Review: James Bond – The Body #1
Bond, James Bond is back, This time rather than live an let live in the present, we see the repercussions of Bond’s latest mission, through the visceral retelling, breaking into the privilege of doctor and patient confidentiality. We have seen Bond on the mend any number of times, but here rather than trying to get out of his physical, in his usual, some would say suave, others say misogynistic, manner, he seems content to answer the good doctors question, albeit minus a few facts.
The secret service get wind of an assignation attempt late in the day, both literally and figuratively. That leaves Bond a bit of task; slipping in to a party is easy enough, but with no idea who the mark or the would be killer is, 007 is left to use body language tells and the power of observation, supposition and presumption.  Of course, when the time to act presents itself, Bond intercedes to help the target, die another day, perhaps.
Ales Kot has been around a while, writing for a range of comic companies, quietly going about his business. Here, the approach to the storytelling is different enough to create a level of curiosity, in that we see the action unfurl from Bond’s perspective. This gives the character, who is normally a part in the turmoil, a sense of being apart from it in someway, very much like an out of body experience. The plot, which starts out quite simple has a twist that gives the book some much needed gravitas and mystery. There is also a sense of fun in the interactions between spy and doctor, an easiness that belays the symbiotic relationship between the pair. Without evil in the world to stop, Bond wouldn’t get in so many scrapes and need patching up so often!
Luca Casalanguida is probably one of the more consistent elements of Dynamite’s James Bond, having already produced a number of issues already. This helps returning readers as you know what you are going to get as no one like the actor to change unexpectedly; this is James Bond not Dr Who! Casalanguida’s art is a tad blocky, maybe even heavy in places. This style works for me as much as it does for the characters as it carries a European feel. Casalanguida’s inks are flexible throughout with a mix of thick and thin lines, helping characters stand out from the background. With the majority of the book centred around a party, group scenes are important and Casalanguida does well, allowing the tension of the chase to breathe without giving the game away, working in tandem with Kot. Valentina Pinto provides the colors, which are a traditionally a strength to Dynamite books. A quick shout out to Rian Hughes for his fantastically sleek 007 logo; you should go check out his “I Am a Number” book.
Dynamite have been putting out James Bond books for quite some time now, and each one has demonstrated a high level of quality. With this series, Kot and Casalanguida have put together a book that may deliver a more than you would expect from an action oriented series.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by: Ales Kot
Art by; Luca Casalanguida
Colors by; Valentina Pinto
Published by; 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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