Finding what's NEW in the past

Movie Bond fans may think they have it tough having to endure yet another delay in the release of No Time To Die. But at least they have something to wait for! Us book Bond fans don't even have that much. And try as I might, I just cannot get my literary Bond fix from the Dynamite comics. I'm starving.

So in these desperate times, I've gone into the past to find something new. Below are some goodies from the 1980s when the literary Bond was BACK every year. We know it can happen!

May 3, 1981.

May 1, 1983

Click to enlarge.

Greek HOROWITZ

Here are Greek editions of Anthony Horowitz's two Bond novels, Trigger Mortis and Forever and a Day, that use unique cover art. While I've seen plenty of variations of Trigger Mortis, most international editions of Forever and a Day stuck with the UK art. This one is a variation on that art to be sure, but it does lose the idea of the boat as bullet. Still, it's nice to see something different.

Will we get the announcement of a third Anthony Horowitz Bond novel this year? Or maybe a new author? We are well over do for something.

Dynamite reveals JAMES BOND: AGENT OF SPECTRE

Dynamite has revealed their next original James Bond series, James Bond: Agent of SPECTRE by Christos Gage. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series sees "Bond recruited into the terrorist organization by Ernst Stavro Blofeld to end an internal power struggle that could have apocalyptic consequences." The first book is due for release in March 2021.

It's a cool concept. Of course, for those of us who know the continuation novels know the idea of 007 being recruited by SPECTRE first played out in 1984's Role of Honor by John Gardner.

ESCAPE from 2020!

Ian Fleming Publications used this "Christmas-ified" Fay Dalton illustration from the recently released On Her Majesty's Secret Service Folio Edition as their 2020 holiday card. They've also promised "a few big announcements" for the new year, adding: "Details are still For Our Eyes Only, but expect the return of old friends, some fantastic new allies, and an exploration of Bond’s world from some unexpected angles."

Here's to saying goodbye to the troubles of 2020 and a Bond-filled 2021!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 

Young Bond GALAXY large print editions

Below are all five UK Large Print editions of Charlie Higson's Young Bond novels. These were released by Galaxy Plus and make a nice set. I especially like Hurricane Gold as the release UK paperback used a highly reflective gold cover that obscured the artwork. But here the croc can be seen clearly! Also notice SilverFin uses the UK proof cover art and By Royal Command the hardcover art. 

Click to read THE SECRET HISTORY OF YOUNG JAMES BOND