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Codename: Knockout, Volume 1: The Devil You Say
Featuring artwork inspired by the "good girl" pin-ups of the 1950s and '60s, CODENAME: KNOCKOUT tells the fast-paced story of Angela St. Grace, a buxom agent for the clandestine agency of G.O.O.D. (Global Organization for the Obliteration of Dastardliness), and her loyal gay assistant Go Go Fiasco. Together they battle the forces of E.V.I.L. (Extralegal Vendors of Iniquity and Licentiousness) in exotic locales across the globe. There's just one snag: her mother is the head of GOOD and Angela's about to discover that mom has been less than honest about the fate of her supposedly dead father!
- GenresGraphic NovelsComics
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2010
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Robert Rodi
210 books123 followersRobert was born in Chicago in the conformist 1950s, grew up in the insurrectionist 1960s, came of age in the hedonist 1970s, and went to work in the elitist 1980s. This roller-coaster ride has left him with a distinct aversion to isms of any kind; it also gave him an ear for hypocrisy, cant, and platitudes that allowed him, in the 1990s, to become a much-lauded social satirist.
After seven acclaimed novels set in the gay milieu, Robert grew restless for new challenges — which he found in activities as wide-ranging as publishing nonfiction, writing comic books, launching a literary-criticism blog, and taking to the stage (as a spoken-word performer, jazz singer, and rock-and-roll front man).
In 2011, excited by the rise of digital e-books, he returned to his first love, publishing new fiction inspired by the work of Alfred Hitchcock. He also organized the republishing of his seminal gay novels under the banner Robert Rodi Essentials.
Robert still resides in Chicago, in a century-old Queen Anne house with his partner Jeffrey Smith and a constantly shifting number of dogs.
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German version: Robert Rodi wurde 1956 in einem Vorort von Chicago geboren. Im Alter von 22 schloss er sein Philosophie-Studium ab. Schon vorher beschäftigte er sich mit Comedy. Sein erster eigener Roman, "Fag Hag" aus dem Jahr 1991 war ein großer Erfolg. Es folgten mehrere andere komische Romane, zahlreiche Kurzgeschichten und Sketche. Robert lebt mit Partner und Hund in Chicago.
After seven acclaimed novels set in the gay milieu, Robert grew restless for new challenges — which he found in activities as wide-ranging as publishing nonfiction, writing comic books, launching a literary-criticism blog, and taking to the stage (as a spoken-word performer, jazz singer, and rock-and-roll front man).
In 2011, excited by the rise of digital e-books, he returned to his first love, publishing new fiction inspired by the work of Alfred Hitchcock. He also organized the republishing of his seminal gay novels under the banner Robert Rodi Essentials.
Robert still resides in Chicago, in a century-old Queen Anne house with his partner Jeffrey Smith and a constantly shifting number of dogs.
.
German version: Robert Rodi wurde 1956 in einem Vorort von Chicago geboren. Im Alter von 22 schloss er sein Philosophie-Studium ab. Schon vorher beschäftigte er sich mit Comedy. Sein erster eigener Roman, "Fag Hag" aus dem Jahr 1991 war ein großer Erfolg. Es folgten mehrere andere komische Romane, zahlreiche Kurzgeschichten und Sketche. Robert lebt mit Partner und Hund in Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 20, 2024
"Are you sure, Angela? You could blow his cover." -- Wilbur, counterintelligence coordinator
"Don't worry, I won't blow anything . . unless I absolutely have to." -- Angela Devlin, agent of G.O.O.D.
