James Bond 007: Hammerhead by Written by Andy Diggle, Art by Luca Casalanguida - A Graphic Novel Review

This book was a spot-on delivery of what we've expected from Bond over the years.

There is action, humour, style and cutting-edge technology.

I found the art and the depiction of violence, in particular, to be cinematic.  In that, it wasn't overly gratuitous.  In the past couple of books I've reviewed, I've found the blood, guts and gore splattered on walls a bit too self-serving.

I am sure the body count is about the same but it was handled with a more practiced hand here.

The story was spot on and I was happy to see Diggle bring out the secondary characters, proving they are in positions for more than their typing skills.

And this was a classic plotline; a new weapon is developed to replace ageing infrastructure.  However, what is good for national defence is also good for organized crime and a race is on to control the Hammerhead weapon.

An excellent entry in Dynamite Entertainment's Bond series.

Andy Diggle's website - http://www.andydiggle.com/

Art by Luca Casalanguida

James Bond 007: Vargr by Warren Ellis

I loved the opening sequence in this collection.  Action packed, cold and darkly funny.

In the main story the bad guys are supremely creepy, violent and icky.

Bond is on the trail of a new strain of cocaine that has a nasty way of killing people.  Along the way he has his life threatened many times.

I found the violence in this story excessive.  Hey, I know; it's Bond.  It comes with the territory but there was a lot of nasty, nasty killing going on here.

These books are without a doubt "R" rated.  Do no let your kids read this stuff.

To be honest, I rather liked Eidolon better.  Vargr was meaner, colder and bloodier.

Once again the art by Jason Masters conveys the story amazingly well.

Warren Ellis' website - http://www.warrenellis.com/

Warren Ellis

James Bond 007: Eidolon by Warren Ellis - Graphic Novel Review

Okay, its Bond, James Bond, 007, what elses do I need to say?

Eidolon was a terrific story of revenge and clandestine attempts to undermine MI5 and MI6.

The action was sudden and sometimes unexpected and the bad guy was brutal.  Oh, my!  This was a mean dude.

As graphic as the violence was it was never gratuitous but it was heart-thumpingly cold.

Warren Ellis did a very good job of pacing and keeping the politicians an important part of the story.

Jason Masters' art was clean and cinematic wich lent itself to the grit of the story.

I wouldn't let younger readers at this book, it's pretty brutal.  But if you're looking for a strong, gritty and scary story you can't go wrong with this one.

Warren Ellis' website - http://www.warrenellis.com/

The art of Jason Masters

Warren Ellis