Cartoonist and Spy Vibe agent, Richard Sala, is well known for his thrilling stories, which often pay homage to the quirks and conventions of early pulp mysteries and serials. His world is filled with eccentric masterminds, gruesome henchmen, exotic locations, dagger-wielding chicks in black jumpsuits, and innocent investigators who brave the labyrinths of spooky mansions and secret lairs. Yes, his books are as awesome as that sounds! Richard also wrote and drew a cartoon for Liquid Television in 1991 called Invisible Hands. After years of fuzzy bootlegs on Youtube, you can now see the six episodes on the official Liquid Television website.
I interviewed Richard for Spy Vibe in 2009 and asked him about his work. We quickly got on to the subject of our first crush and favorite spies- Diana Rigg and The Avengers: "I may have had other crushes as a kid, but she was my first real serious one, that's for sure! I loved (and still do) everything about The Avengers. In the years before VHS or syndication, you saw these shows when they aired ONCE - maybe twice if you were lucky and they reran it. So there were lots of kids like me who would try to remember everything about the episodes they had just seen. I had notebooks where I wrote down plots and titles. Doing that I became aware of how awesomely clever and smart the episodes were -- and I loved writing down the names of the oddball characters. I tried to get cast names, but often wasn't fast enough (no IMDB or episode guides back then!). I took photos off of TV with my little Instamatic camera -- a whole ordeal that's probably worth a separate article. My brother and I would record shows on our reel-to-reel tape-recorder because it was the only way to have a record of the shows we loved. Then we'd listen to them over and over." I also used to make audio tapes of favorite shows and films. As Richard said, it was a way to re-experience those thrilling adventures, much in the manner of radio dramas. Like Richard, I wrote episode guides for The Prisoner and gained an appreciation for the production and storytelling. Little did we know that we would someday be able to own libraries of these programs.
We also spoke about his many influences, including Franju's Judex, and spy icons like James Bond, Flint, and Matt Helm. Read the full interview here at The Adventures of Richard Sala. Below is one of the eccentric characters from his new serialized project Skeleton Key, info at Here Lies Richard Sala. You can find Richard's books and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
The Paul Dark trilogy by Jeremy Duns was released today in a handsome omnibus edition and ebook from Penguin. From Jeremy's blog: "On May 29, they will publish all three Dark novels – which form a trilogy – in an omnibus paperback edition, titled The Dark Chronicles (it will also be available as an ebook). This has great jacket art evoking pulp thrillers from the Cold War era." You can find this book and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
Ian Fleming was born on this day, May 28th in 1908. After serving as assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence in the Admiralty during WWII, Fleming became the manager of foreign correspondents for Kelmsley newspapers, owners of the Sunday Times and other papers. His job offered him three months off a year to spend time at his Goldeneye retreat in Jamaica. In 1952, he sat down and created the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale (published in April, 1953). Where some writers aim to tug at the heart or stimulate the brain, Fleming confessed that the target of his books lay "somewhere between the solar plexus and the upper thigh."
Ian Fleming has been a great inspiration to me all of my life, both for his genius invention and as a role model as a writer. Fleming established a disciplined writing routine that he later described in an essay called How to Write a Thriller. At Goldeneye, he would write for three hours in the morning, then for one hour between six and seven at night. Fleming would not edit or revise as he went, allowing the words to flow naturally. By the end of six weeks, producing at four hours per day, he would complete a solid draft of each new novel. Fleming would eventually publish fourteen 007 books, as well as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Diamond Smugglers, and Thrilling Cities before his death in 1964.
Before agent 007 hit the big screen, Fleming's novels were serialized as a comic strip in England. Beautifully drawn and adapted directly from his writing, many prefer the comic as a graphic version of Fleming's vision. The strips have been reprinted by Titan Books. In addition to the James Bond movie franchise and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Ian Fleming himself was the subject of two TV movies: 1989's Goldeneye with Charles Dance 1990's Spymaker: The Secret Life of Ian Fleming, starring Sean Connery's son, Jason Connery. The next generation passion for his story continued this month with the announcement that Duncan Jones (son of David Bowie) will direct a biopic about Fleming's life. There is also a biopic in development that has Leonardo DiCaprio attached.
Inspired by Fleming, I have been working on new book projects. I will announce details soon, but I can tell you now that one will be an ebook anthology that Paul Bishop and I are creating for an October release. Get ready for some thrilling 1960s spy action!
