Review by Ian Keogh

We’ve seen Sven Septapus in previous volumes of both Agents of S.U.I.T and InvestiGators dispensing bespoke technological creations cunningly disguised. An early example here is the paper hat that can be converted into several other items, improbably, but hilariously including a meat cleaver and a fire extinguisher. People often mistake Septapus for an octopus, but seven tentacled limbs indicate he’s not.

Although Sew Much Trouble is an ensemble adventure, Sven is at the heart of it, and his leading role is commemorated by a musical title sequence as per the sample art. It’s a chance for artist Pat Lewis to display his versatility. The remainder of the book follows the style of series creator (and co-writer) John Patrick Green, but the three pages of the title sequence are admirably design-led and creative.

As well as Sven being overwhelmed with work, bickering badgers Bongo and Marsha have one dispute too many, resulting in them being assigned different partners. Green and co-writer Christopher Hastings shone on Wild Ghost Chase and continue the quality here in another laugh-packed all-ages treat. You’ll learn about wrong-perm parking, see Mango and Brash in court and there’s plenty on the difference between Inspector Vague and Inspector Vogue. Actually, in a pun-filled volume the difference between multiple pairs of similar sounding items is aired as the plot gradually becomes Sven undercover on a reality TV show. It’s a sewing challenge, but the person they’re looking for stole a special sauce. Don’t worry, it makes perfect sense in the secret agent world, and it explains the title.

Sven might be the focus, but Sew Much Trouble offers a masterclass in incorporating multiple characters the audience now want to see, Green here perhaps a victim of his own creativity. That’s apparent in even more new characters, including a whole group of talent show contestants, each individual.

As ever with Agents of S.U.I.T. there is a plot, but it’s secondary to the succession of zany personalities and ridiculous situations. There are so many it makes for an extremely dense book, but one that’s always on the move. Sides will once again split with laughter across the globe.