Got the first issue of the monthly series this week. It was an exciting read, and it left me wanting more. Also it was great to see Bond playing Baccarat again.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
Got issue #2 of the monthly series today, the art work is amazing. So far, Bond has been sent to recover a briefcase from a Russian Smuggler containing an unknown weapon of great power and kill him. In the first issue, he failed to do so due to interference from Odd Job(or at least someone that looks like him and copied his MO) also the Koreans are interested in the Russian as well. Bond has to match wits with a top Korean operative who is under orders to take the Russian alive. Looking forward to the next issue.
Also I just wanted mention that issue #3 of the ongoing series arrives tomorrow on store shelves.
I just got caught up on the new ongoing series and I’m sad to say that it’s a bit disappointing. The Odd Job concept is a good one, and well-executed. My problem is with the characterization of Bond. He’s little more than a non-descript killing machine. The author has completely failed to capture the sardonic undertones of Fleming, as well as any emotional weight. This version of Bond is most reminiscent of all the worst aspects of Brosnan’s Bond (but none of the good ones). He seems to lack all depth and is little more than a smirking hitmam in a black suit.** I’ll give it one more issue to see if there is improvement, but I think it’s a wasted opportunity.
** This is also irritating. Why is Bond’s suit black? He never wears a black suit in Fleming’s books, and has only worn black at funerals in the films.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
edited April 2019
Just picked up the sixth issue of the Origin series. It was quite interesting, with a major twist that I did not see coming. I won't go into what it is for spoilers sake. Origin is set to continue with writer Jeff Parker and artist Ibrahim Moustafa (who is also a writer, he previously helmed the one shot story Solstice for the James Bond series) taking over for Bob Q. Issue #7 is titled Russian Ruse, here is the official run down. "A Norwegian supply ship carrying gold mysteriously sinks. A Russian crew claims the Nazis are responsible. Royal Navy Lieutenant James Bond suspects foul play." This next era for the series will also feature primary covers by the legendary Dan Panosian (X-Men). Having enjoyed the Origin series so far, I am looking forward to were it goes next.
Just finished reading the Casino Royale graphic novel, it was a great adaptation of Ian Fleming's and in my humble opinion has some of the best artwork so far in the comic series. I am very curious to see how the other novels turn out in this format.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
edited May 2019
Got the newest issue of Origin today, it is quite good. Ibrahim Moustafa is quite a talented artist. I really like the direction the story is going as well. I am also looking forward to the conclusion of the currently story in the main series as well. Origin # 9 arrived today on store shelves so I picked up a copy. I won't spoil the story for anyone currently reading this series. Additionally the ongoing series has two issues to go before it finishes. I must say that the twist in the last issue was quite a nice surprise. Hope that whatever is instore for the next arc of the monthly series is good. I also would not mind another one shot story either.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
Origin #10 is out now, Bond is recovering from his injuries he received in the last issue. Additionally his old friend Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ronald Weldon has been murdered. Cmdr. Weldon was apparently involved in the black market in some capacity which is why he was killed. I really like the artwork on this series, as I mentioned before. Looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
Got issue #8 of the monthly series today, not much in the action department in this issue. It does build on the character of Goldfinger though and their are some nice bits with M and Miss Moneypenny at MI6. I really wonder how Bond will get himself out of the situation he is in. Goldfinger had a scientist implant a device on Bond's neck which is designed to release endorphins when a wearer follows orders from Goldfinger, and releases electric shocks when the subject does not follow orders. The device is also set up to prevent the wearer from removing it forcefully.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
Issue 11 of Origin arrived at comic book stores yesterday, it was a fun read. Great to see Bond gambling again and how quick he is at picking up when strange things are going on. He also decoded a message using a cipher key that Lt. Cmdr. Weldon showed him how to use. It is also nice that this series has Bond using his wits, marksmanship and hand to hand combat skills in lieu of gadgets to help him out when in dangerous situations. Next month marks the end of the Origin series, which I am a little sad to see end. Glad that the monthly series is continuing.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
The last issue of the Origin series arrives this Wednesday at comic book stores. Looking forward to reading it and the next issue of the monthly series. I really hope that down the road Dynamite publishing has some more One Shot stories planed since many fans have enjoyed them. Also I wonder if there are plans for an adaption of Bond 25 as a comic book. It seem like it is a rare event now to have the screenplay of a major movie adapted as a comic book or novel like it was in the 1970's and 1980's.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
Got the 9th issue of the monthly series on Wednesday, things are far from over for Mr. Goldfinger. I don't want to be to spoiler heavy so I will just say this issue mostly plot exposition with a short action scene in the middle. M and Moneypenny get lots to say, whenever M speaks I hear actor Eamon Walker in my head. Looking forward to the final issue next month, I must that overall this series is pretty good despite the occasional lack of action.
