Review: James Bond: 007 (2024) #4 from Dynamite

Javier E. Trujillo reviews the fourth issue of Dynamite’s 2024 volume of James Bond:007! Is there a traitor at MI6?!?!

How far will 007 go when he believes M is working for the opposition?

Plot

Moneypenny debriefs M as to the events of 007’s mission to the space station, then goes and visits Bond in hospital. There 007 confides in her his theory. Later that night, two men are observing M from across the way when they see Bond assault his boss, tying him up and beating him. They decide to go over and capture them both, only it’s a ruse, with 007 and M turning the tables on them and interrogating their would-be kidnappers, obtaining a location. Felix then calls Bond, relaying helmet cam footage of Stalvoda being detonated against an America Special Forces Team in Ukraine. Bond warns M that the Americans are retaliating…with something bigger than a drone.

Opinion

Outer space is forsaken in an attempt to ratchet up the tension closer to home. Ennis tries to set up doubt that M could be bent, but as Bond dismisses it as unlikely, the idea doesn’t get much traction with the reader. However, having Moneypenny be the only one Bond trusts and confides in is an excellent touch, allowing the two characters to have some wonderful interplay and banter as they try and figure out the true situation.

When we get to the action (torture?) bits the sadism Ennis seems to revel in is on full display as Bond deals with those watching M. There’s a fun bit of trickery going on, but once again, the brutality Bond metes out goes far beyond what viewers have seen on the screen and what my memory recollects from all the novels.

Lobosco seems to be having fun with the layouts, particularly when the reconnaissance is being done on M’s flat. His focal points are excellent, adding a dramatic flair. The characters, at least the ones not bludgeoned, all look fantastic. This volume continues to be a good looking title in Lobosco’s hands.

Whilst some of the suspense falls a little flat, it is still an entertaining read. Moneypenny and Bond have an excellent camaraderie and M gets some moments to shine as well. With two issues left, the end game is not far away and no doubt it will be laden with over the top violence. I leave it to the reader to decide if it’s too much. This volume has been a little uneven for me, but this entry was overall a positive one.

Buy online

Amazon UK | Amazon.com