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Shadow Service #11
Shadow Service Vol. 3: Death To Spies
Black Magic woman meets Black Ops Bond in this supernatural spy saga from New York Times bestselling author, Cavan Scott!
From NewYork Times bestseller Cavan Scott (Star Wars: The High Republic) and artist Corin Howell (Wonder Woman) comes the start of a thrilling new chapter of the supernatural spy saga!
All over the world, secret agents are being murdered by monstrous folk horrors, and not even MI666 is safe. Gina Meyer faces tragedy as a teammate turns enemy. But what of the quest to find out the truth about her past and powers?
Shadow Service stands tall next to the likes of Criminal Macabre and Hellblazer in the world of supernatural detectives while still putting its own spin on it to stand apart. – Horror DNA
For fans of Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan ( The Hollows ), The Department of Truth, Umbrella Academy, Doctor Who, Star Wars High Republic, Hellblazer, and James Bond.
From NewYork Times bestseller Cavan Scott (Star Wars: The High Republic) and artist Corin Howell (Wonder Woman) comes the start of a thrilling new chapter of the supernatural spy saga!
All over the world, secret agents are being murdered by monstrous folk horrors, and not even MI666 is safe. Gina Meyer faces tragedy as a teammate turns enemy. But what of the quest to find out the truth about her past and powers?
Shadow Service stands tall next to the likes of Criminal Macabre and Hellblazer in the world of supernatural detectives while still putting its own spin on it to stand apart. – Horror DNA
For fans of Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan ( The Hollows ), The Department of Truth, Umbrella Academy, Doctor Who, Star Wars High Republic, Hellblazer, and James Bond.
- GenresFantasy
128 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2023
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Cavan Scott
846 books436 followersis a freelance comic writer and author. He is best known for his work on a variety of spin-offs from both Doctor Who and Star Wars, as well as comics and novels for Vikings, Pacific Rim, Sherlock Holmes, and Penguins of Madagascar.
Cavan Scott, along with Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, Daniel Jose Older, and Charles Soule are crafting a new era in the Star Wars publishing world called Star Wars: The High Republic. Cavan's contribution to the era is a comic book series released through Marvel Comics titled Star Wars: The High Republic.
Cavan Scott, along with Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, Daniel Jose Older, and Charles Soule are crafting a new era in the Star Wars publishing world called Star Wars: The High Republic. Cavan's contribution to the era is a comic book series released through Marvel Comics titled Star Wars: The High Republic.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 11, 2023
This was a fun continuation of the series. Like with the first two volumes, you have to be comfortable with quite a lot of shock-level gore. But there's some humor mixed in with the horror and a much more solid plot developing. I'll be happy to continue the series.
August 5, 2023
Well, now, that's not good.
The supernatural intelligence community has witnessed a string of targeted attacks from all manner of simulants — tricky, powerful creatures that absorb the form of local folklore and rip apart local agents. Perfect timing. Gina has convinced herself that she's getting the hang of this secret agent stuff. This occult agent stuff. This being-a-witch thing. But shapeshifters are nasty business. And they're a global problem. Also, Section 26 is next on the hit list.
SHADOW SERVICE v3 is a riot of twists and turns. The first volume in this wickedly beautiful occult action comic produced exquisitely flawed (and entertaining) characters all too confident in themselves (and their flaws). The second volume was about scale, and about how the ego and petulance that clouds the judgment of humans so commonly clouds the judgment of the denizens of other realms as well. SHADOW SERVICE v3 is about one thing: betrayal. And if not full-on betrayal, then certainly the hindrances and dissatisfactions that manifest in their place when the institutions one trusts (or has no choice but to trust), contort themselves against one's favor.
Every chapter of this volume holds a hellacious twist. An otherwise well-plotted mission to recruit a member of The Department, Russia's supernatural secret service, goes to crap. A well-regarded teammate is fatally wounded. A well-trained agent from the Ministry of Esoteric Defense, China's occult secret service agency, makes her way into the West End and requests asylum. But whose fault is the botched mission? Must a dead teammate always be avenged? And is agent Hui Shoi-Ming, as buff and attractive as she is, telling the truth when she says her life is in danger?
Readers cannot be faulted if, upon finishing this volume, they are interminably fatigued by all of the sneaking around, the flashbacks, the speechifying, and the betrayals.
