James Bond’s formative early years are the focus for the dramatic Dynamite release, James Bond Origin, Volume 1.
It’s March 1941. James is seventeen, a restless orphan living in Scotland. A visit from an old family friend coincides with a devastating German air bombing attack called the Clydebank Blitz. James is called to help Her Majesty’s war efforts, and so starts this collection of stories.
The volume collects issues 1-6 of James Bond Origin, plus James Bond, A Train to Catch. Script is by Jeff Parker, with artwork by Bob Q. There are four colourists here, Bob Q, Roman Stevens, Jordan Boyd, and Jordie Bellaire.
It’s a thrilling read. The emphasis is, of course, on dramatic action. This IS James Bond, after all. Not quite as smooth, not quite as well dressed, but still James Bond. He’s shaken and stirred by the German air attacks and quickly enrolls in a survival education process. God help us; he makes loads of mistakes. But it makes for entertaining reading. Parker’s script stays exciting, there is no padding here. Bob Q’s art is heavily shadowed, utilizing lots of black. Incredible splash pages of warfare, including air battles, sea skirmishes, and exotic locales with local gals…. you know the rest.
Also included in the collection is a foreword that summarizes the situation in Europe while England and its Commonwealth allies Australia and Canada were at war with Germany. In addition, there are ‘In Progress’ pencil roughs with accompanying inked and coloured pages by the creative team. I am impressed by Bob Q’s pencils, which are accurate, well-drafted and nicely designed.
Dynamite, James Bond Origin Volume 1 Hardcover. $24.99 for 194 pages. Rated Teen +
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