Ian Fleming Estate Officially Announces Next James Bond Release After 007 First Light

Fans of James Bond have reason to celebrate, as a new release brings back 007 exactly as creator Ian Fleming always intended.

With Daniel Craig standing down as Bond following 2021's No Time to Die, 007 fans have gone a long time without a new adventure. Thankfully, the search for a new James Bond has officially begun, as recently announced by Amazon MGM Studios.

But before the next cinematic outing, fans of the franchise have a new chance to experience his quintessential adventures in a truly classic form that Fleming personally approved.

Ian Fleming’s JAMES BOND Collection Resurrects the Classic Adventures

The official Ian Fleming website (run by Ian Fleming Publications Inc. and the Ian Fleming Estate) recently announced a new collection of the original James Bond comic strip adaptations, in the Ian Fleming’s JAMES BOND Signature Comic Strip Collection. Beginning in 1958, these classic strips prefigured 007's cinematic portrayal by Sean Connery, directly adapting Fleming's novels.

The gorgeous hardcover collection includes all strips published from the comic's beginning to May 1961, meaning fans get the full strip adaptations of Casino Royal, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds Are Forever, From Russia, with Love, Dr. No and Goldfinger.

Created by Anthony Hern, Henry Gammide, Peter O'Donnell and John McLusky, and published by Titan Comics, these adaptations were personally approved by Ian Fleming, despite his initial reluctance to adapt his writing into a new medium. The luxury collection includes original artwork from McLusky's personal archive, revealing behind-the-scenes insight into how the definitive James Bond comic strip was created.

This is Bond as Fleming always intended him, complete with the signature facial scar the movies did away with. Titan promises "incredible gadgets, thrilling car chases, beautiful women, hard-hitting action and the occasional Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred."

007 Has a History of Genuinely Fantastic Comics

While James Bond is primarily known for his movie appearances and the large roster of actors who have portrayed him, comics and books have given the character an extensive second life beyond Fleming's original tenure.

These stories are marked by an adherence to Ian Fleming's original depiction, with a colder, crueler 007 than movie fans may remember. It all began with the comic strip adaptation, but those interested in the concept have a wealth of riches to choose from:

Indeed, a whole new era of James Bond comics is due to begin soon, with Dynamite's recent announcement that celebrated writer Gail Simone will helm a new series entitled James Bond: Iridescent. Simone's history with both morally grey and undercover characters promises something special, though there isn't yet a release date for this series.

New collection Ian Fleming’s JAMES BOND Signature Comic Strip Collection offers fans a way to re-engage with the hero before his cinematic resurgence and bold new comic era, with a collection of stories adapting Ian Fleming's original vision for comics.

Ian Fleming’s JAMES BOND Signature Comic Strip Collection is coming September 8 from Titan Comics.