See Spy Vibe's posts about Fleming First Editions and the upcoming Fleming Bibliography here. Read about Ian Fleming's publications, and the official James Bond authors who followed him, at the Commander Bond Network. Learn more at the Ian Fleming website. You can find his books and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of James Bond, the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles has planned to show 35mm prints of every film in the series in order this June- Dr No to Quantum of Solace! Although some titles periodically show up at revival theaters, this will be a rare chance to see most of these classics on a big screen. I hope to catch some of the lesser-known Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton films. Check out details about this 007 At 50 event on my fellow C.O.B.R.A.S. site, Double O Section.
[expired] Deal Alert: The complete It Takes a Thief box set has dropped to $79.99. You can find this set and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
18-DISC COLLECTOR'S SET INCLUDES:
All 66 Episodes Digitally Re-Mastered
Extended Feature-Length Version of the Pilot Episode "Magnificent Thief"
The King of Thieves: Interview with Robert Wagner
A Matter of Larceny: Interview with Glen A. Larson
Limited Edition Senitype (reproduced 35mm film frame)
It Takes a Thief Exclusive 4-Piece Coaster Set
Collectible Booklet with retrospective essay.
A reminder to Spy Vibers that the Paul Dark trilogy by Jeremy Duns will be released this week in a handsome omnibus edition and ebook from Penguin. From Jeremy's blog: "On May 29, they will publish all three Dark novels – which form a trilogy – in an omnibus paperback edition, titled The Dark Chronicles (it will also be available as an ebook). This has great jacket art evoking pulp thrillers from the Cold War era." You can find this book and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films, fans have been eagerly awaiting a new box set that will compile every movie in glorious Blu-ray editions- including the many titles that were not released during the initial hi-def wave. I'm looking forward to seeing the new print of On Her Majesty's Secret Service! A release date has finally been listed on Amazon, and Spy Vibers can expect to see the complete collection on September 25th. Amazon has bundled the box set with a limited edition book about the history of 007 movie posters (while supplies last). You can find this Blu-ray set and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
Amazon Exclusive - "Limited Edition James Bond 50 Years Of Movie Posters Book." Available For A Limited Time, While Supplies Last. This Hardcover Book includeds 50 Years of Movie Posters that provide a kaleidoscope of Bond imagery that captures, distills and defines the lasting appeal of cinema’s most compelling superspy. Collectible box set featuring all 22 James Bond films on Blu-ray disc in one complete offering for the first time.Collection includes all 22 James Bond feature films from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace and more than 130 hours of bonus features including never-before-seen content from the Bond archives, and more.One disc of brand new bonus content approximately one hour in length.9 titles available on Blu-ray for the first time ever: Goldeneye, Octopussy, The Spy Who Loved Me, You Only Live Twice, The Living Daylights, Tomorrow Never Dies, Diamonds are Forever, A View to a Killand On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.Box set includes an open slot for forthcoming James Bond film.
The poster book is also available as a separate purchase: Packaged with two exclusive prints! Coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the Bond movie franchise as well as the release of the new Bond film, Skyfall, featuring Daniel Craig, James Bond: 50 Years of Movie Posters is sure to be a must-have for every Bond fan. From 1962's Dr. No to 2012's Skyfall, this lavish film-by-film guide, written by Bond Production Designer Dennis Gassner, boasts the most impressive visual collection of James Bond movie posters to date. Featuring a gallery of rare and sought-after posters, as well as spectacular unused concept artwork, and unique teasers and lobby cards from virtually every country where Bond movies have screened, this is a gorgeous collection of the images that have defined cinema's most famous superspy.
