Vintage ad

Advert for the UK paperback release of John Gardner's first James Bond continuation novel, License Renewed.

DR. NO comic sells for £142 in auction

DC Comics 1962 tie-in comic to the first James Bond film, Dr. No, has sold for £142 in auction.

The 47-year-old comic was one of 700 comic lots sold by Cameo Auctioneers in London, and was snapped up by a Bond fan. Adrian Cowdry, film memorabilia and comic consultant to Cameo, said the magazine, part of DC Comics' Showcase anthology series, was the first time a Bond film had been seen in comic form.

Mr Cowdry said: "This Dr No comic is extremely rare and in impeccable condition given it is nearly 50 years old. It is a 'must-have' for fans of James Bond, Ian Fleming or Sean Connery."

He added: "The comic was aimed at reaching the comic reading masses. Hundreds were printed but in those days very few people thought comics would be worth keeping. Kids read them then give them to friends or threw them out, or their parents would put them on the coal fire."

New Young Bond book in 2011?

Did comedian Harry Enfield just leak some MAJOR James Bond literary news?

According to the Northants Evening Telegraph, Harry Enfield was a guest at the Kids Lit Quiz finals which took place at Oxford Town Hall on Friday, November 27. According to report, Harry brought along a very special treat for the participants:

"The guest at the final was comedian Harry Enfield, who did a reading from the first page of the new young James Bond book by Charlie Higson, which is not going to be available until 2011."

A second source reports that Harry then ate the page, "as befitted a top secret document."

So Young Bond returns in 2011? Let's hope it's true!

UPDATE: Mystery solved (dang-it)

OO7 Magazine #52

007 Magazine issue #52 is now available to purchase from the 007 Magazine website.

This latest issue contains a private view of the 2008 exhibition at The Fleming Collection in London’s Mayfair, coverage the 1963 luncheon meeting between authors Len Deighton and Ian Fleming, a historical 1963 gathering of the movers and shakers of the Bond franchise on the set of From Russia With Love, previously unseen pre-production illustrations from Kevin McClory’s ill-fated Bond project Warhead, the 1989 Licence To Kill Royal World Charity Premiere at London’s Odeon Leicester Square, in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince And Princess of Wales, and more.

Young Sherlock Holmes and the case of the numerous James Bond connections

In March it was announced that Macmillan would publish a series of authorized Young Sherlock Holmes novels by Andrew Lane, with the first book due out in Spring 2010.

Turns out this series has many James Bond connections. First, it's obviously inspired by Charlie Higson's successful Young Bond series. Second, author Andrew Lane is a Bond fan and co-author of the very fine, The Bond Files. And today Amazon has revealed cover art for the first book, Young Sherlock Holmes: The Death Cloud, featuring an image of Young Sherlock created by Young Bond artist Kev Walker.

The full Walker art (along with an impressive cover prototype) can be seen in his portfolio at the Apple Agency.

Young Sherlock Holmes: The Death Cloud will be released June 4, 2010 and can be pre-ordered at Amazon.co.uk.

Charlie Higson reveals rejected marketing idea

In an interview with Mi6.co.uk, Charlie Higson revealed a very unusual marketing concept that was proposed for his fifth Young Bond novel.

“Originally, the publishers came up with this idea to call the book Diamond Heart, or Diamond something, and the hardback would have an inset diamond in each cover. The diamonds would really be plastic or crystal, but one copy would have a real diamond on the front. But I said to them, 'look, this is a purely marketing and cover design-lead title idea, and it really doesn't have anything to do with the contents of the book.' So we sent them away to rethink that.”

“Diamond Heart” would eventually became a chapter title while Young Bond 5 became By Royal Command.

WIN Young Bond trading cards & The Puffin Adventure Book for Boys

The Young Bond Dossier and Puffin Books are offering 10 lucky fans a chance to WIN a set of exclusive Young Bond trading cards and a copy of The Puffin Adventure Book for Boys.

These 12 exclusive cards come uncut on three sheets and feature spectacular full color character images by Kev Walker. Released in limited supplies with the hardcover edition of By Royal Command, these rare cards have become hot Young Bond collectibles.

The Puffin Adventure Book For Boys was a limited Christmas exclusive and features extracts from six of Puffin’s most popular boys adventure titles, including Charlie Higson’s By Royal Command, Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Young Samuri: The Way of the Warrior and more.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO ENTER

Competition closes December 1st, 2009.

