James Bond #4 Review

Written by: Vita Ayala & Danny Lore
Art by: Erica D'urso
Colors by: Roshan Kurichiyanil 
Lettered by: Ariana Maher
Published by: Dynamite Entertainment

Bond’s next exploit on the big screen may have just been pushed back, but the next exciting issue of his comic is here in Dynamite Entertainment’s James Bond #4.

Following the last issue that had me engaged more than any installment yet, this issue keeps doing great things and hits an even higher point. The new found cohesion that I felt, continues in this issue. It begins with an intriguing scene that ties up and fleshes out some previous elements. And, the suspenseful nature of the scene adds flair to this issue that goes well with the many other elements working in its favor. After that scene, we get a quintessential feeling Bond scene that leads to the next chapter of his missions. While gearing up for that mission, at MI-6, there is a great scene between Bond and Moneypenny that captures their relationship beautifully. I’m still not sure what exactly is trying to be stated about this Bond (yet), but that concern takes a backseat to the enjoyment that is brought about in this issue. There’s also a scene with Q that is nice, but it is a new character that really shines in that scene.

This entire issue had some very good dialogue. Although it seems the issues I've enjoyed the most are the ones that could be considered closer to a “classic” Bond story, it isn’t seeing him flirting or getting gadgets that is making these issues so fun, it’s the balancing of all the story elements finally seeming like they’re being achieved fully. The most obvious example is the way Brandy Keys makes her appearance in this issue. It felt so natural given what we’ve seen of the character. And, the way Bond has been shown to be stubborn in this series made the payoff of this scene so much better. The main mystery is beginning to really intrigue me too. The way earlier elements are being been tied into the story, and the new revelations, are making this a very interesting plot. The villains we’re shown are also immediate attention grabbers. This series is starting to make me glad I picked it up and stuck around. And, seeing that the film I so highly anticipated will continue to be highly anticipated until November, this is just the fix I need to hold me over.

The art impressed me quite a bit in this issue. I would say it’s a placebo effect from me enjoying the narrative more, but that just isn’t the case. From that first auditorium shot, the visuals are fantastic. The coloring is great, and the palette has a warm nature that gives it a “classy” feel, especially when the illustrations are going for that same effect. The last issue opened with some good, dialogue-less, visual storytelling, and in this issue, during Bond’s mission, we get some more. Although the shots of the spy in action are great (and helped me begin to appreciate the character illustrations in this issue), there was a subtle scene of Bond opening the door to the storage that really struck me. It has him small in the middle, but the way the covered artifacts are illustrated around the room had a subtle effect that made me start respecting the art. The “swooping” lines of the art add a lot to the style of this book. And, speaking of style, the party scene is filled with great visuals that the art team knocks out the park. The scenery, illustrations of Bond and Brandy, and the eventual action were some of the best scenes to look at in the series so far.

This series hasn’t just found its footing, it’s starting to soar. The intrigue is intriguing, the Bond is forming, and the keys are turning. This is the issue that hits all the right notes and leaves room for it to get even higher.