Raymond Benson is a familiar name among Spy Vibers who grew up with his famous book, The James Bond Bedside Companion. Out of print and highly collectible (I sold two mint copies to Spy Guys in the 90s- drat!), the classic volume is now available on Kindle. Benson's official James Bond novels were re-released in two handsome omnibus editions in 2008. Amazon currently has them listed at 60% off, so now is a great time to pick them up for your library. If you haven't checked out his new series, The Black Stiletto, pick up the Kindle edition of the first novel for free! The next in the series, The Black Stiletto: Black and White, will be released on May 30th. Raymond Benson is also a fellow film historian and buff, and he is a regular contributor to Cinema Retro magazine. You can find these books and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of 007, WGNTV talks with Bond historian and author, Raymond Benson. Benson is the writer of the classic James Bond Bedside Companion and six official 007 novels. His new book in the The Black Stiletto series, Black Stiletto Black and White will be released on May 30th. Watch Benson reflect on Bond at WGNTV here. Author photo below at Ian Fleming's desk at Goldeneye. You can find Benson's books and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
If you're looking for the original Avengers, Boom! Studios is currently re-printing the Steed And Mrs Peel comics by Grant Morrison. They have also announced new stories in the Avengers line that deal with the infamous Hellfire Club. Check out the news at my fellow COBRAS site, Double O Section. Additional series cover art below. The re-print series trade paperback is available for pre-order on Amazon for a December 4th release. You can find these and other spy treasures in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Store.
The first trailer for the upcoming James Bond film, Skyfall, has been released. Spy Vibers can see it at the official 007 website. Below is the quad edition of the teaser poster.
News emerged during Cannes that director Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code and son of David Bowie), will helm a biopic based on the life of Ian Fleming. According to the announcement by Deadline, the film will be based on the biography Ian Fleming: The Man Behind James Bond by Andrew Lycett. The project, which is said to have the support of the Ian Fleming estate, will go into production later this year. Fleming had an interesting and rich life leading up to the creation of James Bond in his mid-40s, including his own experiences in intelligence during WWII. From what I've seen of Jones' work, he seems able to craft narratives that stay at the heart of well-developed characters. Hopefully he will retain his knack for pacing and intimate portraits in this project, rather than pushing into the realm of possible Bondian gloss and big stars. According to Playlist, he has turned down various big-budget offers in lieu of Ian Fleming- a very good sign. I'm excited to see this one! As for actors, I agree with Ain't it Cool that Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) would be interesting. Who do you think would make a good Ian Fleming?
The FAB world of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's series UFO (1970-71) spawned some cool publications, including annuals, activity books, technical manuals, and behind-the-scenes guides. Episode novelizations appeared in England, the US, Germany and Italy. You can read PDF scans of the two UK novels on-line at the UFO Series website.
Spy and music fans lost a great guitarist and arranger during the winter. Billy Strange, famous for his work with Nancy and Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., the Beach Boys, the Everly Brothers and many more, passed away at the age of 80. Spy Vibers may remember him for his numerous soundtrack cover albums and for working on Nancy Sinatra's non-soundtrack version of You Only Live Twice. Here is one of Billy's many spy album jackets, followed by his cool version of the James Bond Theme to start your weekend!
John Lennon visited a Fluxus exhibit by Yoko Ono on November 9th, 1966 and he was struck by the playfulness and positive imagining in the work. Although Fluxus Art may seem bizarre to the uninitiated, it shares whimsical and conceptual qualities with Dada, the do-it-yourself aesthetic, a political avant-garde, and the philosophies of John Cage. Yoko's show was at the Indica Gallery, a gallery owned by Peter Asher, John Dunbar, and Barry Miles, and backed by Paul McCartney (group seen below at the opening of Indica with Marianne Faithfull).
Reflecting on his first meeting with Yoko, John Lennon said, "I got the humor in her work immediately. I didn't have to have much knowledge about avant-garde or underground art, the humor got me straightaway. There was a fresh apple on a stand - this was before Apple - and it was two hundred quid to watch the apple decompose. But there was another piece that really decided me for-or-against the artist: a ladder which led to a painting which was hung on the ceiling. It looked like a black canvas with a chain with a spyglass hanging on the end of it. This was near the door when you went in. I climbed the ladder, you look through the spyglass and in tiny little letters it says 'yes'. So it was positive. I felt relieved. It's a great relief when you get up the ladder and you look through the spyglass and it doesn't say 'no' or 'fuck you' or something, it said 'yes'."
Filmmaker Jeffrey Perkins is currently working on a new documentary film about the Fluxus art movement. He was also initiated into Fluxus by Yoko in the 1960s and she appears in the new film. With seven days left to fund production of the movie through Kickstarter, Perkins has already conducted interviews with such luminaries as Ono, Jonas Mekas, Jon Hendricks, Alison Knowles, Nam June Paik, and Peter Frank. Consider becoming a backer at the project's Kickstarter page. As a rich element in the history of art in the late 1950s and 1960s, Fluxus deserves the in-depth look that this documentary will provide. Plus, one of my former filmmaking students is working on the film! Spy Vibe has contributed to the production of the film. Read more about Fluxus and Jeffrey Perkins at Art in America.