WIN Young Bond trading cards & The Puffin Adventure Book for Boys

The Young Bond Dossier and Puffin Books are offering 10 lucky fans a chance to WIN a set of exclusive Young Bond trading cards and a copy of The Puffin Adventure Book for Boys.

These 12 exclusive cards come uncut on three sheets and feature spectacular full color character images by Kev Walker. Released in limited supplies with the hardcover edition of By Royal Command, these rare cards have become hot Young Bond collectibles.

The Puffin Adventure Book For Boys was a limited Christmas exclusive and features extracts from six of Puffin’s most popular boys adventure titles, including Charlie Higson’s By Royal Command, Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Young Samuri: The Way of the Warrior and more.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO ENTER

Competition closes December 1st, 2009.

Cover art for 'Nightbird'

Cover art for Titan Books next collection of classic James Bond comic strips, Nightbird, has been revealed by CommanderBond.net. The collection will contain the title story as well as "Hot-Shot" and "Ape of Diamonds " Release date is March 26, 2010.

Nightbird is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

Interview with Fergus Fleming

Here's a treat. Not often you read an interview with a member of the Fleming family. One major revelation; Talk of the Devil -- the collection of Fleming's unpublished work availible only as part of the Queen Ann Press set -- will eventually be made available as a single volume. Also nice that he was asked about the next continuation author, even if it got a "no comment."

Through a thriller-writer’s eyes: the life and work of Ian Fleming

Young Bond companion book released in UK

An all-new Young Bond companion book, Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier, is released today in the UK by Puffin Books.

Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier is the complete and definitive guide to the world and adventures of Young Bond. Packed with information – from in-depth character profiles to the cars, the weapons and the exotic locations, plus facts, statistics, photographs, maps, and illustrations by Kev Walker – this book is both a must-have for Young Bond fans and a perfect introduction to the megaselling series.

As a bonus, the book also includes a brand-new Young Bond short story by Charlie Higson, A Hard Man To Kill. Set between Hurricane Gold and By Royal Command, the story finds James and his aunt Charmian boarding the French Ocean Liner Colombie for their journey back to England. But a villain named Emil Lefebvre and a mysterious hooded convict named Caiboche suggest this journey may be far from uneventful...

Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier can be purchased from bookstores across the UK or online from Amazon.co.uk.

'By Royal Command' wins Oxfordshire Book Award

Charlie Higson’s fifth Young Bond novel By Royal Command has been chosen by the children of Oxfordshire as the best novel of 2009 in the Oxfordshire Children's Book Awards.

The Oxfordshire Book Award is a regional award voted for by almost 1,000 children in the Oxfordshire area.

By Royal Command finds James in action from London to the Alps. The book is out now in the UK in paperback. A hardcover edition will be released in the U.S. on May 18, 2010.

Congratulations Charlie!

Pre-order 'Choice of Weapons'

K1Bond007 reports that Raymond Benson's second anthology of 007 work, Choice of Weapons, is available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

The collection will include the novels Zero Minus Ten, The Facts of Death, The Man With The Red Tattoo, and the short stories Live At Five and Midsummer Night's Doom. Publication date, according to Amazon, is August 17, 2010.

For more news about Raymond Benson's current and upcoming original work, visit his official website.

Titan's new James Bond Omnibus

Titan is releasing a new collection of classic James Bond comic strips.

The James Bond Omnibus brings together: Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds are Forever, From Russia With Love, Dr. No, Goldfinger, Risico, From a View to a Kill, For Your Eyes Only and Thunderball.

The book also includes an introduction by Sir Roger Moore.

The James Bond Omnibus is out now in the UK and will be released in the U.S. this week.

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Several U.S. Young Bond releases set for May 18, 2010

The Young Bond Dossier has nailed down pre-order links for several upcoming Young Bond releases in the U.S. on May 18, 2010.

Charlie Higson's fifth Young Bond book, By Royal Command, will be released on that day in hardcover along with a simultaneous hardcover and paperback release of SilverFin The Graphic Novel (cover right). May 18 will also see the release of Charlie Higson's non-Bond horror novel, The Enemy.

All titles are being released by Disney-Hyperion.

