JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #2
Writer: Rodney Barnes
Artist: Antonio Fuso, Adriano Augusto
Letters: Social Myth Studios
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: November 10, 2021
Cover Price: $3.99
Issue #2 continues the comic book adventures of the world's most famous spy - James Bond! While the setting exudes the allure of sun, sand, and fun, this deadly island is no playtime retreat! Its sun, sand, and misery for all those who visit, and up to Bond to put an end to the deadly circle once and for all!
Featuring two amazing covers: Francesco Francavilla and the legendary Jackson Guice!
Score:
★★★★☆ (4/5)
QUICK REVIEW: 'James Bond: Himeros' burst onto comic book shop shelves last month with a ripped-from-headlines storyline involving a dead billionaire sex trafficker with his own island. His assistant and potential accessory, Sarah Richmond, holds the key to a lot of sensitive information about the high-profile clientele. It's put a target on her back and Bond is tasked with keeping her alive long enough to question her. Unfortunately, assassins are on their heels as issue two shows, there's no rest for Bond and Richmond as they struggle to survive.
This is a high-octane action series that hasn't slowed down for a second since Wilhelm was killed in the first issue. It doesn't leave for a lot of plot development or character work when there's a gun in Bond's face in virtually every scene. That's not to say it isn't exciting but it's a pulse-pounding shoot-em-up with car chases and explosions. Antonio Fuso's linework is gritty and not designed to be pretty but it's effective in establishing this dangerous world juxtaposed with Adriano Augusto's bright sunny colors. Fuso's fight choreography is great and impactful except for one transition in the issue. There seem to be panels missing showing how an assailant enters the room where Bond and Richmond are held up. That's the only flaw in the action as it just ramps up from there.
Unlike the real-life inspiration for Richmond, it's still unclear how involved she was with what Wilhelm was doing. She maintains she didn't know but you'd expect her to deny any involvement. So Rodney Barnes keeps her character in a gray area for now subverting the easy expectation to hate her at this point. The final page raises more questions as well.
'James Bond: Himeros' #2 is at full-throttle all the time, a breathless action series that keeps Bond in constant danger.
Great article about this series. Mr. Barnes is one of the best modern day writers.
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