In JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #2, available from Dynamite Comics on November 10th, 2021, 007 must protect the lieutenant of a human trafficker from a brutal assassin and all the world leaders who want their secrets protected.
The Details
- Written By: Rodney Barnes
- Art By: Antonio Fuso
- Colors By: Adriano Augusto
- Letters By: Social Myth Studios
- Cover Art By: Francesco Francavilla
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: November 10, 2021
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Was It Good?
JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #2 continues the “ripped from the headlines” theme with Bond protecting a fictional analog to notorious Jeffrey Epstein lieutenant, Ghislaine Maxwell… with more theatrics. Despite the setup borrowing directly from real-world events, this second issue leans more into the Bond-esque adventures and it makes for a thrilling read.
That said, this issue does two things effectively – raise the stakes and plant seeds of doubt.
The stakes climb higher in this issue because we see mercenary groups infiltrate the “abandoned” island to get at the records of past clientele. The infiltration fails because the island, while unmanned, is far from safe. As the island proves impenetrable, 007’s guest receives a visit of her on in the form of an elite assassin, indicating no safehouse is safe for very long. Bond is in constant state of flight or fight, and you can feel the anxiety of that setup with every page turn.
Seeds of doubt are planted when there’s a thought introduced that Sarah Richmond may not be as innocent as she appears. The way the thought is inserted into the story is subtle but incredibly effective at cranking up the paranoia and making the danger feel omnipresent for Bond.
Truthfully, there’s not much to this issue by way of plot advancement, but the scenes are all critical to developing the story, escalating the tension, and adding in a bit of mystery. Throw in some hard-fought action, and this is an excellent issue.
While the story and writing is excellent, the art is generally good. One of the criticisms we noted in the last issue is the lack of distinctiveness around the character designs. It almost tips towards sloppy, and it becomes difficult to relate to the characters when Bond, for example, almost looks like a completely different person in every panel.
Overall, this issue has tense dramatic moments, high-stakes action, and a compelling sense of danger, but the art could be better.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
To understand who Sarah Richmond is and how she found herself in Bond’s company, read our JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #1 review first.
We begin with a prologue of a Dutch mercenary group infiltrating Wilhelm’s island, presumably to confiscate the records of past visitors… or destroy them. The island appears abandoned, but automated defenses kick in to cut the group down before they can complete their mission.
Meanwhile, Sarah Richmond gives 007 little snippets of her backstory to explain how she came to be the trusted right hand of a despicable criminal like Wilhelm. Her explanation is superficially plausible but Bond is unsympathetic. Suddenly, an assassin sneaks into their hotel room and attempts to gun Richmond down. Bond holds him off and knocks him down long enough for Bond and Richmond to get to their car.
We conclude the issue with a riveting car chase, swimming lessons, and a boat ride with an odd-looking crew.
Final Thoughts
JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #2 is tense, action-packed storytelling. Bond is put to the test with assassins all over the world converging on his witness, and the seeds of doubt about his charge’s intentions escalate the paranoia factor even higher. That said, the art is definitely rough around the edges and mutes the reading enjoyment of the issue.
Score: 8/10
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