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MI6 looks back at the comic Shattered Helix #1 "The
Greenhouse Effect, Chapter 1" released by Dark
Horse Comics in June 1994.
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James Bond 007: Shattered Helix #1 "The
Greenhouse Effect, Chapter 1" Review
19th March 2005
Above: Cells from "Shattered Helix #1" |
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The Story
Shattered Helix is comprised of two issues. Book one sets
up the story and introduces all the key characters, locations
and environmental subtext.
Shattered Helix issue one, "The Greenhouse Effect",
sees Bond begin at "The Ark" - an enclosed environment
that has received threats from the new criminal organization,
Cerberus. Bond must discover why they attacked "The
Ark" and try to stop them from whatever there up to.
After losing "The Ark" and injuring himself in
the process, Bond discovers what the mysterious attack was
about - a secret government project to create a DNA mutagen.
Cerberus' leading henchman "Bullock", with his
unique implanted body armour courtesy of his master, masterminds
the kidnapping of the only living scientist, Professor Philip
Boyce, who survived a leak on the secret government laboratory
which is buried deep beneath the Antarctic.
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Bond teams up with the daughter of one of the deceased scientists
to help him locate the secret facility and stop Cerberus putting
their plan of reengineering the DNA mutagen into action. Issue
one concludes with Bond and Miss Mountjoy, the daughter of the
kidnapped professor, arriving in the Antarctic with squad of soldiers
who are pursuing the kidnapped Doctor.
Above: The opening panel of "Shattered
Helix #1" |
Cover Design
The standard layout used by Dark Horse Comics throughout their James
Bond run of comics can be seen here. Large block print and single
colour underlining in the top left-hand corner identifies this as
a 007 installment. The cover shows a menacing figure with dagger
in his hand overlooking Miss Mountjoy and James Bond. Bond is in
a classic pose with his gun pointing directly at the reader. This
cover is simple, clean and effective in creating the correct mood
for the issue.
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Above: Cell from "Shattered Helix #2"
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Artwork
Jackson and Lloyd have created a detailed and rich world
for Bond to inhabit. The opening sequence focuses on a greenhouse
environment with the use of warm colours. Each cell is busy
with everything from butterflies to detailed explosions.
The second half of the first issue sees things quicken
in pace, when the villain is introduced with under a green
hue creating a surreal atmosphere, while discussing his
plans with the kidnapped Professor Boyce. The cells that
weaken this issue involve the introduction of the female
lead, Miss Mountjoy. The character is flat, and sketchy
at best.
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The finale of this issue is set in the Antarctic, and the detail
and colouring here is superb. Large amounts of white are handled
in a responsible manor. Environmental damage is shown in great
detail in a single spread with cells conveying the destruction.
Dialogue
Dialogue in this comic is short and carefully constructed to fit
such a small canvas, and effectively tells the story. The dialogue
keeps the story moving and has been well crafted. Fell and Jowett
have kept it tight and sharply delivered by the characters.
Best Line
"I guess we must share the same tailor."
Above: Front cover |
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MI6 Briefing
Title: Ian Fleming's 007 James Bond - Shattered Helix
Publisher: Acme Comics LTD, Dark Horse Comics Inc,
Glidrose Publications LTD
Released: Issue #1 - June 1994
Writer: Simon Jowett
Layouts & Colour: David Lloyd
Pencils & Inks: David Jackson
Letters: Elitta Fell
Editor: Dick Hansom
Book Design: Fuentes
Data Stream (Issue #1)
| Villains: |
Mr Barclay, Bullock, Cerberus |
| Plot: |
Bond has to discover what involvement Cerberus has
with a kidnap, and how a mysterious submerged research
facility fits into it all. |
| Bond Girls: |
Miss Serena Mountjoy |
| Allies: |
M, Robert Julien, Professor Philip Boyce |
| Locations: |
Bio-sphere housing a tropical environment, Arizona,
USA; London, UK; McMurdo Base, Antarctic |
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MI6 Rating
Related Articles
"Shattered Helix #2" Review
Newspaper Strips Index
Comics Coverage
All Comics Articles
Images courtesy Dark Horse Comics.
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