Review: James Bond #2
Familiarity can sometimes lead to contempt. One of the good things about comics, be it the big icons or big characters, with new creators new voices can be heard. This is probably more true with James Bond than with any other character. True, a number of people may have played Bruce Wayne, but when it comes to the man who likes it shaken not stirred, each actor has brought in their own style. This is a mirror to how Dynamite’s James Bond various comic book series’ have gone.
Bond is in over his head. This time it has nothing to do with violence, killers (yet!) or any spy shenanigans. He is dealing with counterfeit paintings and smuggling. As Bond has little experience in elements of this, he does in fact get a couple of teammates who gave give him the edge and knowledge he will need. Problem is Bond is having a hard time trusting those who he may see as below his standards. As the trio attempt to get ahead of the game, the rule regarding best laid plans rears its ugly head.
The book is written by Vita Ayala and Danny Lore. It seems that the pair are setting up Bond for a possible emotional fall, though not in the traditional sense. The pair have Bond’s arrogance down well, which is a great way to chip away at the famous Bond psyche. It is a risky way to write Bond for sure; fans tend to like their heroes as they are rather than try an instil too much change in them. I did find it a bit hard to believe that someone as worldly and educated as Bond is, would have trouble with counterfeits, although this is a necessary step to take in order to move the plot along. The dialogue works well enough; Bond has a consistent voice throughout.
The art is provided by Eric Gapstur, an artist who has spent time on DC books, mainly Batman Beyond and The Flash TV show tie-in comic. Gapstur’s style is somewhat cartoony, almost comic strip like, with very little details, giving the whole book an almost light-hearted comedy feel. Whilst there is banter between the leads, the book is not aimed at at a fun level. This disconnect from the dialogue is distracting which makes for a disjointed reading experience. The camera angles and panel designs help move the pace along. Roshan Kurickiyanil delivers a color scheme that I feel is a little too bright for a spy story. Finally, Hassan Otsmane-Elkaou again delivers quality letters, mixing in bold and emphasis to add tone and context.
Dynamite Entertainment have been producing high quality James Bond comics for a few years now. With a new movie out this year, I hope that Dynamite reap the benefits. There is however, a fly in the ointment in that the book, especially this one, is maybe a tad too far from the movie. It is a problem that every film and comic book relationship has to overcome. That sounds like a mission for Bond, James Bond.
Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars
Overall – 3,5 Stars
Written by; Vita Ayala & Danny Lore
Art by; Eric Gapstur
Colors by; Roshan Kurickiyanil
Letters by; Hassan Otsmane-Elkaou
Published; Dynamite Entertainment
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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