This is it. After nearly three years and three volumes, Velvet #15 marks the end of the storyline. And, how do we open it? With Velvet Templeton, our intrepid hero and rogue agent for lo these three years, lying dead on a slab, as the agent who’s been after her for much of that time relates the story of their final battle.

Of course, nothing is ever what it seems in these stories. This has been proven time and time again. On the other hand, it IS the last issue, so anything can happen. Is Velvet really dead? How do we get to the bottom of what’s been happening all this time, and who’s really behind this intricate plan of sabotage and espionage? Well, you’ll just have to read the comic to find out, won’t you?

This issue is a little exposition heavy. I suppose that’s to be expected. Action and intrigue are great, but eventually you need to sit down and explain what’s going on. This being the last issue, it’s become kind of necessary. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of action and intrigue to go around and a generally satisfying conclusion to the story.

The Image Comics website calls this issue, “The shattering conclusion to [Velvet’s] first big arc!” so I assume that more Velvet is in store down the line. I really hope so. This has been an amazing ride from the very beginning. Over the last three years, Velvet has become one of my favorite comics, and Velvet Templeton one of my favorite comic characters. Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting have crafted a smart, fun, and engaging comic with great art and a genuinely compelling story all the way through. I’m sad to see it go but look forward to seeing what they come up with next.

If you haven’t read Velvet yet, do yourself a favor, start from the beginning, and read it all the way through. It’s a spy story like no other and an experience you’ll never forget.