Written by: Andy Diggle
Art by: Luca Casalanguida
Publisher: Dynamite
Is there a better spy than James Bond? Sure, some people say Jason Bourne while others say Mitch Rapp, but neither has the international recognition of Bond. Whether it be video games, books, or movies, Bond is king in the world of espionage. Now, writer Andy Diggle (The Losers, Green Arrow: Year One) and artist Luca Casalanguida are releasing a six-issue miniseries with the backing of Dynamite Entertainment.
Fresh off murdering some rent-a-thugs, Bond is on the search for a mysterious new enemy. The Kraken, as he is known, is hiring thugs and hackers in an attempt to steal information from powerful weapons dealers. The purpose is unknown, but the enemy is dangerous and deadly, something that Bond quickly learns in Venezuela. In fact, the Kraken actually appears to be one step ahead of MI6, to the point that Bond doesn’t even have the element of surprise.
Much like The Losers and Diggle’s other comics, James Bond: Hammerhead is an action-packed affair. Granted, Bond has always featured action, but this representation is far more visceral. The first thing you see in Hammerhead is a guard getting two bullets to the brain. It’s a stark reminder that this isn’t Roger Moore or Sean Connery, and it sure as hell isn’t Timothy Dalton.
Interestingly enough, the differences continue with Diggle’s writing. Bond seems to be a more serious spy than his cinematic counterparts. Part of this change could be based on the fact that this Bond is younger and obviously lower on the totem pole, just ask M, but part could be the new modern day spin on the character. If you look at the different gadgets in Hammerhead, you notice crazy facial recognition headsets and high-tech wristbands. Bond has obviously always had really futuristic gear, but the items in this comic are different in a more grounded way. The gadgets are actually more akin to those found in Mission Impossible.
Despite the classic feel of James Bond, it’s actually very refreshing to see a brand new take. Diggle seems to be moving Bond into a brand new arena with more serious consequences and dangerous foes. The big baddie hasn’t been revealed at this moment, but judging from the first issue he–or she–won’t be carrying around an adorable cat.
James Bond: Hammerhead is a more violent, serious version of the classic spy, and that’s perfectly fine. Well, Bond is still a womanizer, but did you expect anything else?
I love goofiness in espionage, but it’s occasionally fun to mix in someone somber just for the hell of it. If you are looking for a spy-centric story that’s different than the standard fare, well Hammerhead is just for you.
