Codename Baboushka: The Conclave of Death #1

Codename Baboushka: The Conclave Of Death (single issues) #1

by Shari Chankhamma (Artist)

CODENAME BABOUSHKA is an action-packed modern pulp spy thriller full of high-stakes thrills in exotic locations, with a kick-ass female hero in the style of James Bond and Modesty Blaise! Written by ANTONY JOHNSTON (THE FUSE, The Coldest City, Daredevil) and illustrated by SHARI CHANKHAMMA (SHELTERED, The Sisters' Luck). The enigmatic Contessa is a wealthy socialite, the last heiress to a noble Russian line—and secretly a deadly assassin! Blackmailed by the US government to carry out dirty jobs even the CIA can't sanction, she's got nothing to lose...and everything to fight for!

Genres: Comics, Action, Graphic Novels

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2015

About the author

Shari Chankhamma is a comic artist living in Thailand.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun, action-packed promising start to a new female spy series (definite weak spot for me). The tone of this is more action adventure fun with intrigue and enough angst to give it substance, but not as gritty in story or art as Velvet, Vol. 1: Before the Living End, or as realistically spy-like as Queen and Country: The Definitive Edition, Vol. 1 (both of which I love). This one fills my more fun female spy comic gap, and is a little bit reminiscent of Black Widow.

Baboushka is smart and sexy, but not drawn or portrayed in a stupid fan service way, and the gadgets are fun but not too cheesy.

I'm looking forward to more.

[Maria Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, little espionage thriller story. Not much meat, but an entertaining read.

[Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun spy comic.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Codename Baboushka is about a Russian countess who fled to the United States for asylum. Now she is being blackmailed by a secret government agency to become a spy and assassin that will carry out missions that could hurt the government's reputation.


The first chapter is a great introduction to the character and the series. There is the implication that she has a criminal background and we get to see her in action pretty quickly. Her skills and resourcefulness are impressive. It shows her recruitment and first mission, which makes the story feel well put together. The only downside is that there wasn't enough background info on the contessa, but that happens with such a limited format. I hope to see that expanded in later chapters.

[The Sapphic Nerd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected something with more... kick? At least when it comes to the writing. Spy stuff has been done, action is everywhere, but I wanted something with a fresh take on it. Codename Baboushka sounded like it could be that. Sorry, I'm not feeling it. The art isn't anything to be crazy about either.

[Calvin Daniels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Common plot, terrible art.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new title that I'm enjoying so far. Just picked up the third issue and will keep reading to see where it is headed.

[Sage · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars. Fantastic core concept, disappointing execution.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not feelin it. And there was something about the art that just doesn't do it for me.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really digging this comic. Reminds me of James Bond, and the great thing about this story is a girl is kicking some ass!