May 18, 2010 pre-order links:

By Royal Command

The Enemy

SilverFin The Graphic Novel (hardcover)

SilverFin The Graphic Novel (paperback)

'The Blofeld Trilogy' released in UK

CommanderBond.net reports that Penguin Classics new Bond anthology, The Blofeld Trilogy, has been released in the UK.

The Blofeld Trilogy collects the Ian Fleming novels Thunderball, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and You Only Live Twice -- all of which feature 007’s arch-nemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The book also features an introduction by Nick Lezard.

The Blofeld Trilogy trade paperback is available from Amazon.co.uk.

Extract from 'The Young Bond Dossier'

An extract from the new Young Bond companion book, Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier, has been posted on the official Young Bond website, www.youngbond.com. Just click Books, navigate to the cover, then find the Extract button.

The website has also revealed revised cover art which drops the original "Danger Society" co-title. (UPDATE: This art was a mistake and is being replaced.)

Featuring a brand-new story by Charlie Higson, Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier is the complete and definitive guide to the world and adventures of Young Bond.

Extract from 'The Young Bond Dossier'

An extract from the new Young Bond companion book, Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier, has been posted on the official Young Bond website, www.youngbond.com. Just click Books, navigate to the cover, then find the Extract button.

The website has also revealed revised cover art which drops the original "Danger Society" co-title. (UPDATE: This art was a mistake and is being replaced.)

Featuring a brand-new story by Charlie Higson, Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier is the complete and definitive guide to the world and adventures of Young Bond.

'The Girl Machine' released in U.S.

Titan's latest collection of classic James Bond comic strips, The Girl Machine is released today in the U.S. (Amazon.com).

First serialized in 1973, "The Girl Machine" finds 007 and Bond Girl Zebeide Rashid traveling to Hajar to free an imprisoned Emir. In the second story, "Beware of Butterflies" Bond is once again teamed with agent Suzi Kew to influtrae an Eastern European spy ring. The final story in the collection, "The Nevsky Nude", finds 007 uncovering a SMERSH operation in Sussex.

Next up from Titan: Nightbird.

Story info from The Bond Files by Andy Lane and Paul Simpson.

IFP gives shout-out to fansite

How cool is Ian Fleming Publications? In their latest email newsletter, the company that controls the literary James Bond gives a nice shout-out to the fansite, Illustrated 007.

"Ian Fleming Publications Ltd was lucky enough to come across a blog run by Peter Lorenz which features his wide collection of Ian Fleming and James Bond books. The Illustrated 007 is full of Peter's wonderful photography and shows the great range and scale of Ian Fleming books available. Click the link to enjoy the blog for yourself!"

Congrats Peter on an official thumbs up from the Fleming family!

You can subscribe to the IFP newsletter via the official Ian Fleming Publications website.

Charity shop finds Thunderball first edition in donation bin

Wick St Barnabas charity shop volunteer Roger Butterworth was amazed to find a first edition copy of Ian Fleming's Thunderball, published in 1961, novel among the donations.

Butterworth, who also volunteers at the Littlehampton Museum, instantly recognised the value of the book, which is in excellent condition.

The 007 volume is on prominent display in Littlehampton Museum's popular summer exhibition, "On His Majesty's Secret Service", which celebrates the town's link with Bond creator Fleming. The museum is accepting bids in excess of £100 on behalf of the charity shop

The book will remain on display until the exhibition ends, on September 4.

Source: Littlehampton Gazette

Faulks not signing 'Devil May Care' on Sept 3

Sebastian Faulks will be at Hatchards in London signing his new novel A Week in December on Thursday 3rd September from 12.30-1.30pm. However, the Hatchards website has added this to the event description:

PLEASE NOTE THAT SEBASTIAN FAULKS WILL ONLY BE SIGNING COPIES OF 'A WEEK IN DECEMBER' AT THIS EVENT.

So we know what that means.

Vendetta to the rescue

Check out this awesome sketch by Kev Walker of a key scene in Blood Fever when Vendetta comes to rescue young James from the fiendish mosquito torture.

We’ll see more of these terrific Kev Walker illustrations (in color) in the upcoming Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier, due for release on October 29, 2009.

'Quantum of Solace' nominated for book design award

The handsome new hardcover edition of Quantum of Solace -- a complete collection of the Ian Fleming James Bond short stories -- has been short-listed for the Best Jacket/Cover Design category of the British Book Design and Production Awards 2009.

