Bond is Back in Warren Ellis’ JAMES BOND #1
Ian Fleming created one of the most iconic characters in pop culture history in the form of Secret Agent James “007″ Bond when he was introduced in the novel CASINO ROYALE back in 1953. A hugely popular film franchise soon followed and later this week we reach the 24th installment with the release of SPECTRE. And while there have been a few Bond comics here and there over the years, none have really lived up to the glory of the novels and films. Hopefully that will change with this week’s release of Ian Fleming’s JAMES BOND 007: VARGR #1 which offers a brand new take on the iconic character.
VARGR #1 is the first installment of a 6-issue arc written by the hugely talented Warren Ellis (TRANSMETROPOLITAN) with art by Jason Masters. A small preview I was lucky enough to see showcased a much more grisly Bond than what we may be use to who is not afraid to get his hands dirty serving her Majesty’s Secret Service. It appears to be a healthy mix of the ruthless and insensitive Bond in Fleming’s original novels and the suave and cool sex symbol seen in the films. Rather than catering to one version, it appears Ellis is balancing all the different versions into one and adding his own flair. Smart choice.
Here’s what you can expect from issue #1 from Dynamite Comics:
Beginning ‘VARGR’, the first story in the ongoing James Bond comic series by best-selling writer Warren Ellis! James Bond returns to London after a mission of vengeance in Helsinki, to take up the workload of a fallen 00 Section agent. But something evil is moving through the back streets of the city, and sinister plans are being laid for Bond in Berlin… In Stores November 4th in advance of the block buster movie on November 6th! Dynamite Entertainment is proud to launch the first James Bond comic book series in 20 years!
It’s rare that an established property being adapted into a comic book gets both a stellar writer and artist onboard, but Dynamite seems to have pulled it off. This book looks stunning and appears to be reintroducing a familiar character in comic book form. Count me in! Be sure to check out JAMES BOND 007: VANGR #1 out this week on store shelves.
Words by Jason Furie
Need to stay up-to-date on all your nerd news? Check out NEVER ENDING RADICAL DUDE for the latest in movies, games, tv, and comics with exclusive artwork, videos, and podcasts!