James Bond is returning to comic books, with acclaimed writer Grant Morrison set to pen a new series featuring the British secret agent.
IDW Publishing has acquired the rights to publish new James Bond comic book adventures through a partnership with Ian Fleming Publications. The announcement was made during New York Comic Con, with Morrison attached to write the first storyline, a six-part adventure titled Sunbreaker.
Morrison, whose extensive comic book credits include All-Star Superman, Batman, New X-Men, Animal Man and Doom Patrol, will introduce a new interpretation of 007 that incorporates familiar elements of the franchise while placing the character in unfamiliar situations.
“I’ve been a James Bond fan for as long as I can remember and this opportunity to put my own stamp on a British character as iconic as King Arthur, Robin Hood or Sherlock Holmes, was too good to miss,” Morrison said in a statement.
According to Morrison, Sunbreaker will feature new vehicles, gadgets and adversaries, including a villain inspired by contemporary events. The story will place Bond in a world of espionage, deception and shifting alliances, with the writer promising one of the character’s most challenging assignments.
“Our opening 6-part adventure, Sunbreaker, attempts to create a definitive Bond story featuring everything fans love about the character and his world, while adding a whole lot more,” Morrison explained.
The partnership marks a new chapter for James Bond in comics following the character’s previous run at Dynamite Entertainment, which began in 2015. That publisher released numerous Bond titles featuring writers including Warren Ellis, Benjamin Percy and Garth Ennis.
IDW CEO Davidi Jonas told The Hollywood Reporter that the publisher intends to approach the franchise with an emphasis on original storytelling rather than simply expanding upon existing material.
“Our goal isn’t to simply provide supplemental and optional stories,” Jonas said. “We strive to take radical swings which celebrate and stay true to the very qualities that make the franchise special while also reinventing it for the modern comic book landscape.”
James Bond, created by author Ian Fleming, first appeared in the 1953 novel Casino Royale. The character made his theatrical debut in 1962’s Dr. No, starring Sean Connery, and has since appeared in 25 official films, most recently 2021’s No Time to Die, which marked Daniel Craig’s final appearance in the role.
Bond has also maintained a presence in comic books for decades, including adaptations of the films For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy, as well as original stories published by several companies.
Simon Ward, publishing director at Ian Fleming Publications, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that the comic book medium provides opportunities to tell stories that might not be possible elsewhere.
The new series arrives as the James Bond film franchise prepares for its next installment following Craig’s departure. However, the comic book project is separate from the upcoming theatrical production.
Additional details about Sunbreaker, including its artist and release date, have not yet been announced. IDW and Ian Fleming Publications also plan to release further James Bond comics as part of their new agreement.
Source: THR