Javier E. Trujillo reviews the fifth issue of Dynamite’s newest James Bond thriller, 007: For King and Country!
Bond and Gann begin their infiltration of Myrmidon HQ! What secrets will they find as double-crosses abound?
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: Giorgio Spalletta & Alessio Avallone
Colour artist: Claudia Giulani
Letters: Jeff Eckleberry
Main cover: Joseph Michael Linsner
Packager & editor: Nate Cosby
Plot
Bond and Agent Clark are in bed when they get ambushed by 009. Clark gets killed and 009 escapes, but badly wounded by a furious Bond.
Below Washington, DC, Gann meets Bond two days later. The pair lay out their plan to Felix and Linus. Felix reiterates the ticking clock on the mission, but is still willing to help from the sidelines.
Bond and Gann carry out the new plan, with surprising results. There are several double-crosses that leave Bond and Gann as the last two standing. With the truth revealed, their confrontation is about to begin!
Opinion
Johnson wastes no time having Bond get into action, placing the agent in a very vulnerable position as he has to fend off 009. The fight had some shades of Quantum of Solace as Bond struggles with his assailant, even culminating in a moment of reflection when the fight is over.
The moment carries over to the scene two days later as Bond somberly lights up his cigarette. I love getting to see these moments from Bond, how the wear of his life hangs on him. This isn’t the first time Johnson has given us an insight like this, but I appreciate every one of them. Despite this glimpse, we still don’t fully comprehend what Bond is thinking, particularly when it comes to how much he trusts Gann.
I enjoyed seeing the breakdown of the mission plan being laid over as dialogue of Bond and Gann carrying it out. It’s hard not to think of Goldeneye when you see Bond decked out in a black commando uniform and stalking guards through an air vent.
It’s here that the twists come fast and furious. The art is well laid out, setting the pace and making the action clear and dramatic. The colouring, too, makes this a treat, mixing up the palette for Fromm’s lair, utilizing the colour red to accentuate specific points. This volume continues to be a good looking book. Once again, the two artists blend well and I don’t find the change up to be too jarring.
Putting all the cards on the table allows the issue to end in dramatic fashion. It’s been quite the ride so far and I have faith Johnson will stick the landing. With the next series already announced, featuring Garth Ennis taking over the writing duties, it opens up possibilities for the conclusion. Will Bond regain his 00 status, thus returning the toys back to the toybox for Ennis to use, or will this be a definitive conclusion, allowing for a reboot with the next volume? Regardless of how it ends, I think we’re in for an exciting finish, especially judging by how this issue balanced everything so well!