The book was designed by Angus Hyland and Fabian Herrmann of Pentagram, and is a cloth-covered hardback featuring a silver foil-blocked image of Bond’s weapon of choice, the Walther PPK. The stunning design has caught the eye of many, and Antonio Carusone of design blog www.aisleone.net describes it:

A subtle diamond pattern is debossed on to the boards, which combined with deep burgundy endpapers evokes the discerning elegance of Bond’s world. An embossed manila bellyband with typewritten cover information on the label evokes the official documents of the period.

The winner of each category will be announced at the British Book Design and Production Awards 2009 gala dinner to be held on Thursday 29 October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. Ticket details can be found at www.britishbookawards.org, and the short-list for the 2009 awards will also be available on the website from Monday 10 August 2009.

Source: Ian Fleming Publications

Interview with Raymond Benson

Skype video interview with James Bond continuation author Raymond Benson. Interviewer: Stacey Cochran.

French SilverFin Graphic Novel

The Young Bond Dossier has revealed cover art for the French language edition of SilverFin: The Graphic Novel by Charlie Higson and Kev Walker. This marks the first appearance of the graphic novel outside the UK. Release date is September 23, 2009 (Amazon.fr).

OO7 Magazine #51 out now

After a 3-year sabbatical as on online periodical, 007 Magazine is BACK IN PRINT with issue #51 released today.

Editor & publisher Graham Rye explained, “When we ceased publishing 007 Magazine as a paper publication in December 2005 many of our faithful long-time readers were less than enthusiastic about the changeover to the new media. So after being away for a three-year hiatus I’ve decided to return with a printed magazine format and this time to run two titles side-by-side, hopefully to cater for every possible taste in Bond fandom."

You can purchase 007 #51 NOW via the 007 Magazine website.

Bond is back in 'The Girl Machine'

CommanderBond.net reports that Titan's newest collection of classic James Bond comic strips, The Girl Machine (I love this title) has been released in the UK.

First serialized in 1973, "The Girl Machine" finds 007 and Bond Girl Zebeide Rashid traveling to Hajar to free an imprisoned Emir. In the second story, "Beware of Butterflies" Bond is once again teamed with agent Suzi Kew to influtrae an Eastern European spy ring. The final story in the collection, "The Nevsky Nude", finds 007 uncovering a SMERSH operation in Sussex.

Release date for the U.S. is September 8, 2009 (pre-order at Amazon.com).

Story info from The Bond Files by Andy Lane and Paul Simpson.

Trailer for 'The Enemy'

A trailer for Young Bond author Charlie Higson's new non-Bond horror novel The Enemy has been posted on the official Enemy website. Looks fun. And scary!

UPDATE: I've replaced the teaser with the full UNCUT version.

Faulks still hopes for a DEVIL MAY CARE movie

Sebastian Faulks tells the Evening Standard that he still holds out hope for a film adaptation of his bestselling James Bond novel, Devil May Care.

"One lives in hope,” says the author. “Daniel Craig is a good Bond but I thought there was a little too much running and jumping in the last one and the romance went out of it. It’s time to bring that back.”

From his lips...

For whatever reason, Eon has resisted doing adaptations of the continuation novels, opting instead to borrow elements from the books (Colonel Sun = Colonel Moon) for their own original stories which, frankly, have not been very good in recent years (Casino Royale is the exception -- of course, that was a book).

It's a shame Eon has elected to ignore this treasure trove of Bondian plots, villains, and titles. Novels such as John Gardner's For Special Services, Raymond Benson's The Man With The Red Tattoo and, okay, Faulks' Devil May Care could be the foundations for truly excellent 007 films.

Source: The James Bond International Fan Club

Ian Fleming Publications store is back online

The official Ian Fleming Publications website has sorted out their technical problems and you can now order their limited editions Thrilling Cities and The Diamond Smugglers from the online store.

John Gardner audio interviews

Take a listen to these two terrific interviews with James Bond author John Gardner from 1984 and 1985. Intriguingly, Gardner says the title of his sixth Bond book will be Tomorrow Always Comes. A good Bondian title. How that became the abysmal No Deals, Mr. Bond is beyond me. Enjoy.

Wired for Books: Dow Swaim interviews John Gardner

K+M deliver premium Bond campaign

Check out this awesome subway poster for the UK paperback edition of Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks.