SHADOW SERVICE v3 is another solid book. However, the creative team leaves readers with zero time to rest. This is definitely the type of volume in which something remarkable happens on nearly every page. Gina and the delightfully snarky ghost version of her old pall Gideon Quill go house hunting, eventually stumbling upon the maternity hospital of the young witch's birth. Meanwhile Hex makes a mess of an interrogation when a doozy of a mythical creature crashes the party. Also meanwhile, Agent Hui learns an uncomfortable, blood-stained truth when the crisscrossed, unkept lines of command finally unravel ("What use is a scapegoat if you don't leave them behind?").
As with previous volumes, SHADOW SERVICE v3 is gorgeous. One highlight is the appearance of a flea demon, Bàolì: a wonderfully hideous, massive, eight-limbed terror of puss and teleportation skill. The demon's transparent torso seethes; it's face-shape is that of a skinless, three-quarters human skull; and the beast is colored with iridescent purples and blues that span the smoky to the cerulean. Gina is a great character, and Hui the flirty shapeshifter is a fun addition to the cast, but this volume's unquestionable highlight is the arrogant flea demon who teases and torments its prey.
Section 26 is in a bad spot. Fortunately, Gina is slowly unearthing the secrets and misgivings involving a deeper-underground coven of bootlickers eager to turn the world over to the darkness. Just what the heck is this "seventh scion" anyways? And why in the hell is it Gina?
The supernatural intelligence community has witnessed a string of targeted attacks from all manner of simulants — tricky, powerful creatures that absorb the form of local folklore and rip apart local agents. Perfect timing. Gina has convinced herself that she's getting the hang of this secret agent stuff. This occult agent stuff. This being-a-witch thing. But shapeshifters are nasty business. And they're a global problem. Also, Section 26 is next on the hit list.
SHADOW SERVICE v3 is a riot of twists and turns. The first volume in this wickedly beautiful occult action comic produced exquisitely flawed (and entertaining) characters all too confident in themselves (and their flaws). The second volume was about scale, and about how the ego and petulance that clouds the judgment of humans so commonly clouds the judgment of the denizens of other realms as well. SHADOW SERVICE v3 is about one thing: betrayal. And if not full-on betrayal, then certainly the hindrances and dissatisfactions that manifest in their place when the institutions one trusts (or has no choice but to trust), contort themselves against one's favor.
Every chapter of this volume holds a hellacious twist. An otherwise well-plotted mission to recruit a member of The Department, Russia's supernatural secret service, goes to crap. A well-regarded teammate is fatally wounded. A well-trained agent from the Ministry of Esoteric Defense, China's occult secret service agency, makes her way into the West End and requests asylum. But whose fault is the botched mission? Must a dead teammate always be avenged? And is agent Hui Shoi-Ming, as buff and attractive as she is, telling the truth when she says her life is in danger?
Readers cannot be faulted if, upon finishing this volume, they are interminably fatigued by all of the sneaking around, the flashbacks, the speechifying, and the betrayals.
SHADOW SERVICE v3 is another solid book. However, the creative team leaves readers with zero time to rest. This is definitely the type of volume in which something remarkable happens on nearly every page. Gina and the delightfully snarky ghost version of her old pall Gideon Quill go house hunting, eventually stumbling upon the maternity hospital of the young witch's birth. Meanwhile Hex makes a mess of an interrogation when a doozy of a mythical creature crashes the party. Also meanwhile, Agent Hui learns an uncomfortable, blood-stained truth when the crisscrossed, unkept lines of command finally unravel ("What use is a scapegoat if you don't leave them behind?").
As with previous volumes, SHADOW SERVICE v3 is gorgeous. One highlight is the appearance of a flea demon, Bàolì: a wonderfully hideous, massive, eight-limbed terror of puss and teleportation skill. The demon's transparent torso seethes; it's face-shape is that of a skinless, three-quarters human skull; and the beast is colored with iridescent purples and blues that span the smoky to the cerulean. Gina is a great character, and Hui the flirty shapeshifter is a fun addition to the cast, but this volume's unquestionable highlight is the arrogant flea demon who teases and torments its prey.
Section 26 is in a bad spot. Fortunately, Gina is slowly unearthing the secrets and misgivings involving a deeper-underground coven of bootlickers eager to turn the world over to the darkness. Just what the heck is this "seventh scion" anyways? And why in the hell is it Gina?
March 22, 2023
Shadow Service Death To Spies by Cavan Scott is the third graphic novel in the Shadow Service series. Gina Meyer is a new agent in the MI666 agency and she is still getting used to her new teammates. She is trying to master and control her magical powers.
