With a new film on the horizon, the excitement for more James Bond is in the air and Dynamite Entertainment delivers a new direction and series kicking off with James Bond #1.
Written by Vita Ayala and Danny Lore the comic is an entertaining heist story but feels a little short when it comes to 007.
The first issue revolves around a missing painting which has been stolen with a forgery put in its place. Much of the issue is the discussion around and investigation involving that. Bond’s role is limited to an action sequence opening and a much later appearance. Instead, the issue is mainly focused on the two investigators attempting to figure out who stole the painting.
The comic is a good setup, don’t get me wrong. We get taken through the investigation and logic to figure out who the most likely thieves are. But, with a lack of Bond and lack of action, the comic feels more like The Italian Job from the police perspective than Bond. Still, the comic is good for those that enjoy that sort of story. By the end, we get at least more of a glimpse of our hero and the main attraction. Unlike recent Bond comics, this one doesn’t throw you into the action instead it gives us a slow build of the mystery.
The art by Eric Gapstur is good. Colored by Roshan Kurichiyanil and Rebecca Nalty with lettering by Ariana Maher, the comic’s art keeps the story entertaining despite the lack of action. It’s difficult to make what’s presented visually engaging but the team does a solid job. It doesn’t have the big explosions are crazy sequences but there’s something expressive about the characters that hooks you.
As a heist story, James Bond #1 is a solid start. As a Bond story, it’s a bit mixed. The issue is a lot of buildup to whatever villain awaits. It’s just a bit different in how we get there. The threat too feels a bit scaled back for a character who in the past has stopped global threats, another interesting change. There’s more to come and the debut is interesting enough to check the rest out. It just might be a disappointment for those expecting the typical Bond over the top action and threats.
Story: Vita Ayala, Danny Lore Art: Eric Gapstur
Color: Roshan Kurichiyanil, Rebecca Nalty Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