The ad campaign in the UK was handled by Kennedy Monk, a graphic design studio creating original design of all types specializing in advertising design for the entertainment industry. According to the K+M website:

"Kennedy Monk were delighted to be commissioned by Penguin Books to design outdoor advertising for the paperback release of the latest Bond novel, Sebastian Faulks writing as Ian Fleming's Devil May Care.

Penguin were looking for a campaign that would deliver the requisite glamour and thrills that are hallmarks of the Bond movie franchise. Devil May Care was Penguin's fastest selling hardback ever, and great things are expected of the paperback, which won the prize for popular fiction at the Galaxy British Book Awards in April 2009."

Disney's 2010 Young Bond releases

The Young Bond Dossier reports that Disney Publishing will release SilverFin: The Graphic Novel in the U.S. in July 2010 as both a hardcover and paperback.

SilverFin: The Graphic Novel was released in the UK in October 2008. This spectacular first-ever Young Bond graphic novel runs 160 pages with approximately 300 full color illustrations by renowned comic book artist Kev Walker. The London Times called it “a bold and brilliant Manga-inspired treat.”

2010 will also see the release of the paperback edition of Hurricane Gold (April 6) and the hardcover By Royal Command (May).

SilverFin Graphic Novel coming to U.S. July 2010

The Young Bond Dossier reports that Disney Publishing will release SilverFin: The Graphic Novel in the U.S. in July 2010 as both a hardcover and paperback.

SilverFin: The Graphic Novel was released in the UK in October 2008. This spectacular first-ever Young Bond graphic novel runs 160 pages with approximately 300 full color illustrations by renowned comic book artist Kev Walker. The London Times called it “a bold and brilliant Manga-inspired treat.”

2010 will also see the release of the paperback edition of Hurricane Gold (April 6) and the hardcover By Royal Command (May).

Two rare Ian Fleming titles reissued by IFP

Ian Fleming Publications Ltd celebrates the man who created James Bond with the publication of two of his rarer titles - Thrilling Cities and The Diamond Smugglers. Unavailable for many years, these works of non-fiction are reissued with introductions by Jan Morris and Fergus Fleming. Publication date 25 June 2009.

“All my life I have been interested in adventure…”

Ian Fleming, Thrilling Cities, 1963

Ian Fleming’s richly fascinating life was not only the backdrop for the adventures of the world’s most famous spy, but also led him to travel through many of the world’s most exotic cities. After his wartime work in the Admiralty, where he drew up memos mapping out the creation of the CIA, Ian Fleming worked for Kelmsey Newspapers, perfecting the sharp journalistic style so evident in his much-loved Bond books. His carefully honed writing skills also led him to create these two books, both originally published in his lifetime, and now lovingly reprinted by the company he founded.

THRILLING CITIES is a collection of travel pieces originally written in 1959 and 1960 for The Sun Times. In it, Fleming turns his inimitable eye on 14 separate cities. The fleshpots of Macao, Tokyo and Hamburg feature alongside explorations of the Mafia culture in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. At every stop he uncovers fresh nuggets of interest. In Naples, for example, he wangles an introduction to Lucky Luciano, the notorious Chicago gangster of Capone-era fame. Written in the days when a De Havilland Comet took 12 hours to fly from London to Beirut, this is a rich and enjoyable tapestry of the world as it once was - a must for lovers of travel and great writing.

As Jan Morris writes, in a masterly introduction: “He travelled in the spirit of 007, with an eye always for the slinky and the significant, in places where martinis were shaken not stirred, and all life could be viewed with a cool raised eyebrow.”

Thrilling Cities gives you a glorious glimpse of the world as it once was - a must for lovers of travel and great writing.

THE DIAMOND SMUGGLERS is a book that starts with a phone call. One day in April 1957,' Fleming writes, 'I had just answered a letter from an expert in unarmed combat writing from a cover address in Mexico City, and I was thanking a fan in Chile, when my telephone rang...” The voice at the other end asks if he’d like an assignment. Within weeks he is in Tangier speaking to “John Blaize”, an ex-MI5 agent now contracted by a diamond firm to break an international smuggling ring. Fleming picks up the trail in a unique piece of investigative journalism that combines treasure and travel, cunning and criminality - the elements that had always attracted the creator of James Bond.