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
Just finished the Origin anthology and didn't realize that it was only Part 1! Looking forward to Part 2 and I'm so appreciative that my public library (San Francisco) has Part 1 in digital format. My general feedback without spoilers is that I like it so far. I like the characterization of young Bond, which I find adequate considering the comic format. Bond is also physically depicted how he is described in the books.
However, having read all the Young Bond novels by Charlie Higson and Steve Cole, in comparison with Origin the transition between Bond's school life and active service is a bit abrupt. Also, the comic format doesn't allow for the richer characterization, esp. Bond's point of view, which throughout his literary history is what best defined the world of Bond, but that's understandable. Also, the comic format practically demands more over-the-top action compared to the novels, esp. Young Bond, who was tastefully "held back" from the Bond staples of sex and homicide.
Overall, I liked Origin a lot because it put Bond back in the world (somewhat) and timeline of the original Fleming novels.
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
edited September 2019
Mark your calendars for October 30th, the final issue of the James Bond monthly comic book arrives then. I am very curious to see how this plays out. Also I am very interested in reading the Live And Let Die graphic novel when it is released.
I'm not liking the current series. Neither these modern versions of Oddjob nor Goldfinger have clicked for me. It will be short-lived, though, as they have already announced that they'll be closing it down and launching a new one with two female writers, Vita Ayala and Danny Lore. Dynamite seems incapable of making a Bond 'ongoing' title last more than 12 issues. I'm excited for the new creative team, though.
I absolutely loved the Casino Royale adaptation, and can't wait for LALD. It was announced for Sept 11, though, I don't know what's caused the delays, but it's ok if it does come out.
"Enjoy it while it lasts."
"The very words I live by."
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
@writingsonthewall, I had no idea that the date for the graphic novel adaptation of Live And Let Die had come and gone so quickly. I really hope that it is still coming out.
As for LALD, Dynamite's web has it now as "Coming Soon!" and amazon, fwiw, lists it for Nov 5. We'll see.
"Enjoy it while it lasts."
"The very words I live by."
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
@writingsonthewall, I agree the Goldfinger series is not one of the better stories. You would think that it would easy to come up with new villains and plots rather than recycle old ones. The Origin series was a much stronger series, since it was an area not explored before(As I recall Ian Fleming only listed brief snippets of James Bond's time with the Royal Navy in the original novels). Hopefully the change in writers will be helpful. Also I would not mind seeing more one shot stories in the future either.
As for LALD, Dynamite's web has it now as "Coming Soon!" and amazon, fwiw, lists it for Nov 5. We'll see.
The premise looks great. I haven’t made it past the first couple of any of these. Hopefully this one will be better, but I have my doubts that this medium works for the character based on what I’ve seen thus far.
Will James Bond: Origins continue? The last issue came out mid-August and I haven't seen news about anymore. I know issue twelve wrapped up that storyline but it feels like there is a lot more story to tell.
Will James Bond: Origins continue? The last issue came out mid-August and I haven't seen news about anymore. I know issue twelve wrapped up that storyline but it feels like there is a lot more story to tell.
I've not read any of the Origins comics but the Forbidden Planet store near me had an Origins hardback book, which I think was a collection of all the issues, so I would suppose that the story has finished.
