Review: Codename: Knockout

All right. I’ve got to come out and say it… I really, really enjoy Codename: Knockout. It’s silly, it’s funny, and above all, it’s sexy.

This series has been published since 2001 by Vertigo, an imprint better known for some of the best comics published the past ten years, like The Sandman or Enigma. Post-modernist stories and meaningful themes are among the trademarks of that collection. Well, that’s not what C: K is about.
Rob Rodi, the writer, has created a spy story with the fun factor of a good episode of Man from U.N.C.L.E. and the naked flesh exposure of a particularly bad Avatar comic. But this time, there’s a twist. The main character is a shapely and intelligent young woman, Angela St. Grace, who finds herself unable to escape the influence of her warring mother and father. Which does not sound that unrealistic, I guess. But when one’s mother heads G.O.O.D. (“Global Organization for the Obliteration of Dastardliness”) and one’s father runs, of course, E.V.I.L. (“Extralegal Vendor of Iniquity and Licentiousness”), what’s one supposed to do? And I’m not even telling you about Go-Go Fiasco, a 19-year old cutey who’s kind of Angela’s sidekick. Well, that’s not true. I am going to tell you about Go-Go. Because he’s queer as a three-and-a-half dollar bill. And then some. Which is not a surprise, coming from Robert Rodi. Already quite well known for his gay novels, Rodi had written a few stories for Vertigo (including a gay love short story) when he launched this series. It’s obvious he’s trying to appeal to all his gay or straight readers’ prurient nature. But in a good way.
The cover above by Jim Lee gives a good idea of that aspect of the series. Straights have Angela and we have Go-Go. Who often plays the usual role of the dumb-but-beautiful girl in the Bond stories. And he can kick ass. In more ways than one. The stories themselves are a fun blend of spy spoof and regular adventure. And then, there are all the scenes with Go-Go showing his assets. I mean, he’s a computer wizard. Oh yeah, he’s also got a great bod. And so, I give you… a special Go-Go gallery. Enjoy!

Art by: Louis Small Jr.,

Yanick Paquette,

Yanick Paquette,

and Phil Jimenez.

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UPDATE, 2012: This series lasted only for 24 issues, up until summer 2003. The beginnings of the series have been collected.