This new edition is presented with an introduction by Fleming’s nephew, Fergus Fleming, himself an acclaimed writer of travel and exploration.

“As richly fascinating as a James Bond thriller” - the original strapline when the book was published in 1957 still holds true today.

Kate Grimond, Ian Fleming’s niece and Chairman of Ian Fleming Publications, comments, ‘It is great to see Thrilling Cities and The Diamond Smugglers back in print. Fleming’s writing never fails to provide enjoyment and readers will find much to enjoy in these two books.’ Corinne Turner, Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, said "We are extremely proud to be able to continue the literary legacy of Ian Fleming, the creator of the world’s best-loved spy, with the publication of these non-fiction books. It is exciting to see Thrilling Cities and The Diamond Smugglers back in print and under Ian Fleming Publications’ own imprint as well. These two books are a tribute to the enduring style and sophistication of Fleming’s writing.’

THRILLING CITIES and THE DIAMOND SMUGGLERS can be purchased through Ian Fleming Publications Ltd online at www.ianfleming.com.

The IFP website reports they are currently experiencing technical difficulties with processing orders via their site.

Charlie Higson on the secret of Young Bond’s success

Charlie Higson spoke with the Haringey Independent about his approach to writing and why he believes his Young Bond novels, which to date have sold more than 1.5 million copies, have been such a success.

“I have three boys, aged ten, 14 and 16, and I grew up with three brothers, so I think it’s fair to say that I understand boys very well! 

“I know what they like, how they think and what they get up to, so I’ve been able to use all of that for the Young Bond books. I think for a long time there weren’t too many “boysy” books around and what I’ve done is tap into those good old-fashioned adventure stories that used to be so popular.” 

“I think they also appeal because they are ‘proper’ books for boys. I didn’t want them to be trashy throwaways – I wanted them to have depth. In the past, I have written thrillers for adults and I didn’t want to change my style just because I was writing for children.
“Some people say they are quite gory and in your face, but neither are they childlike and boys really like the feeling they are reading something grown up and what they would see as ‘cool’.”

Charlie will be appearing next Friday, 26 June, at the Holloway Arts Festival where he will talk about Young Bond and his new horror series, The Enemy.

Titan's James Bond Omnibus cover art

Cover art for Titan's books James Bond Omnibus: The Movie Collection has been revealed on Amazon.com.

Due for release in September, this volume brings together eleven strip adventures that have previously been featured in earlier Titan collections: Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds are Forever, From Russia With Love, Dr. No, Goldfinger, Risico, From a View to a Kill, For Your Eyes Only and Thunderball.

The book also includes an introduction by Sir Roger Moore.

Considering these are adaptations of the original Ian Fleming novels and have nothing to do with the film versions, calling this volume "The Movie Collection" seems odd (and potentially confusing). But could this be further evidence of some kind of new business arrangement between IFP and Danjaq?

Amazon.co.uk (September 25)

Amazon.com (September 8)

UPDATE: Word is some of the details on the Amazon listing are inaccurate and will be revised.

No new Bond novel the works

Here's a rather sobering article from The Bookseller about the future of the literary Bond.

While it isn't a surprise that Faulks will not be doing a second Bond novel, it is surprising (and disappointing) to learn IFP doesn't have "any firm plans" for a new Bond novel. I was hoping they had something in the works that we'd learn about this year.

Centenary paperbacks

Penguin Books is releasing the 14 original James Bond/Ian Fleming Centenary editions in paperback. With attractive new cover art by artist Michael Gillette, these editions were released in hardcover last year and went out of print after just a few months.

Image below of the From Russia With Love Centenary hardcover and new paperback from Illustrated 007.

OO7 Magazine back in print!

PRESS RELEASE: After a 3-year ‘sabbatical’ as an online Internet publication only, 007 MAGAZINE is set to return during summer 2009 with not one, but two separate titles. The sister publication will be entitled 007 MAGAZINE ARCHIVE FILES, and the first issue will feature articles and many never-before-seen images from the making of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, in the film’s 40th anniversary year.

Each issue of 007 MAGAZINE ARCHIVE FILES will concentrate on aspects of one Bond film in the series’ history, while the original 007 MAGAZINE will contain a varied selection of features relating to all aspects of the James Bond phenomenon. Both 36-page ‘Limited Edition’ issues will retail at £9.99 each (plus £1.50 p&p - $20 surface mail) and will be published at intervals throughout the year on a non-subscription basis.