Codename: Knockout? More like Codename: No Thanks. Although meant to be - from writer Rodi's intro essay - a 21st century updating of a Modesty Blaise-type character (or 60's-era TV relics like Honey West and The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.), this graphic volume instead tries to hit all sorts of notes but ends up mostly sounding like a bad evening of karaoke. The humor is groaningly unsubtle and too obvious, the action scenes aren't plentiful enough for an international espionage caper, and the dialogue - including way too many bitter phone calls between the title character and her nagging mother - seems rote and repetitive. This is the type of book where secret agent Angela Devlin is attacked by a squad of ninjas . . . just moments after exiting the shower at her glamorous house. (No guesses on how the scene ultimately shakes out in her favor . . . or for the readers. 😳) The coolly competent / lethal Devlin is intentionally illustrated to be easy on the eyes - resembling actress / model Pamela Anderson during the mid-90's - but a pretty face is not enough to save this mission.
"Don't worry, I won't blow anything . . unless I absolutely have to." -- Angela Devlin, agent of G.O.O.D.
Codename: Knockout? More like Codename: No Thanks. Although meant to be - from writer Rodi's intro essay - a 21st century updating of a Modesty Blaise-type character (or 60's-era TV relics like Honey West and The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.), this graphic volume instead tries to hit all sorts of notes but ends up mostly sounding like a bad evening of karaoke. The humor is groaningly unsubtle and too obvious, the action scenes aren't plentiful enough for an international espionage caper, and the dialogue - including way too many bitter phone calls between the title character and her nagging mother - seems rote and repetitive. This is the type of book where secret agent Angela Devlin is attacked by a squad of ninjas . . . just moments after exiting the shower at her glamorous house. (No guesses on how the scene ultimately shakes out in her favor . . . or for the readers. 😳) The coolly competent / lethal Devlin is intentionally illustrated to be easy on the eyes - resembling actress / model Pamela Anderson during the mid-90's - but a pretty face is not enough to save this mission.
August 6, 2014
Most people will likely pick up this collection based on the "hot chick" on the cover. And while those people won't be disappointed (there is plenty of female nudity throughout) readers will also find a funny and entertaining lampooning of "cloak and dagger" stories.
The series is an absurdist take on the espionage genre. In the first issue alone there are ninjas dressed in pastels to blend into L.A., the villain has a massive hideout under a barn, and the good guys work for the "G.O.O.D." (Global Organization for the Obliteration of Dastardliness) organization while the bad guys work for "E.V.I.L." (Extralegal Vendors of Iniquity and Licentiousness). Other comedic elements include a villain named "Souna Iakilliou" (say it out loud) and Angela's tantric powers to give men permanent erections. It all winds up feeling like a sexier version of Austin Powers, honestly, but in a good, humourous way.
There's also lots of "good girl" artwork. Angela spends much of the series naked or barely clothed. Often this is done jokingly, such as her fighting ninjas while holding a towel to cover her nakedness. While the cheesecake factor is extremely high and the women are still very well endowed and curvaceous, the women still appear more realistic than your usual superheroines. The artist changes for the last issue of this collection, though, at which point the characters do revert to a more cartoonish appearance, but that is to be expected from an art team known for Power Girl (another excellent comic book featuring a lampooning of female comic book character tropes).
Fair warning the series is not for the easily offended. Angela's partner is an overly gay man who lusts after every good looking guy and cracks plenty of gay jokes. Some racial stereotypes are used to comedic effect. And obviously some people will be put off by all the female nudity. But if the reader relaxes and takes it all for the absurdism it's meant to be then the collection is a delight. Sadly the series continues but has not been collected, so while the story reaches an ending it is not truly the end.
The series is an absurdist take on the espionage genre. In the first issue alone there are ninjas dressed in pastels to blend into L.A., the villain has a massive hideout under a barn, and the good guys work for the "G.O.O.D." (Global Organization for the Obliteration of Dastardliness) organization while the bad guys work for "E.V.I.L." (Extralegal Vendors of Iniquity and Licentiousness). Other comedic elements include a villain named "Souna Iakilliou" (say it out loud) and Angela's tantric powers to give men permanent erections. It all winds up feeling like a sexier version of Austin Powers, honestly, but in a good, humourous way.