Gina is working with her new colleagues to try and figure out who is murdering undercover agents all over the world. The secret agents are being killed by monsters that are inspired by folklore. No one seems to be safe, including Gina and her coworkers, as someone is using the monsters to do their dirty work.
While Gina is investigating the murders, she is also working with Quinn to find the truth behind her birth. Gina feels that her mother might not be her real mother and also suspects that she is hiding something from Gina. As Gina and Quinn probe into Gina’s childhood, they realize that someone in her past might be related to the recent string of deaths.
Gina is unsure who to trust after she’s been previously betrayed by her loved ones. This was shown in the previous novels. To add to her feelings of betrayal, one of her teammates switches sides and becomes the enemy. She fears that the person targeting the other secret agents might be someone Gina is close to.
I read the other two volumes of Shadow Service and enjoyed them. The latest installment was just as enjoyable and action packed as the previous two books. In this volume, we learn more about Gina’s background and see her grow into her role as a shadow agent. She also learns to trust her gut instincts and becomes more aware of her growing powers. The graphic novel does end on a cliff hanger and the books need to be read in order. The graphic novel does have scenes of graphic and violent deaths. Not recommended for really young readers due to this.
Gina is working with her new colleagues to try and figure out who is murdering undercover agents all over the world. The secret agents are being killed by monsters that are inspired by folklore. No one seems to be safe, including Gina and her coworkers, as someone is using the monsters to do their dirty work.
While Gina is investigating the murders, she is also working with Quinn to find the truth behind her birth. Gina feels that her mother might not be her real mother and also suspects that she is hiding something from Gina. As Gina and Quinn probe into Gina’s childhood, they realize that someone in her past might be related to the recent string of deaths.
Gina is unsure who to trust after she’s been previously betrayed by her loved ones. This was shown in the previous novels. To add to her feelings of betrayal, one of her teammates switches sides and becomes the enemy. She fears that the person targeting the other secret agents might be someone Gina is close to.
I read the other two volumes of Shadow Service and enjoyed them. The latest installment was just as enjoyable and action packed as the previous two books. In this volume, we learn more about Gina’s background and see her grow into her role as a shadow agent. She also learns to trust her gut instincts and becomes more aware of her growing powers. The graphic novel does end on a cliff hanger and the books need to be read in order. The graphic novel does have scenes of graphic and violent deaths. Not recommended for really young readers due to this.
December 25, 2023
I've been saying all along that this comic suffers for its many twists and turns, and after completing the story arc of its first two volumes, it decides to double down. More twists, more betrayals-within-betrayals, more "nothing you know is true."
Overdoing a typically good thing makes it bland and takes away its edge. In this case, you basically stop believing anything the narrative tells you, and that hardly makes for a good story.
Again, it is not terrible for a light read with pretty good art, but it gets tiresome as it constantly tries to one-up itself.
Overdoing a typically good thing makes it bland and takes away its edge. In this case, you basically stop believing anything the narrative tells you, and that hardly makes for a good story.
Again, it is not terrible for a light read with pretty good art, but it gets tiresome as it constantly tries to one-up itself.
February 16, 2023
The start of a new arc. Someone is killing supernatural spies around the world using local legends to do their dirty work. Gina begins to find some things out about her true heritage after we found out in the past that her mother wasn't her birth mother. I'm still really digging this series about MI666 and can't wait for it to return again.
March 24, 2023
I was a bit sad as something happened tragically in this one to a character but I liked this volume also in the series. I am really interested to see where it is going and to know more about hex. He is such an interesting character! Loved the book and also the illustrations in these books alot.
March 12, 2024
Nice Twist
Shadow Service Vol 3: Death To Spies. Cavan Scott.
This third installment puts all the major characters in peril.
And the twist… didn’t see that coming.
Looking forward to the next Volume.
Shadow Service Vol 3: Death To Spies. Cavan Scott.
This third installment puts all the major characters in peril.
And the twist… didn’t see that coming.
Looking forward to the next Volume.
April 7, 2023
still as dark and spy-tastic as always. But holy shit that ending!
April 29, 2023
Originally posted on Just Geeking by.
Content warnings:
Gina Meyer is back for more magical and demonic high jinks alongside her new Section 26 teammates. In the previous volumes of Shadow Service we saw her struggle with the decision of whether to join with the Secret Service better known by everyone as MI666. After the events at the end of volume two she made the decision to join the team, her limited information about her powers and where she came from thrown into turmoil. Once again on her own it made more sense to join the devil she knew than go it alone.