007 MAGAZINE editor & publisher Graham Rye explained, “I can think of no better way of celebrating 007 MAGAZINE’s 30th anniversary than the publication re-emerging in a printed format. When we ceased publishing 007 MAGAZINE as a paper publication in December 2005 many of our faithful long-time readers were less than enthusiastic about the changeover to the new media. So after being away for a three-year hiatus I’ve decided to return with a printed magazine format and this time to run two titles side-by-side, hopefully to cater for every possible taste in Bond fandom. With so many unseen images in the 007 MAGAZINE ARCHIVE this will prove a great opportunity to bring them to a wider audience.”

The 007 MAGAZINE website will continue to feature a large free view area while its 1,000-page feature-packed encrypted pay-to-view archive area will offer a newly reduced 12-month subscription fee of £9.99 ($16). The current £4.99 ($7.50) monthly subscription to the encrypted pay-to-view area will remain the same.

007 MAGAZINE first appeared in print in April 1979 and premiered on the World Wide Web during 1997, while its more recent web persona evolved during September 2004.

007 MAGAZINE publications and website feature the definitive work on the subject, covering everything relating to the James Bond phenomenon and spanning six decades from 1952 to the present day. During its 30-year history 007 MAGAZINE & ARCHIVE has become THE foremost worldwide focal point for countless enquiries relating to Bond, James Bond – and provides the ultimate resource for James Bond enthusiasts worldwide, and a unique commercial picture agency & information centre for the world’s media.

The 007 MAGAZINE ARCHIVE is the largest commercial archive of its kind in the world and many of its never-before-seen images will feature regularly throughout the pages of both 007 MAGAZINE publications.

Both 007 MAGAZINE publications will be printed in limited quantities, so if you wish to reserve a copy prior to publication (with no obligation to purchase),please email editor@007magazine.co.uk.

Customers will be emailed when the publications are available for sale through the 007 MAGAZINE website.

Will BOND 23 include plot elements from DEVIL MAY CARE?

CommanderBond.net is reporting that the James Bond filmmakers have hired a former Foreign Office official from the British Embassy in Kabul to provide technical advice about Afghanistan's lucrative opium trade. The official has signed a confidentiality agreement that precludes him from discussing the project, but this information suggests the next James Bond film could involve 007 in the world of Middle East drug smuggling.

Sound familiar?

While it's unlikely the filmmakers are considering adapting Devil May Care (they've already ruled that out), is it possible that have been inspired by the Sebastian Faulks bestseller and could incorporate some of the elements of the novel into the next James Bond film?

If so, my number one suggestion would be the Caspian Sea Monster. This cries out to be in a Bond movie!

The elusive exclusive

When Devil May Care was released in hardcover last year, it was accompanied by no less than three exclusive editions that kept collectors scrambling all over London to get them before they sold out (I know because I was one of them).

Well, it appears there is now a Devil May Care paperback exclusive for collectors to hunt down. Waterstone's is offering a very limited number of copies that include extra content in the back; an interview with author Sebastian Faulks and an essay on writing a thriller by Ian Fleming. These Waterstone's exclusives are marked as 3rd editions, and while I don't know the exact number published, I can report that Waterstone's Piccadilly sold out of their full stock in five days.

It's also becoming clear that true first edition paperbacks are quite rare. Fans are reporting seeing 5th printings on most store shelves.

Happy hunting!

IFP will reprint Thrilling Cities and The Diamond Smugglers

The new Ian Fleming Publications website reveals that 2009 will see the release of Ian Fleming's Thrilling Cities and The Diamond Smugglers. What's interesting is these two non-fiction (and non-Bond) books will be released under Ian Fleming Publications own publishing brand.

The Diamond Smugglers will include an introduction by Fergus Fleming. Thrilling Cities will be introduced by Jan Morris.

While these books are not Bond novels, Thrilling Cites does include the James Bond short story, 007 in New York.

New Ian Fleming Publications website

Ian Fleming Publications have relaunched a fully redesigned official website at www.ianfleming.com.

The new site is very nicely laid out with information on all the Bond novels by all authors, as well as media galleries, a store, etc. The site also reveals the intriguing news that IFP will release two non-Bond Ian Fleming novels, Thrilling Cities and The Diamond Smugglers, under their own imprint.

