Real characters change over time. Real heroes evolve. In SpyBoy continuity, we first meet Alex Fleming as he's saying "Gluuug" while his head's being forced into toilet water. Almost two dozen issues later, Alex is still easing into a dual role as teenager and top-secret U.S. spy, but he's evolved from high school target to class president as his civilian personality gains more confidence (and has some good luck). Bombshell, our strong, sassy heroine and SpyBoy co-star, first became a spy after trying to kill herself by leaping off a New York skyscraper. She's introduced as a highly trained, hardened agent who thrives on action and destruction, but she also changes as SpyBoy progresses. Readers have seen her cold exterior melt as secrets come to light about her family and her continuing struggles with depression. Butch, while something of a laughable back-up character or odd sidekick to Alex, has grown from a bully's right hand man to a possible future agent and Alex's close friend (and half brother of sorts). The two of them went from nearly killing each other, fighting constantly, to working together on Alex's school election posters. Even Butch's mother's role has changed from a seemingly meek side character to something much more.

Which brings us to SpyGirl. Introduced later in the SpyBoy mythos (in issue #12), all we know about SpyGirl is that she's a popular comedic actress in Japan named Yukio, and she also has a secret life as Japan's premier spy. Unlike Alex, Yukio has a better handle on her dual roles, as she shares her civilian life with the needs of M.A.N.G.A. (the Middle Asian Network of Global Activities).

In Dark Horse's new SpyBoy miniseries, writer Peter David and artist Pop Mhan are ready to explore the secrets behind SpyGirl and M.A.N.G.A., with David's usual high-speed hilarity. Some changes are in store for the book's presentation, with a move to a black-and-white format to accompany Pop Mhan's new artistic style.

Speaking of change, you'll find below a first for our Horse Power column: a brief report drawn by the Mhan himself, who recently spent some time with our favorite spy-honey from the Land of the Rising Sun.

With Charms Stronger Than Scottie Pippen's Arms,
-Philip Wilson Simon
SpyBoy Assistant Ed.