Review:  In approaching a comic that admits to offering a reflection on the events of September 11, 2001, a reader could be excused for groaning audibly.  There is an endless supply of preaching one may offer to the choir, consisting of the same conspiracy theories, political rhetoric, and issues regarding American foreign policy.

I'm pleased to report that Spy Guy: Minis very gracefully avoids this trap.  While much of the information that was being released as this comic was created is (as of 2008) quite vintage, there is almost an element of nostalgia.  I was reminded of the naivete displayed on both ends of the political spectrum, the conclusions we all managed to reach which later seemed so far-fetched, and the slight chill the odd news update would induce.

For all of that, this comic manages to capture that atmosphere without becoming OF it.  The characters alone do an excellent job of encompassing elements of stereotypical reactions of the time without coming across as heavy-handed or overwrought.  They manage to walk that tight-rope between fluff and harsh without falling into either extreme.  The thoughts are voiced without judgment or editorializing - they are simply stated.  Like a good Eddie Izzard piece, you are simply presented with the idea in context and left to draw your own conclusion.

While there are likely to be those who would question the worth of a comic dealing with events nearly a decade old (frighteningly enough), it is refreshing to see something that can approach the time immediately post-9/11 and add both character humor and a bit of wit and grace to an incredibly scary and trying time.  Well done.

Overall: 5 stars.

Alex Haas