Queen & Country #12

Queen & Country, issue 12, was released in 2002 as part of the acclaimed espionage series written by Greg Rucka. Published by Oni Press, the series was created to provide a grounded, realistic look at the intelligence community, specifically focusing on the British Secret Intelligence Service and its operative Tara Chace. This issue serves as the conclusion to the 'Operation: Crystal Ball' story arc, which explores the complexities of international surveillance and the personal toll exacted on field agents.

The visual identity of the series was defined by the collaboration of various artists, with issue 12 featuring the stark, cinematic penciling of Leandro Fernández. The series was purposefully stripped of traditional comic book tropes, opting instead for a noir-inspired aesthetic that emphasized the moral ambiguity of its characters. Upon release, the title was lauded by critics for its meticulous research and intense character-driven narratives, helping to establish Rucka as a prominent voice in modern crime and espionage comics.