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MI6 looks back at Simon Jowett & John M. Burns
"A Silent Armageddon" #2 released in May
1993...
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James Bond 007: A Silent Armageddon #2 Review
2nd August 2005
The Story
After the establishing work in issue one, part two 'DEFCON: 3'
feels weak and there is little character development. Bond is
almost not involved in the story, but he is in the middle of the
action at the cliff hanger gun battle which ends this issue.
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The story opens with a monologue from computer hacker Eddie, as the cells re-establish
new and old characters and locations. Titled DEFCON 3, issue
two begins with villain Mr Lefleur arriving at Orpheus.
Strained words are exchanged between henchman Erik and Mr
Lefleur due to their earlier failure. Mr Lefleur inspects
Orpheus and its high-tech gaming facility. Two leaders of
the criminal factions review and plan a new strategy to
access the establish “Opti-net” by attempting
to gain control of the worm.
The story shifts to Bond and M in Oxford discussing his
babysitting duties. Bond has failed to learn anything from
Terri, so M suggest they recruit the help of Professor Jessica
Penrose, who has worked with Terri in the past. Miss Penrose
meets with Terri to discuss what has happened to her. Jessica
has brought Terri a set of high tech leg supports to aid
Terri’s mobility.
That evening, Bond continues to learn information about
Terri, whilst entertaining Jessica. The following day Bond
returns to confront a frightened Terri with the cold facts
of what has happened to her deceased friends.
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Above: Front cover |
Terri enters her computer program to explain its design to government
technicians and it's workings of Omega - a worm. Kiel Klebb and
fellow henchmen learn of Terri’s location in New York and
plan to kidnap her to learn about Omega.
As Terri continues to explain and worm to the computer technicians,
she releases that somebody has betrayed her as the building security
informs her of a breach.
Cerberus attacks the building leaving a trail of destruction.
The tables are turned on Bond very quickly as Professor Penrose
shows her true alliance to Klebb and kidnaps Terri leaving Bond
in the gun sights of Klebb. Due to this series being cancelled
prematurely its unclear how Jowett planned to continue the story.
Above: Cell from A Silent Armageddon
Part 2 |
The Cover
Busy with many influences established in issue one, and expanded
and explored upon in issue two, a blonde lady is seductively holding
Bond while he holds a raised oversized silenced revolver. The
henchman established in issue one appears outstretched holding
a machine gun in the lower opposite corner to Bond. Terri the
computer prodigy is behind henchman Klebb and appears to be in
a praying position. A CD-Rom and word Omega are oriented behind
the characters, representing the technology in this story arc.
The layout uses the standard Dark Horse style, which had been
previously established for the Bond comic range.
Artwork
Burns' second issue further defines his characters and environment.
The opening monologue marries up to the images perfectly
with their wide scope. Burns' computer concept is expanded
upon from the initial concept. The backgrounds are rich
with detail and a range of tones, though some cells are
stronger in complexity and detail. Layout of the cells and
spreads has been masterfully pulled off, with each cell
carrying nicely into the next. The spreads are small but
well integrated into the overall issue structure.
Dialogue
Dialogue in comics is short and carefully constructed to
fit with such a small canvas to tell the story on, and dialogue
here keeps the story moving and is tight, sharply delivered
by the characters. The opening monologue could have been
a little more detailed to issue one to tighten up the flow. |
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Above: Cell from A Silent Armageddon Part 2 |
Best Line
"Mister Bond... and I have unfinished business"
MI6 Briefing
Title: James Bond 007: A Silent Armageddon #2
Publisher: Acme Comics LTD, Dark Horse Comics Inc, Glidrose
Publications LTD
Released: Issue #2 - 1st May 1993
Writer: Simon Jowett
Artist: John M. Burns
Cover: John M. Burns
Letters: Ellie de Ville
Editors: Dick Hansom, Jerry Prosser
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Data Stream (Issue #2)
| Villain: |
Mr Lefleur, Tamao, Miss Gibson, Eddie Byle, Erik Klebb |
| Plot: |
Bond must baby sit a computer genius and learn the
secrets of her latest development before Cerberus can
attempt as second kidnapping. |
| Bond Girls: |
Professor Jessica Penrose |
| Allies: |
Terri Li, M, Moneypenny |
| Locations: |
London, UK; New York, USA |
Left: Cell from A Silent Armageddon Part 2 |
MI6 Rating
Images courtesy Dark Horse Comics.
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