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James Bond: Felix Leiter #1 Mike Perkins cover

Writer James Robinson is well known for his work on Starman, Airboy, Scarlet Witch, Superman, Squadron Supreme, and many other titles. now he turns to a story of espionage in Dynamite’s James Bond: Felix Leiter. Robinson told Westfield’s Roger Ash more about this upcoming series.

Westfield: While Bond fans know Felix Leiter, they don’t necessarily know a lot about him. Was that part of the appeal of this series for you?

James Robinson: Honestly, the fact that he is so NOT James Bond. In the books and films, he’s always been seen as an observer more than a doer. Passive. In the books and films he reacts to James’ actions; he doesn’t roll up his sleeves and get in the dirt with Bond. He’s also the unluckiest man in the world of Bond. He doesn’t get a hero’s death at any point in the stories, but rather he gets chewed up by a shark, loses an arm and a leg and is then kicked out of the C.I.A. This is perfect for the more “private-eye” type character that he’s became even in Fleming’s books. Luckless, a bit cynical, wry humor and a past with an authority organization in the way that many P.I.s in fiction have murky pasts as cops. With Felix it’s the C.I.A. but close enough.

James Bond: Felix Leiter #1 preview page 1. Art by Aaron Campbell.

Westfield: how do you see Leiter as different than Bond?

Robinson: Well, I pretty much answered that in the first question, but let me add that I think Felix is kinder than Bond. and maybe his apparent weakness is actually his strength, because he comes at the mysteries and dangers with more compassion, which allows him to see things with broader eyes. His humor is less mocking and more self-depreciating too.

James Bond: Felix Leiter #1 preview page 2. Art by Aaron Campbell.

Westfield: What can you tell us about the set up for the series and who are some of the other characters readers will meet?

Robinson: Well the main character we’ll meet, who fans of Bond will know, is Tiger Tanaka who they will have met in the book and film You only live Twice. We had fun updating him, while being true to the spirit of the character that Fleming established. He’s also a little bit of a love-letter to Toshiro Mifune.

We’ll also meet a new character Alena Davoff, a woman from Felix’s past in the C.I.A. who if readers like this series and I get to write more Felix tales, you’ll definitely see more off.

James Bond: Felix Leiter #1 preview page 3. Art by Aaron Campbell.

Westfield: You’re working with artist Aaron Campbell on the series. What can you say about your collaboration?

Robinson: Honestly, Aaron and I haven’t talked a lot. (At all, honestly.) That’s something I need to remedy ASAP. However, I will say that what I’ve seen of the art is thrilling. Aaron is perfect for combining the feel of the lonely P.I. and the high-tech world of spies and espionage. I can’t wait for you to see all the wonderful things he’s drawn.

James Bond: Felix Leiter #1 preview page 4. Art by Aaron Campbell.

Westfield: Bond and his universe have been around for decades. What do you see as the lasting appeal for these stories?

Robinson: Well the Bond books are timeless. However, I think the Flemings have been very smart in subtly updating Bond and having him grow with the times, while maintaining what Bond is. On top of that, Bond in the films — the way most people see/know Bond — has been saved a couple of times. updated in the perfect way for viewers at that time. I think the films were stagnating at the end of Moore’s run and through the Dalton films. It was an odd time in the world and I don’t think “old Bond” and “overly serious Bond” fitted in. It was Brosnan who brought the viewers a Bond they could get behind again. He was perfect for that time. then Daniel Craig did it again, as Brosnan’s appeal as Bond was waning. Craig returned Bond to the sexy, slightly thuggish Bond that Connery was in the first few films. Again, that was what the public wanted at that time.

So in the end, I guess it’s Bond’s ability to remain classic version of himself while adapting just enough for fan’s/society’s shifting sensibilities.

James Bond: Felix Leiter #1 Gabriel Hardman cover

Westfield: any closing comments?

Robinson: just that I’m super-excited writing this series. I’ve written P.I. characters before (Grendel Tales: four Devils, One Hell. Firearm.) and I love the wit and ironic commentary you can give them as the world is collapsing around them. I have several more really concrete ideas for Felix, that will put him on quite a journey of mystery, danger and self-discovery. Felix, thinking his life is “over” metaphorically, dragged more and more back into the world of Bond. I definitely have a trilogy in mind and maybe even a quartet of adventure. So please buy this book so sales will allow me to tell them.

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James Bond Felix Leiter #1