereof drive this otherwise visually pleasant read off the cliff. Careening into our capacities to reason, the raison d'etre here reveals itself to be as thin as the characters themselves. Sure, who hasn’t fantasized about being a spy at one point in your childhood? But did we really need a 150 page testosterone addled wank-fest written about it?
September 19, 2017
Read this as a sort of warm up for Kingsman 2 tomorrow night, and thought it was brilliant! The film was adapted from this story, and while there's a lot of plot changes, be it character connections, character descriptions and back stories, the main story remains the same.
As violent and sweary as a Deadpool comic, and a good, fun story! Why is this not a huge running comic, with multiple stories?!
As violent and sweary as a Deadpool comic, and a good, fun story! Why is this not a huge running comic, with multiple stories?!
September 28, 2014
Mark Millar pushes my buttons again. It's got the usual wish fulfillment and pop culture. Lots of heads blowing up though. Dave Gibbons of Watchmen fame does the art. The director of Lock Stock and Two Barrels contributed to the plot. I think it's going to be a movie. It's nice to be Mark Millar.
December 4, 2017
I had some high hopes after enjoying the movies, this was kind of boring.
October 9, 2017
What?! No Roxy or Merlin?!
There are a lot of different details but it's the same basic story. Overall, I enjoyed the film more.
There are a lot of different details but it's the same basic story. Overall, I enjoyed the film more.
November 15, 2018
Uno de esos casos donde la película es mejor. Caso que es más frecuente de lo que muchos creen...
April 4, 2015
I have enjoyed nearly all of the Mark Millar graphic novels I have read, and the film adaptations of them that I have seen. The same way that Kiss Ass subverted and took the piss out of the superhero genre, Kingsman does the same with spy films in the vein of James Bond. The villain plot is reasonably original (kidnapping sci-fi actors is a stroke of genius) however the climax is fairly standard, but I guess it has to be in a traditional 3-act structure. There are great moments along the way that made me laugh out loud: the villain's henchmen complaining about their nicknames, the parachute failure at the beginning. I have not seen the film yet (which stars Colin Firth) but I look forward to it.
July 16, 2019
Si te gustó la película, el cómic no te va a sumar mucho. Y si no te gustó la película, tampoco te va a gustar el cómic. Esta obra se lee casi como un boceto, como una primera idea. Casi en todos los aspectos el guión de Goldman y Vaughn la mejora. La película, por ejemplo, gana con el replanteo de la relación entre los dos personajes principales, sacándoles el vínculo familiar. También en la especial atención que se pone en la parte central, en el entrenamiento, y el agregado de un personaje femenino que NO es el interés romántico del protagonista (una decisión inédita que, sin embargo, un poco queda arruinada por esa escena final con la princesa de Suecia). El cómic gana apenas en algún que otro punto, como el hecho de que Mark Hamill aparezca como Mark Hamill y no interpretando a un stock character remanido. El resto es todo lo que cabe esperar del Millarverse: presunto realismo que enseguida deja de ser tal, el juego con los tropos de un género establecido, la suciedad del alma humana puesta en primer plano, y finalmente una lluvia de violencia cuasi tarantinesca.
May 10, 2016
3.5 Stars
Great potential, interesting premise, critically acclaimed writer, legendary artist, Hollywood producer, thin character development, choppy storytelling, uninspired art, wasted potential.
Those are the things that come to mind when I read Kingamsn: The Secret Service. What could have been an awesome James Bond type of story turned into a somewhat lack lustre story with pacing and storytelling issues:
1) There are some good things with this book, the celebrity plot line was interesting and made me smile. But, that's about all there was to like this tale
2) I like Dave Gibbon, he is an industry legend and did the famous Watchmen...but his art I think is outdated and compared to the plethora of talented artists in the industry now...just stagnant. His framing is nothing special and there is no sense of motion at all in his art. Disappointing.
3) The story if I look at it as a whole is not a bad story, it is interesting and a story I would love to read about, but it's the writing and the framing and the pacing that are the problems here. It seems that Millar does not focus on the things that would grab the reader, we never really relate to the characters and the pacing is too jumpy for any momentum and emotions to develop. Issue 1-3 felt meandering and 4-6 felt fast but characters were not introduced well and made a lot of "huh, who's that?" moments. I think a couple of more issues may have fixed it but I think more than anything it's the focus that's a bit off.
Overall, I really wanted to like the story but the faults and the missed opportunities just made this a forgettable read and coming from the likes of Millar, Gibbons and Vaughn that's disappointing.
Onward to the next book!
Great potential, interesting premise, critically acclaimed writer, legendary artist, Hollywood producer, thin character development, choppy storytelling, uninspired art, wasted potential.