The site reports that “plans for James Bond following Ian Fleming’s Centenary are well under way.” That's good!

Check it out:

Marketing award for 'Devil May Care'

The newly relaunched IFP website reports that Jane Rose of Penguin won the Daily Mail Marketing Campaign of the Year award for Devil May Care during the British Book Industry Awards, held on June 1st.

After thanking Penguin and the MOD for all their hard work, Jane dedicated the award to a certain Ian Fleming for starting all the fun in the first place.

Congratulations!

'Devil May Care' Italian paperback

The paperback edition of Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks (with a translation by Andrea Marti) is released this month in Italy.

As with the Italian hardcover (which used the U.S. cover art), this edition opts to break from the Penguin cover art and use something original.

Check out the pretty cool Italian Devil May Care publisher website.

'Devil May Care' Waterstones exclusive

Stop presses! A fan over at the CBn Forums alerts us to what appears to be a Waterstone's special edition paperback of Devil May Care with extra content. I'm trying to get to the bottom of this, but fans in the UK might want to go check out their local Waterstone's before snapping up a copy elsewhere. Here's the tip from "Loomis" at CBn:

Also, be aware that the DEVIL MAY CARE paperbacks on offer at Waterstones at the moment contain, as a "Waterstones exclusive", an interview with Faulks and an article by Fleming on writing thrillers (by this I don't, of course, mean that these pieces are exclusive to Waterstones in the sense that they're unavailable elsewhere, but that this Waterstones edition contains them whereas others, erm, don't). They're at the end of the book after the main text.

UPDATE: I contacted Penguin and got this response:

Many thanks for your email. Yes there is an edition exclusive to Waterstone's with the extra content you mention below. This is only in the first print run so you'll need to be quick to the shops to get one! The ISBN is the same across all stores, but you'll only be able to buy this edition in waterstones.

Hope this helps.

Win tickets to a screening with Charlie Higson

The Young Bond Dossier is offering fans a chance to attend a special preview screening of a short film for Charlie Higson’s new (non-Bond) book, The Enemy. With make-up done by a movie professional, this promotional film is said to be amazing!

This exclusive VIP screening will be held in London on Tuesday, 23rd June and will be followed by a Q&A with Charlie Higson.

Click here for full details on how to enter.

The Enemy will be published by Puffin on 3rd September 2009. Set in contemporary London after a mystery illness attacks everyone over the age of 14, gangs of kids are left to fend for themselves, dodging adults who are so crazed by disease they have become little better than wild animals who feed on the living!

'Nightbird' takes flight in 2010

CommanderBond.net reports that Titan Books next collection of classic James Bond comic strips will be Nightbird. The collection will contain the title story as well as "Hot-Shot" and "Ape of Diamonds " Release date is March 23, 2010.

First published in June 1976, "Nightbird" finds 007 searching for kidnapped actress Lisa Farrar in Paris and the Aegean. In "Ape of Diamonds" Bond is sent to Cario in search of a mysterious killer gorilla. "Hot-Shot" finds 007 tangling with his old adversary -- Dr. No!

This collection, which was originally announced for 2007 and then delayed, will complete the Titan series.

Nightbird is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

Story info from The Bond Files by Andy Lane and Paul Simpson.

Faulks signing 'Devil May Care' at Selfridges, June 4

Sebastian Faulks will be signing the paperback edition of Devil May Care at Selfridges & Co on Oxford Street in London on Thursday June 4 from 17.00-18.00.

This is the first Faulks/Devil May Care signing I've heard of. I don't believe he did any signings or appearances for the hardcover. Only pricey pre-signed limited editions were made available.

This is one event that shouldn't be missed!

Win a Bentley Driving Experience with 'Devil May Care'

To celebrate the release of Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks, Borders UK are offering fans a chance to test drive the Bentley Continental GTC.

Bentley was James Bond’s personal choice of car. The car you’ll be driving is the Bentley Continental GTC – a car that can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 4.7 seconds. It can be three miles away in a mere 60 seconds. It does close to 200mph. The 12 cylinder, twin turbo engine delivers 552bhp through all four wheels and boasts an interior matched only by the most expensive yachts.

Click here to enter at Borders UK.

Good luck!