First 3 Young Bond novels will get new cover treatments

If you look closely at the artwork for the U.S. paperback edition of Hurricane Gold and the new By Royal Command, you’ll notice the publisher has decide to create a slightly different title treatment for the series’ covers.

The familiar red band has been narrowed and the title enlarged. Also, the Young Bond logo has been changed from blue to red, and instead of spelling out Book Four (in rather hidden type) the number assignment is now emphasized with a large numeral. The book’s spine also receives a sleek new look.

Now Disney confirms that the first three Young Bond novels, SilverFin, Blood Fever, and Double or Die will get this same title makeover when they are reprinted (Kev Walker’s art will remain unchanged). There’s no set release date for these reprints, but start watching for them around the time By Royal Command hits store shelves on May 18, 2010.

BY ROYAL COMMAND U.S. cover art and artist revealed

Today we are thrilled to show you the spectacular cover art for the U.S. hardcover edition of Charlie Higson’s By Royal Command, due for release on May 18, 2010.

In a surprise, series regular Kev Walker did not do this artwork. For By Royal Command publisher Disney-Hyperion turned instead to artist Owen Richardson.

Richardson studied Illustration at Art Center College of Design in California. He has worked in the entertainment industry as a pre-visualization and production artist, as well as illustrator of promotional and marketing support. He also writes and directs plays for children at the Children's Theatre of Salt Lake City Utah, where he lives with his wife Amy and their two children. (You can view more of Richardson’s work HERE.)

While clearly bringing his own style to the cover, Richardson has continued Walker’s Bond vs. Villain theme, creating artwork showing Bond and Roan Power fleeing the villain and his henchmen. It’s a spectacular image, and the first Young Bond novel to include the Bond Girl on the cover. A welcome addition.

Thanks to our friends at Disney Publishing for a first look at this amazing cover!

This post first appeared at youngbonddossier.com.

New U.S. Young Bond covers

The Young Bond Dossier has posted cover art for the upcoming U.S. paperback edition of Hurricane Gold and the hardcover By Royal Command by Charlie Higson. Hurricane Gold artwork is by Kev Walker and By Royal Command by newcomer Owen Richardson. Nice covers!

Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier UK paperback

Cover art for the UK paperback edition of Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier has been revealed.

Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier is the complete and definitive guide to the world and adventures of Young Bond. Packed with information, illustrations, and a brand-new adventure by Charlie Higson, A Hard Man To Kill, this book is both a must-have for Young Bond fans and a perfect introduction to the megaselling series.

Release date is June 3, 2010. Pre-order on Amazon.

New 'Quantum of Solace' cover art by Michael Gillette

Artist Michael Gillette, who designed the covers for the 2008 Centenary editions of all 14 Ian Fleming James Bond novels, has now created a new cover for the short story collection, Quantum of Solace. This cover was made for the portuguese publisher Contraponto.

With thanks to HMBFF of Portugal Bond.

Next Young Bond would be set in Scotland, include golf

Charlie Higson says if he were to write another Young Bond novel it would be set in Scotland and include golf, as golfing “is such a big part of the adult Bond.”

Charlie made the comment on Twitter (@monstroso), adding, “Sadly I've never got into golf myself. Ian Fleming would not have approved of me.”

The Scotland comment confirms that a second series of Young Bond novels would chronicle Bond’s days at Fettes College in Edinburgh. Fleming actually provides some intriguing information about Bond’s Fettes years, saying young James “twice fought for the school as a light-weight” and “founded the first serious judo class at a British public school.”

Golf, of course, would be a terrific addition to a Young Bond novel.

Despite the tease, another Young Bond novel is, at the moment, still just a dream. But it’s encouraging that Charlie appears to dreaming about it as well.