Those are the things that come to mind when I read Kingamsn: The Secret Service. What could have been an awesome James Bond type of story turned into a somewhat lack lustre story with pacing and storytelling issues:
1) There are some good things with this book, the celebrity plot line was interesting and made me smile. But, that's about all there was to like this tale
2) I like Dave Gibbon, he is an industry legend and did the famous Watchmen...but his art I think is outdated and compared to the plethora of talented artists in the industry now...just stagnant. His framing is nothing special and there is no sense of motion at all in his art. Disappointing.
3) The story if I look at it as a whole is not a bad story, it is interesting and a story I would love to read about, but it's the writing and the framing and the pacing that are the problems here. It seems that Millar does not focus on the things that would grab the reader, we never really relate to the characters and the pacing is too jumpy for any momentum and emotions to develop. Issue 1-3 felt meandering and 4-6 felt fast but characters were not introduced well and made a lot of "huh, who's that?" moments. I think a couple of more issues may have fixed it but I think more than anything it's the focus that's a bit off.
Overall, I really wanted to like the story but the faults and the missed opportunities just made this a forgettable read and coming from the likes of Millar, Gibbons and Vaughn that's disappointing.
Onward to the next book!
December 28, 2015
Yesterday I happened into a Starbucks attached to an Indigo and someone had left this sitting on the table so I picked it up and was half way through by the time my associate showed up, so of course I had to buy it ... (insert sigh here).
Well Ian Flemming meets the Zucker Bros. Toss in the artwork by Watchmen's Dave Gibbons and that about sums this up.
Gangland Boy going nowhere is taken under his "secret" not so secret spy uncle's wing and comes out the other side of his "training" and saves the world.
There are many cute one liner gimicks used throughout. Lots of name dropping including such as pop culture icons as William Shatner and Mark Hamill.
This was a fun little roll in the hay with some clever moments. I think however this would have been better served if it was either full out satire or a serious spy thriller instead of being the fence sitter that it is. It was however captivating enough that I could not put it down and had to buy it once started. 3 1/2 *'s if I could.
Well Ian Flemming meets the Zucker Bros. Toss in the artwork by Watchmen's Dave Gibbons and that about sums this up.
Gangland Boy going nowhere is taken under his "secret" not so secret spy uncle's wing and comes out the other side of his "training" and saves the world.
There are many cute one liner gimicks used throughout. Lots of name dropping including such as pop culture icons as William Shatner and Mark Hamill.
This was a fun little roll in the hay with some clever moments. I think however this would have been better served if it was either full out satire or a serious spy thriller instead of being the fence sitter that it is. It was however captivating enough that I could not put it down and had to buy it once started. 3 1/2 *'s if I could.
December 23, 2015
I don't read a lot of graphic novels (comic books) any more save some Captain America and Avengers collections mostly out of nostalgia. I was also however a huge "spy-fi" fan in my youth (and now when I can find it). Happily it seems to be making at least a slight comeback with people rediscovering the Bond novels and Bond movies still going strong.
Recently I saw the movie Kingsman: The Secret Service, and liked it a great deal. So I decided to track down the graphic novel(s) it was based on.
Not bad. This isn't the first GN I've read from Mark Millar and I didn't care for at least one of the others. here however we get some decent story telling, a little humor and good if not excellent art.
All in all good. The book is I must say a little more simplistic than the movie (no really, it is) and the movie is in the end better. Still I think you'll enjoy this. Try it yourself.
Recently I saw the movie Kingsman: The Secret Service, and liked it a great deal. So I decided to track down the graphic novel(s) it was based on.
Not bad. This isn't the first GN I've read from Mark Millar and I didn't care for at least one of the others. here however we get some decent story telling, a little humor and good if not excellent art.
All in all good. The book is I must say a little more simplistic than the movie (no really, it is) and the movie is in the end better. Still I think you'll enjoy this. Try it yourself.
April 24, 2019
I have read previous works by Mar Millar, such as "Kick-ass" series and "Wanted", however, I found this one inferior. The Secret Service tells an entertaining story of a British spy who recruits his low-life nephew into the British secret services. Gary "Eggsy" Unwin is a teen who lives with his dysfunctional mother and stepfather. Gary has always wanted to change his life and move away from his poor neighbourhood.
Jack London, Gary's uncle, decides that his nephew deserves a second opportunity in life. Jack teaches him the mastery of being a secret spy. Future events start to take another dramatic level when Gary begins to put into practice his spying lessons.
In addition, the story rolls on with nerdy villains, black humour, and amusing action scenes into an entertaining blast.
Jack London, Gary's uncle, decides that his nephew deserves a second opportunity in life. Jack teaches him the mastery of being a secret spy. Future events start to take another dramatic level when Gary begins to put into practice his spying lessons.
In addition, the story rolls on with nerdy villains, black humour, and amusing action scenes into an entertaining blast.
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