SpyBoy explained
| Schedule: | Monthly |
| Publisher: | Dark Horse Comics |
| Date: | October 1999 – September 2004 |
| Issues: | 17 |
| Writers: | Peter David |
| Pencillers: | Pop Mhan |
| Inkers: | Norman Lee |
| Creators: | Peter David, Pop Mhan |
| Subcat: | Dark Horse Comics |
| Sort: | SpyBoy |
SpyBoy is a comic book series created in 1999 by writer Peter David and artists Pop Mhan and Norman Lee, and published by Dark Horse Comics.
Publication history
The basic idea for SpyBoy came from Dark Horse Comics, who hired Peter David to develop the concept, including the cast, their backstories, and the series bible. However, David has lamented that the ideas he had for the series' run were not completed, as Dark Horse did not continue with it.[1]
Between 1999 and 2004, SpyBoy ran for 17 issues, 2 miniseries (The M.A.N.G.A. Affair in 2003 and Final Exam in 2004), various one-shots and a crossover 3-issue miniseries with DC Comics, called SpyBoy/Young Justice (David is also creator of this DC team) published in 2002 and later compiled in one volume.
Plot
This is the story of Alex Fleming, a young boy who was bullied in his school and had a normal life. But he doesn't know that he's a sleeper agent, codenamed as "SpyBoy",[2] who works for secret organization S.H.I.R.T.S. (acronym for Secret Headquarters International Reconnaissance, Tactics, and Spies), in order to stop criminal organization S.K.I.N.S. (acronym for Supreme Killing Institute).[3]
Characters
- Alex Fleming: The titular SpyBoy, a seemingly regular teenager endowed with a superspy split personality.
- Bombshell: A veteran S.H.I.R.T.S. teen agent with a knack for explosives. Bombshell is sarcastic and abrasive, and much to her chagrin she gets assigned to help Alex, although she ends up developing feelings for his SpyBoy persona. She joined the agency after accidentally falling into their secret base while she was trying to commit suicide. Her true name is Phyllis, though while in Alex's school she goes under the identity of "Marta Hari".
- SpyGirl: SpyBoy's Japanese counterpart, a teen agent for M.A.N.G.A. (Middle Asian Network for Global Activities). Much like Bombshell, she gets later assigned to assess Alex's skills, though she is much more comfortable with it. Her civilian identity, Yukio, is Japan's top tarento and action film star, which helps her covering up her missions. She also has feelings for Alex.
- Dominic "Butch" Moody: A former bully turned into Alex's self proclaimed best friend. He dreams of becoming a spy like the rest.
Issues released
Compilations
- Volume 1: The Deadly Gourmet Affair (SpyBoy #1–3)
- Volume 2: Trial and Terror (SpyBoy #4–6)
- Volume 3: Bet Your Life (SpyBoy #7–9)
- Volume 4: Undercover Underwear (SpyBoy #10–12)
- SpyBoy: The M.A.N.G.A Affair (also known as SpyBoy #13, compiled The M.A.N.G.A Affair miniseries #1–3)
- Volume 5: Spy School Confidential (SpyBoy #14–17)
- SpyBoy Special 01: A Manchurian Candy Date (one-shot)
- SpyBoy: Final Exam (compiled Final Exam miniseries #1–4)
- SpyBoy/Young Justice (compiles #1–3 DC crossover)
External links
Notes and References
- http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21760 Bill Mitchel. "In-Depth: Peter David"; Comic Book Resources; June 24, 2009
- SpyBoy #1; October 1999
- SpyBoy #4; January 2000
