Modesty Blaise, for those not in the know, can be summarized in a single sentence as a glorious amalgam of a female James Bond and present-day Catwoman. A young woman with a  dark, shady past, engaging in close combat in glamorous locations, for the good of Queen and Country.

She was created by writer Peter O'Donnell and first brought to visual life by artist Jim Holdaway, although there would be many Modesty artists over the years. The stories in the latest collection from Titan Books, The Double Agent, are all illustrated by the excellent Neville Colvin.

The strips collected comprise the classic stories The Wild Boar, Kali's Disciples and The Double Agent. Although they ran from 1985 through 1986, in the middle of the Cold War, you wouldn't know it from the timeless quality, exotic settings and '60s mod style. Modesty and her partner-in-action (platonically speaking) Willie Garvin rescue the head of French Intelligence, face off against a crazed cult, and in my personal favorite, the titular Double Agent, Modesty deals with the fallout of her troublesome double!

It's a wonderful collection, topped off with a loving introductory tribute to O'Donnell, who passed last year. A host of creators including Neil Gaiman, Walt Simonson, and Jamie McKelvie pay tribute to the man, his work, and Modesty herself, in essays and art. It's a powerful testimonial to the importance and influence of Modesty Blaise, which gives way to action-packed fun once you turn the page and The Wild Boar begins with a bang - well, it actually starts off with Modesty in a rare moment of relaxation, but that doesn't last long.

It never does.

Modesty Blaise: the Double Agent hits stores June 21.