James Bond: Felix Leiter

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. (Nov.)