@Big Bond Fan, @Jellyfish: issue 12 closes down the series, as PPK 7.65mm commented a few entries above. There will be 2 hardcovers with 6 issues each collecting the series. All in all, I liked it as both a period piece and a nice examination on Bond's early years. Reminded me of a b&w docummentary made circa Thunderball that went a bit over this. Also reminded me of the movie The Imitation Game, which I happened to catch on while reading the series.
@Miles Messervy, I found the first series (the one written by Warren Ellis) absolutely enjoyable and a fine addition to the Bond mythos, as well as a fresh take on a modern Bond (and at the same time very much respectful to the literary character), one much more enjoyable than, say, SPECTRE or the Carte Blanche novel. But to each their own, and each one's tastes are each one's. I believe both Vargr and Eidolon could make for great movies if adapted, should EoN ever consider going that route. As for the other series and specials, all have their ups and downs, as most media do. But I have enjoyed this publisher's efforts more than others (the old Topps or Marvel comics come to mind).
And last but not least, @PPK 7.65mm, I agree completely. If you're going to try and update a classic character, you may as well do it well or your readers are going to give you hell. I usually enjoy Pak's writing, but I do not believe his talents are put to good use here. As I said before, so far it's only been Warren Ellis's run that has given me precisely what I wanted (and look, his characters were new and well used).
"Enjoy it while it lasts."
"The very words I live by."
@Miles Messervy, I found the first series (the one written by Warren Ellis) absolutely enjoyable and a fine addition to the Bond mythos, as well as a fresh take on a modern Bond (and at the same time very much respectful to the literary character), one much more enjoyable than, say, SPECTRE or the Carte Blanche novel. But to each their own, and each one's tastes are each one's. I believe both Vargr and Eidolon could make for great movies if adapted, should EoN ever consider going that route. As for the other series and specials, all have their ups and downs, as most media do. But I have enjoyed this publisher's efforts more than others (the old Topps or Marvel comics come to mind.
For me, the plot in a Bond story is almost secondary to the atmosphere. Fleming was the master of that. My comment about the comic book medium perhaps not being right for Bond ties directly to that sentiment. It’s just hard to conjure the atmosphere that I associate with Bond (absurd details about meals, drinks, weapons, exotic locales, Bond’s inner monologues, etc.) in a comic.
That said, perhaps I will give the first series another try on your recommendation. I might have quit it too early the first time around.
@Miles Messervy, I found the first series (the one written by Warren Ellis) absolutely enjoyable and a fine addition to the Bond mythos, as well as a fresh take on a modern Bond (and at the same time very much respectful to the literary character), one much more enjoyable than, say, SPECTRE or the Carte Blanche novel. But to each their own, and each one's tastes are each one's. I believe both Vargr and Eidolon could make for great movies if adapted, should EoN ever consider going that route. As for the other series and specials, all have their ups and downs, as most media do. But I have enjoyed this publisher's efforts more than others (the old Topps or Marvel comics come to mind.
For me, the plot in a Bond story is almost secondary to the atmosphere. Fleming was the master of that. My comment about the comic book medium perhaps not being right for Bond ties directly to that sentiment. It’s just hard to conjure the atmosphere that I associate with Bond (think: absurd details about meals, drinks, weapons, exotic locales, Bond’s inner monologues, etc.) in a comic.
That said, perhaps I will give the first series another try on your recommendation. I might have quit it too early the first time around.
@Big Bond Fan, @Jellyfish: issue 12 closes down the series, as PPK 7.65mm commented a few entries above. There will be 2 hardcovers with 6 issues each collecting the series. All in all, I liked it as both a period piece and a nice examination on Bond's early years. Reminded me of a b&w docummentary made circa Thunderball that went a bit over this. Also reminded me of the movie The Imitation Game, which I happened to catch on while reading the series.
Thank you for letting me know. That's too bad. Issue 12 ends that particular story line but doesn't feel like the end of the series. At least, not for me. I get the sense that the comic book would have continued had their been more demand for it.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
edited October 2019
@Big Bond Fan, I agree Origins could gone much further if comic book readers had shown more interest. Like films and television programs comic books are quite competitive when it comes keeping their audiences coming back for more. Also their are so many other comic books based on properties from those two mediums, I would think it is difficult to stand out from the competition at times.
I would have gladly purchased more stories in the Origins series had they been written. I recall from Ian Fleming's novels that Bond saw quite a bit of action during the Second World War. I would have particularly enjoyed a story set around the fall of Berlin in 1945(In The Man With The Golden Gun, Bond mentions to Scarmanga he was present for this historic event). Hopefully the change in the creative team will be a step in the right direction, for instance the Ghostbusters comic book series from IDW started out with different writer and artist teams prior to getting a regular pairing which helped the series become a monthly title.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
Got the last issue of the monthly series yesterday, I was pretty let down with the ending. Not since the Body series have I felt let down by a comic book story. Hopefully the new team coming to the book in December will give us a better story. Also, I hope that the adaptation of Live And Let Die is successful so the other Ian Fleming stories get adapted as well.
PPK 7.65mmSaratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,256MI6 Agent
Wednesday of this week marks the release of the new story from Dynamite comics. Here is a run down, from leagueofcomicgeeks.com"
New series, new team, new missions! VITA AYALA (Morbius, Age Of X-Man), DANNY LORE (Queen Of Bad Dreams) and ERIC GAPSTUR (James Bond 007) present a fresh take on the world's greatest secret agent. When a priceless piece of art is found to be fake, investigations lead down a rabbit hole of international crime and corruption. But what the hell does James Bond know about the world of art forgery? Featuring a cover by superstar JIM CHEUNG (Justice League, Young Avengers), that will be revealed as an interlocking image over the first three issues!
Got the last issue of the monthly series yesterday, I was pretty let down with the ending. Not since the Body series have I felt let down by a comic book story. Hopefully the new team coming to the book in December will give us a better story. Also, I hope that the adaptation of Live And Let Die is successful so the other Ian Fleming stories get adapted as well.
Ugh. Just read it. Terrible series, from beginning to end. Awful characterisation, weak plot, one to forget.
Here's to the next series being way better. Looking forward to the first issue due tomorrow!
"Enjoy it while it lasts."
"The very words I live by."
Comments
Got the first issue of the monthly series this week. It was an exciting read, and it left me wanting more. Also it was great to see Bond playing Baccarat again.
Six pages that are independent of the rest of the arc, so you can read and enjoy them! -{
https://mobile.twitter.com/van_jensen/status/1079824140142628867
Also I just wanted mention that issue #3 of the ongoing series arrives tomorrow on store shelves.
I just got caught up on the new ongoing series and I’m sad to say that it’s a bit disappointing. The Odd Job concept is a good one, and well-executed. My problem is with the characterization of Bond. He’s little more than a non-descript killing machine. The author has completely failed to capture the sardonic undertones of Fleming, as well as any emotional weight. This version of Bond is most reminiscent of all the worst aspects of Brosnan’s Bond (but none of the good ones). He seems to lack all depth and is little more than a smirking hitmam in a black suit.** I’ll give it one more issue to see if there is improvement, but I think it’s a wasted opportunity.
** This is also irritating. Why is Bond’s suit black? He never wears a black suit in Fleming’s books, and has only worn black at funerals in the films.
Just finished reading the Casino Royale graphic novel, it was a great adaptation of Ian Fleming's and in my humble opinion has some of the best artwork so far in the comic series. I am very curious to see how the other novels turn out in this format.
However, having read all the Young Bond novels by Charlie Higson and Steve Cole, in comparison with Origin the transition between Bond's school life and active service is a bit abrupt. Also, the comic format doesn't allow for the richer characterization, esp. Bond's point of view, which throughout his literary history is what best defined the world of Bond, but that's understandable. Also, the comic format practically demands more over-the-top action compared to the novels, esp. Young Bond, who was tastefully "held back" from the Bond staples of sex and homicide.
Overall, I liked Origin a lot because it put Bond back in the world (somewhat) and timeline of the original Fleming novels.
I absolutely loved the Casino Royale adaptation, and can't wait for LALD. It was announced for Sept 11, though, I don't know what's caused the delays, but it's ok if it does come out.
