Review- JAMES BOND VOL. 1: VARGR

JAMES BOND VOL. 1: VARGR (Dynamite, First Printing, 2016; Hardcover)

Collects James Bond #1-6 (cover dates November, 2015- April, 2016)

Writer: Warren Ellis

Artist: Jason Masters

Colorist: Guy Major

I borrowed this book from my local library.

Free works! The first issue was reprinted as a Free Comic Book Day comic this year and I loved it. I came across this at my local library and tore through it in one sitting. This is totally worth buying, especially if you are a James Bond jonesing for a fix.

All of which brings us to this story, where Bond is sent to Berlin to tackle a sophisticated drug trafficking ring. This being James Bond, nothing is what it seems on the surface and double crosses and intrigue are the norm. There is a definite Cold War 1960s vibe to the proceedings but things are tempered with 21^st century reality and technology. It's the best of both worlds.

Warren Ellis is a top shelf writer who gives us a cinematic feeling, brisk read. Jason Masters's artwork is beautiful and clearly displays the “camera angles” via perfect panel composition. Guy Major has tasteful color palette choices and uses just enough bells and whistles to give this a modern flair without going splat with the special effects.

This is an outstanding read high on action, high on intrigue, and true to the vibe of Sean Connery era Bond.

Junk Food For Thought rating: 5 out of 5.

The OCD zone- This is the part where I go into tactile sensations and materials used in physical media. Those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or women who are pregnant should exit my blog at their earliest convenience, as their safety cannot be guaranteed beyond this point.

Library copies are fascinating studies in the durability of these books. I look at them like science experiments, as the average human handles their books like the Samsonite Gorilla when compared to how I handle my books.

Paper stock: Medium weight glossy coated stock.

Binding: Sewn binding. Book block glued square to the spine.

Hardback cover notes: This is a library copy, so it is fascinating to see how well the laminated casewrap has held up with repeated handling.