Grant Morrison to write new James Bond comic series

Ian Fleming Publications has partnered with IDW Publishing for a new series of original James Bond comics, with writer Grant Morrison set to launch the collaboration with a six-part story titled Sunbreaker.

The new series will feature original adventures starring James Bond and marks the beginning of a new publishing partnership between Ian Fleming Publications and IDW. Further Bond comics are also planned.

Grant Morrison said: “I’ve been a James Bond fan for as long as I can remember and this opportunity to put my own stamp on a British character as iconic as King Arthur, Robin Hood or Sherlock Holmes, was too good to miss.

“Our opening 6-part adventure, Sunbreaker, attempts to create a definitive Bond story featuring everything fans love about the character and his world, while adding a whole lot more.

“Expect to see James Bond in a few unfamiliar situations, facing unfamiliar foes, in a world very like our own as reflected in a deadly funhouse mirror, a world of intrigue, violence, double cross and deception. A world through which James Bond glides like a killer shark among minnows. Charismatic, ruthless, unstoppable.

“With new cars, new gadgets, and a terrifying new ultimate villain ripped straight from the headlines, get ready to be shaken and stirred, as James Bond faces the greatest challenge of his life in Sunbreaker.”

Morrison is one of the best-known writers in modern comics, with previous work including Batman, Superman, The Invisibles, New X-Men and All-Star Superman.

Amanda Douglas, Managing Director at Ian Fleming Publications, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with IDW on this new chapter for James Bond comics. From our earliest conversations, it was clear they shared our ambition for Bond and our respect for Ian Fleming’s creation. Grant Morrison is an extraordinary storyteller, and we can’t wait to see where they and IDW take 007 next.”

Simon Ward, Publishing Director at Ian Fleming Publications, added: “James Bond is a character with an incredible legacy across books, films, video games and comics. At Ian Fleming Publications we are always looking for the best medium for each Bond story and there are some adventures that can only be told through comics.

“The team at IDW wowed us with their vision for the future of 007 original comics and as someone who has been reading Grant Morrison for many years, I think we’re in for something new and very special.”

Davidi Jonas, CEO at IDW, said the publisher intends to create stories that expand on the Bond universe rather than simply act as supplementary material.

“Our goal isn't to simply provide supplemental and optional stories. We strive to take radical swings which celebrate and stay true to the very qualities that make the franchise special while also reinventing it for the modern comic book landscape.”

Further details about Sunbreaker, including its creative team, publication date and artwork, will be announced at a later date. IDW and Ian Fleming Publications have also confirmed that more James Bond comics are planned as part of the partnership.