There's also lots of "good girl" artwork. Angela spends much of the series naked or barely clothed. Often this is done jokingly, such as her fighting ninjas while holding a towel to cover her nakedness. While the cheesecake factor is extremely high and the women are still very well endowed and curvaceous, the women still appear more realistic than your usual superheroines. The artist changes for the last issue of this collection, though, at which point the characters do revert to a more cartoonish appearance, but that is to be expected from an art team known for Power Girl (another excellent comic book featuring a lampooning of female comic book character tropes).
Fair warning the series is not for the easily offended. Angela's partner is an overly gay man who lusts after every good looking guy and cracks plenty of gay jokes. Some racial stereotypes are used to comedic effect. And obviously some people will be put off by all the female nudity. But if the reader relaxes and takes it all for the absurdism it's meant to be then the collection is a delight. Sadly the series continues but has not been collected, so while the story reaches an ending it is not truly the end.
November 18, 2014
After she and her gay BFF Go Go Fiasco are attacked by ninjas, Angela St. James discovers that her mother, the head of super secret spy agency G.O.O.D (Global Organization for the Obliteration of Dastardliness) has been keeping secret from her. Her father, who she believed was killed when she was little, is very much alive and is in fact the head of E.V.I.L (Extralegal Vendors of Iniquity and Licentiousness). Now both her parents are interested in recruiting her and Angela has to make a choice.
As a big fan of Modesty Blaise (both the books and the comics), this sounded like a fun read. My husband borrowed it from a friend and figured I'd think it was amusing. It does have a lot of things I find entertaining. Sexy super spies, gadgets, ridiculous rival organizations, exotic locations, dangerous missions, outrageous names and funny banter - this comic has it all. Angela St. James is a gorgeous bombshell and to explain why there has never been interested in her best friend and sidekick Go Go Fiasco, what better way than to make him gay? While living her jetset life, Angela discovers that everything she has believed about her parents is a lie, and now they both want her to become a valued agent of THEIR organization. I don't want to reveal which of the two groups she picks, not that it's a massive spoiler.
This trade paperback collects the first six issues of Codename: Knockout and it was a nice quick, if somewhat forgettable read. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem as if DC have collected the next issues of the comic, which makes me sad. I wouldn't mind reading the rest of the series, the writing is fun enough and the many different artists who portray Angela, Go Go and the other glamorous spies do a good job. Having to track down the rest of the series in individual issues is too much effort, however, so until it gets collected, I doubt I'll get to read any more.
As a big fan of Modesty Blaise (both the books and the comics), this sounded like a fun read. My husband borrowed it from a friend and figured I'd think it was amusing. It does have a lot of things I find entertaining. Sexy super spies, gadgets, ridiculous rival organizations, exotic locations, dangerous missions, outrageous names and funny banter - this comic has it all. Angela St. James is a gorgeous bombshell and to explain why there has never been interested in her best friend and sidekick Go Go Fiasco, what better way than to make him gay? While living her jetset life, Angela discovers that everything she has believed about her parents is a lie, and now they both want her to become a valued agent of THEIR organization. I don't want to reveal which of the two groups she picks, not that it's a massive spoiler.
This trade paperback collects the first six issues of Codename: Knockout and it was a nice quick, if somewhat forgettable read. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem as if DC have collected the next issues of the comic, which makes me sad. I wouldn't mind reading the rest of the series, the writing is fun enough and the many different artists who portray Angela, Go Go and the other glamorous spies do a good job. Having to track down the rest of the series in individual issues is too much effort, however, so until it gets collected, I doubt I'll get to read any more.
February 2, 2025
This was more fun than I expected. I figured it would be a cheesy spy comic with way too many sexual innuendos. And it was. But, it was still fun. What I didn't expect was the tension between her family matters. It was a nice little twist that kept me interested. Even if everything was pretty easily expected from a story perspective, it still was a decent ride. The art in the last issue was a jarring change. Not a bad change, just very different. Overall this book was good. It's not anything crazy or amazing. There's no big mystery to be solved. It's just a good ol fashioned sexy cheesy bombshell comic. Good stuff.
