James Bond

LIBRARY JOURNAL -- British superspy James Bond's best friend and American counterpart Felix Leiter has retired from the world of cloak and dagger and is settling into a life as a private detective, until he agrees to do his old pal a favor by traveling to Japan to track down a Russian agent. Felix and the agent share a steamy past, but their reunion turns out to be exciting in a way far different from what Felix expected when he discovers her involvement with a deadly terror cult. The organization itself may be a pawn in a game that could have disastrous repercussions for the entire world. Writer Robinson (Grand Passion) and artist Campbell (The Shadow) pack this volume with all the sex, violence, intrigue, secret headquarters, and dastardly villains that Bond fans demand but filtered through a slightly more noir-tinged lens that fits Felix's world-weary character. Collects single Issues 1-6. VERDICT A long-awaited starring role for a classically underutilized supporting character, as well as a thrilling adventure drawn more from current events than the typical Bond tale, which fans of the franchise should find enthralling.-TB

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY -- The Bond sidekick gets his first ever solo outing from Robinson (Starman) and artist Campbell (Green Hornet, The Shadow), and it's a nice change of pace from the supremely confident Bond. Former CIA agent Felix Leiter, who lost two of his limbs when he was thrown into a shark tank, now sports a cybernetic arm and leg, gifts from Bond. This story takes Felix to Japan, where he is tracking ex-KGB agent Alena Davoff for CIRO (the Japanese CIA), led by his friend "Tiger" Tanaka, who suspects Alena of aiding a cult leader with ties to North Korea. Alena gives Felix the slip, and before he can track her down a dirty bomb goes off in Tokyo, killing hundreds. The chase is on as Felix and Tiger team up to find Alena and those responsible for the bombing. Felix is no James Bond-in fact he says so, repeatedly. Felix was obviously a good CIA agent, but his trauma and insecurity make him semi-effective and filled with low self-esteem. The colors, line work, and even facial expressions are dark, serving as a metaphor for Felix's entire outlook on life. This spin-off to the Bond oeuvre offers a welcome dose of character development.