Shadow Service Vol. 3: Death to Spies starts with an explosive opener that takes no prisoners and things get no less drastic from then on. Someone’s taking out agents within the global supernatural security community, and they’re using creatures from local folklore to do it. MI666 realise that either there’s only one way this could be happening worldwide; a shapeshifter is responsible. So when they come across a hulijing, a fox spirit, that can shape-shift, they think they’re got their culprit.
Of course, nothing in the world of MI666 is ever quite that simple and in Shadow Service Vol. 3: Death to Spies Scott takes readers further than they’ve ever been before with a storyline that doesn’t just cross international boundaries but crosses history as Gina gets the answers she’s been looking for whether she wanted them or not. Everything is bigger, darker and more dangerous as the agents of MI666 deal with other agents across the world, a conspiracy that has been decades in the making and everything is about to come crashing down on them.
Once again Howell’s art is impeccable, her ability to change the mood of a scene and illustrate the dark horror and wonders of the world of Shadow Service bringing the story to life. She captures the character’s personalities perfectly, giving the cheeky glint to Quinn’s glib, the steely gaze to Hex’s terrifying young visage and just the right amount of creepy evil to the grin of the villain you’ll meet in this volume. As for Gina, I love how genuine her moods are and the way that Howell’s art fits with Scott’s excellent dialogue. These two have worked together so well since the start of Shadow Service, so by volume three you can guarantee you’re in for a real treat.
Shadow Service Vol. 3: Death to Spies continues the dark and bloody themes of the previous volumes, continuing to delve into an urban fantasy world that is multi-layered. The world building is wonderful, and it was great to go even deeper in this third volume and see what else is out there in the Shadow Service universe. Add in the thrilling storylines that leave you desperately wanting more because you’ve just been left swearing at what has just happened at the end of the volume. If you’ve not picked this comic series up yet then what are you waiting for? There is nothing else quite like Shadow Service, and it’s just getting better and better with each volume.
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Content warnings:
Gina Meyer is back for more magical and demonic high jinks alongside her new Section 26 teammates. In the previous volumes of Shadow Service we saw her struggle with the decision of whether to join with the Secret Service better known by everyone as MI666. After the events at the end of volume two she made the decision to join the team, her limited information about her powers and where she came from thrown into turmoil. Once again on her own it made more sense to join the devil she knew than go it alone.
Shadow Service Vol. 3: Death to Spies starts with an explosive opener that takes no prisoners and things get no less drastic from then on. Someone’s taking out agents within the global supernatural security community, and they’re using creatures from local folklore to do it. MI666 realise that either there’s only one way this could be happening worldwide; a shapeshifter is responsible. So when they come across a hulijing, a fox spirit, that can shape-shift, they think they’re got their culprit.
Of course, nothing in the world of MI666 is ever quite that simple and in Shadow Service Vol. 3: Death to Spies Scott takes readers further than they’ve ever been before with a storyline that doesn’t just cross international boundaries but crosses history as Gina gets the answers she’s been looking for whether she wanted them or not. Everything is bigger, darker and more dangerous as the agents of MI666 deal with other agents across the world, a conspiracy that has been decades in the making and everything is about to come crashing down on them.
Once again Howell’s art is impeccable, her ability to change the mood of a scene and illustrate the dark horror and wonders of the world of Shadow Service bringing the story to life. She captures the character’s personalities perfectly, giving the cheeky glint to Quinn’s glib, the steely gaze to Hex’s terrifying young visage and just the right amount of creepy evil to the grin of the villain you’ll meet in this volume. As for Gina, I love how genuine her moods are and the way that Howell’s art fits with Scott’s excellent dialogue. These two have worked together so well since the start of Shadow Service, so by volume three you can guarantee you’re in for a real treat.
Shadow Service Vol. 3: Death to Spies continues the dark and bloody themes of the previous volumes, continuing to delve into an urban fantasy world that is multi-layered. The world building is wonderful, and it was great to go even deeper in this third volume and see what else is out there in the Shadow Service universe. Add in the thrilling storylines that leave you desperately wanting more because you’ve just been left swearing at what has just happened at the end of the volume. If you’ve not picked this comic series up yet then what are you waiting for? There is nothing else quite like Shadow Service, and it’s just getting better and better with each volume.
BLOG | REVIEWS | REVIEW SCHEDULE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST |
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews