Title: James Bond (2019-) #1
Publisher: Dynamite
Words: Vita Ayala, Danny Lore
Art: Eric Gapstur
Colors: Roshan Kurichiyanil, Rebecca Nalty
Published: December 4, 2019
Publisher’s Summary: “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!”
Review
As is expected of any 007 adventure, of course it begins with Bond James Bond in bed with someone else’s wife followed immediately by an escape from gun toting henchmen, but that’s only the introduction. The real story begins in an art museum with Brandy Keys, an Insurance Claims Investigator who is investigating a forgery and potential theft. Before long she find out there is more to this caper and things get dangerous.
Starting out with a main character who is not James Bond might be a bit of a risk, but the writing team of Vita Ayala and Danny Lore make it work. As a protagonist Brandy Keys is interesting and engaging. She is also allowed to have more depth than 007, so that helps.
So far, this new JB series is more than just an actioner. It has a real mystery that makes this a particularly appealing narrative that gives James Bond more to do. It looks like there will be some interesting backstory to come as well.
The Bottom Line
Bond, James Bond, is back, but maybe just as muscle and eye candy because the case is already being handled by Brandy Keys, Insurance Investigator, and she is more than capable of figuring things out for herself.