"The very words I live by."
@writingsonthewall, I had no idea that the date for the graphic novel adaptation of Live And Let Die had come and gone so quickly. I really hope that it is still coming out.
As for LALD, Dynamite's web has it now as "Coming Soon!" and amazon, fwiw, lists it for Nov 5. We'll see.
"The very words I live by."
The premise looks great. I haven’t made it past the first couple of any of these. Hopefully this one will be better, but I have my doubts that this medium works for the character based on what I’ve seen thus far.
I've not read any of the Origins comics but the Forbidden Planet store near me had an Origins hardback book, which I think was a collection of all the issues, so I would suppose that the story has finished.
@Miles Messervy, I found the first series (the one written by Warren Ellis) absolutely enjoyable and a fine addition to the Bond mythos, as well as a fresh take on a modern Bond (and at the same time very much respectful to the literary character), one much more enjoyable than, say, SPECTRE or the Carte Blanche novel. But to each their own, and each one's tastes are each one's. I believe both Vargr and Eidolon could make for great movies if adapted, should EoN ever consider going that route. As for the other series and specials, all have their ups and downs, as most media do. But I have enjoyed this publisher's efforts more than others (the old Topps or Marvel comics come to mind).
And last but not least, @PPK 7.65mm, I agree completely. If you're going to try and update a classic character, you may as well do it well or your readers are going to give you hell. I usually enjoy Pak's writing, but I do not believe his talents are put to good use here. As I said before, so far it's only been Warren Ellis's run that has given me precisely what I wanted (and look, his characters were new and well used).
"The very words I live by."
For me, the plot in a Bond story is almost secondary to the atmosphere. Fleming was the master of that. My comment about the comic book medium perhaps not being right for Bond ties directly to that sentiment. It’s just hard to conjure the atmosphere that I associate with Bond (absurd details about meals, drinks, weapons, exotic locales, Bond’s inner monologues, etc.) in a comic.
That said, perhaps I will give the first series another try on your recommendation. I might have quit it too early the first time around.
For me, the plot in a Bond story is almost secondary to the atmosphere. Fleming was the master of that. My comment about the comic book medium perhaps not being right for Bond ties directly to that sentiment. It’s just hard to conjure the atmosphere that I associate with Bond (think: absurd details about meals, drinks, weapons, exotic locales, Bond’s inner monologues, etc.) in a comic.
That said, perhaps I will give the first series another try on your recommendation. I might have quit it too early the first time around.
Thank you for letting me know. That's too bad. Issue 12 ends that particular story line but doesn't feel like the end of the series. At least, not for me. I get the sense that the comic book would have continued had their been more demand for it.
I would have gladly purchased more stories in the Origins series had they been written. I recall from Ian Fleming's novels that Bond saw quite a bit of action during the Second World War. I would have particularly enjoyed a story set around the fall of Berlin in 1945(In The Man With The Golden Gun, Bond mentions to Scarmanga he was present for this historic event). Hopefully the change in the creative team will be a step in the right direction, for instance the Ghostbusters comic book series from IDW started out with different writer and artist teams prior to getting a regular pairing which helped the series become a monthly title.
On another note, the Live and Let Die graphic novel will be released on December 17, 2019 as detailed here:https://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/comics-dynamite-live-and-let-die-graphic-novel-preview?id=04582
New series, new team, new missions! VITA AYALA (Morbius, Age Of X-Man), DANNY LORE (Queen Of Bad Dreams) and ERIC GAPSTUR (James Bond 007) present a fresh take on the world's greatest secret agent. When a priceless piece of art is found to be fake, investigations lead down a rabbit hole of international crime and corruption. But what the hell does James Bond know about the world of art forgery? Featuring a cover by superstar JIM CHEUNG (Justice League, Young Avengers), that will be revealed as an interlocking image over the first three issues!
Ugh. Just read it. Terrible series, from beginning to end. Awful characterisation, weak plot, one to forget.
Here's to the next series being way better. Looking forward to the first issue due tomorrow!
"The very words I live by."