March 6, 2011
This is the odd couple of the spy network.
The author writes in the foreword that if not for Go-go, the book probably wouldn't be as popular as it is, especially in the gay community. I agree. The character is brilliant, and complements Angela Devlin. Go-go is a flamboyantly gay male with a line for everything. In extreme danger, his wit is dagger sharp and his words invite further incitement. A particular scene where he breaks the fourth wall is fine writing by Rodi.
Angela Devlin might be any man's dream woman. She knows several kinds of martial arts and very skilled at doing combat while in the middle of intensely emotional phone calls. She knows tantric sex and is capable of causing dangerous levels of priapism. Her wit matches up to Go-go.
Sexily drawn, and written by someone who enjoys his job, this series is something to explore.
The author writes in the foreword that if not for Go-go, the book probably wouldn't be as popular as it is, especially in the gay community. I agree. The character is brilliant, and complements Angela Devlin. Go-go is a flamboyantly gay male with a line for everything. In extreme danger, his wit is dagger sharp and his words invite further incitement. A particular scene where he breaks the fourth wall is fine writing by Rodi.
Angela Devlin might be any man's dream woman. She knows several kinds of martial arts and very skilled at doing combat while in the middle of intensely emotional phone calls. She knows tantric sex and is capable of causing dangerous levels of priapism. Her wit matches up to Go-go.
Sexily drawn, and written by someone who enjoys his job, this series is something to explore.
January 3, 2022
Reading the premise of the story on the backcover hooked me. The author's introduction kind of stalled my enthusiasm but I gave it a chance.
Aside from the gratuitous nudity, which served no real purpose to the story, the concept was interesting.
The daughter of bitter enemies trying not to follow either of their paths was inspiring. Its a topsy-turvy twist on a romeo & juliet sequel if you will. What would the child of Romeo & Juliet have to endure if their parents had survived? Is this a stretch? Probably.
The tale does beg for a prequel to understand the reasoning behind Angela's schooling topics though. I kind of want to read the next volume but not sure I will pursue it.
Aside from the gratuitous nudity, which served no real purpose to the story, the concept was interesting.
The daughter of bitter enemies trying not to follow either of their paths was inspiring. Its a topsy-turvy twist on a romeo & juliet sequel if you will. What would the child of Romeo & Juliet have to endure if their parents had survived? Is this a stretch? Probably.
The tale does beg for a prequel to understand the reasoning behind Angela's schooling topics though. I kind of want to read the next volume but not sure I will pursue it.
June 3, 2010
THe two lead characters, gorgeous lady spy and her way over the top gay sidekick, are fun, but the supporting cast is pretty one note and after awhile the whole 'poking fun at the spy genre' thing got a bit tired.
Love the story with her saving Go-Go after he's been captured while smuggling microfilm and the ninja fight is very funny, but there wasn't enough here to keep me interested in this as an ongoing series.
Would make a fun movie though.
Love the story with her saving Go-Go after he's been captured while smuggling microfilm and the ninja fight is very funny, but there wasn't enough here to keep me interested in this as an ongoing series.
Would make a fun movie though.
June 2, 2010
Disappointed. I remembered this being clever, funny and well-illustrated, but upon re-reading, I find it a bit juvenile, not that funny, erratically paced and inconsistent in art. There are some gems, notably relatively early work from Amanda Conner, but I should have kept this one in my memory, where it was a better book.
June 17, 2014
I'm not a huge fan of the Spy genre, but this was awesome. I love the more subtle references over the in your face obvious.
I wish that more of the series had been collected.
I wish that more of the series had been collected.
March 7, 2012
Funny as all hell, cheeky, parody. Definitely worth a second read.
August 21, 2015
Fun and bouncy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews