Enter a world of mystery, high stakes, and stylish gadgets in the Comic Book Confidential exhibit. The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC is hosting an exhibition of spy comics that explores the secretive, complex world of espionage through the lens of comic books. The exhibit was donated by DC lawyer Mark Zaid, a comic collector and national security attorney who has represented real spies in court.

The exhibit digs into the ways that pop culture has influenced how we perceive spies. It tracks the history of topics covered in spy comics based on current events like the fears over nuclear weapons, corporate espionage, stealing technology and weapons.

Spy comics like The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Spyman, Mission: Impossible, Get Smart, Secret Missions, Counterspy, and Calling John Force, Magic Agent will be on display. It will also feature comics from other genres that have dipped into spy stories, including Doom Patrol, Archie, Rip Hunter Time Master, Iron Man, and Classics Illustrated.

Spy stories have been a part of comics since the Golden Age when soldiers and spies went behind enemy lines during World War II. They have evolved with the times, covering real life incidents and conflicts, and imagined ones based on the current world climate. Fantastical spy stories have appeared in superhero comics and humor books, with well known comic characters like Batman working in the intelligence community.

Some are serious stories packed with action and suspense, others are focused on the sexy side seen in James Bond films with exotic locations, stylish weapons, and gorgeous characters. The genre has seen success with adaptations from popular spy TV shows and heroes created for the comics medium.

The International Spy Museum has not revealed when the exhibit will open. Zaid spoke to DC-based WTOP News about the exhibit; the interview can be viewed on their website.