Agent Gates and the Secret Adventures of Devonton Abbey: A Parody

Something is amiss at Devonton Abbey—something even more troubling than the hedge maze’s too-easy reputation. Gates, the valet to Lord Granville and secret agent for the Crown, has uncovered a plot to plunge the world into war. Aided by his own steam-powered leg and his fellow agents at Devonton—including the dowager countess, Devonton’s leader of secret operations—Gates must stop the villains while maintaining his cover and keeping things running smoothly in the upstairs/downstairs world. Subhiyah creates a credible, paranormal spy story that stands on its own—with an added layer of humor as a parody of the popular Downton Abbey. Familiar characters are taken to their extremes, and the story’s over-the-top conceit highlights even more clearly the absurdities of their normal lives. Hilton’s illustrations are spot on, accurately portraying the actors from the television show while also capturing the atmosphere of steampunk spy action with the deadpan execution of popular web comics such as Wondermark. (Jan.)