Review – James Bond #3 (Dynamite)

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Jason Masters
Release Date: 30th December, 2015

The recent James Bond movies starring Daniel Craig have taken the character in a completely different direction. Gone are the days where he was a smooth talking seducer of women who foiled the plans of eccentric criminals; now we know him as a cold, uber-serious action hero shrouded in misery and darkness. This James Bond on the other hand is a new take on the character – a more violent one – and one which I personally found to be much more enjoyable than any of the movie Bond’s.

The best thing about this series is how Warren Ellis has turned Bond into a remorseless, trigger happy killer. Normally this isn’t a series I’d personally choose to review as I’ve never been a huge Bond fan in general, with the exception of the incredible Golden Eye video game for the N64. However, I’m so happy to be on board with this series due to Bond’s much welcomed edge. Here, he doesn’t shy away from putting bullets through chests and blowing off heads – and Jason Masters’ art is so beautifully gory and violent. Some of the illustrations here are more akin to that of a horror comic than anything else. This isn’t the type of Bond universe we’re accustomed to, and quite frankly, it’s refreshing.

In this issue, we see Bond in Berlin going up against some drug dealers. However, he might be walking into a trap that goes beyond the dangerous mission of taking down some nasty thugs. It’s an action-packed issue from the get-go, and it ends on a mighty cliff hanger that makes the next instalment essential reading. It does what any good thriller should do, and that’s be thrilling, fast-paced and full of surprises.

It might not be the Bond everyone knows and loves; in fact, his actions are more reminiscent of John McClane, but the character traits of 007 are still there to remind us of just who he is. For me, this was a very pleasant surprise. Ellis has created a Bond character that will appeal to fans and non-fans alike, and also created a slick, action-packed action thriller you don’t want to miss out on if you like your comics bloody entertaining.

Rating: 4/5.