Sony and Eon Productions released today the teaser poster for the upcoming James Bond film, Skyfall. Inspired by the classic gun barrel sequence that has opened every official film in the 50 years of the franchise, the design links Skyfall with the 50th anniversary of the movies and is a strong connection symbolically between Craig's Bond and the character's legacy. Fans wonder what the next outing may offer in terms of other links to past iterations. Will Craig bring Bond back into a tone of suave panache? If the poster is any clue, I expect a balance between modern grit and classic style. The teaser trailer is due out this Monday!
As the Yellow Submarine builds up steam for its hi-def launch in early June, a special screening has been scheduled with the director of animation, Bob Balser. Balser will present the film at the Grammy Museum in LA on May 29th at 7:30. From the Grammy Museum: "We invite you to join us at The GRAMMY Museum in a special screening of the monumental film. Yellow Submarine, based upon a song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is a fantastic tale brimming with peace, love and hope, propelled by Beatles songs, including Eleanor Rigby, When I'm Sixty-Four, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, All You Need Is Love and It's All Too Much. When the film debuted in 1968, it was instantly recognized as a landmark achievement, revolutionizing a genre by integrating the freestyle approach of the era with innovative animation techniques. Inspired by the generation's new trends in art, the film resides with the dazzling Pop Art styles of Andy Warhol, Martin Sharp, Alan Aldridge and Peter Blake. Guests will return to "Pepperland," a place where music and happiness reign supreme, to relive the magic once again. Following the screening, Yellow Submarine Animation Director Bob Balser will take the stage for a discussion moderated by Executive Director Bob Santelli." Admission is $10. Doors open at 7:00. Find the new Blu-ray and other Beatles treasures in Spy Vibe's Amazon Associates Store. Also, only a few days left to back a new documentary film. Read about how Fluxus Art brought John and Yoko Ono together and how you can support a film project on Kickstarter. Details at our post here.
Looking for a new motor to park at your secret lair? What would you say to a brushed metal, futuristic concept car that was built to break the Amphibious World Speed Record? Well Spy Vibers, it's for sale! Dubbed the "Sea Lion", this beauty is capable of land speeds up to 180mph and is water-ready. Unlike James Bond's Lotus-sub, however, it operates above the surface. Perfect for an agent in Venice. Current price is $259,500. Check out the images and video tour below. More info at Gizmag.
Get through the middle of you week (and protect yourself from those cosmic rays) with this classic William Claxton photo featuring fashion by Rudi Gernreich. Need a larger dose of Moon Girls and Op-inspired threads? Check out the Rudi Gernreich Book by Peggy Moffitt and our article, Mods to Moon Girls. Find Swinging London treasures in Spy Vibe's Amazon Associates Store.
The cover designs for the new editions of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels have been revealed. The excellent blog, The Book Bond, has posted the complete set along with a statement about the design process. "The Vintage Classics covers are designed to emphasise the cool and clever reputation of Bond. We wanted to evoke the heritage and era without being dated. The bold, colourful, film poster feel was inspired by Saul Bass." Although I like the designs, they do resemble the animated title-sequence art by Bass, more than they feel like book jackets. Many of the lines feel as though they could continue running across a movie screen ala another modern take on Bass, Catch Me if You Can. As covers go, they don't quite say '007 adventure' to me. Maybe if they had mystery elements added, like on the new editions of the John Gardner Bond books. Little guns, skulls, and the like. That said, however, maybe I'll be won over when I see them in person. Read more of the publisher's statement and see all of the cover art at The Book Bond. Find out more about Saul Bass, the designer behind many Hitchcock graphics and who inspired the vintage 007 covers. Spy Vibers will enjoy the Saul Bass design site because it is presented in an animated style based on his title designs for North By Northwest. Find 007 books and other treasures in Spy Vibe's Amazon Associates Store.
Of the many books due out during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the James Bond, two will feature stories of the franchise by Bond actors themselves. Sir Roger Moore has penned a new memoir chock-full of photographs called Bond on Bond. From Amazon: "The Bond movies remain the longest continually running film series in movie history, and 2012 marks its fiftieth anniversary. To celebrate these universally adored films, their cultural history, and wide appeal, Sir Roger Moore, KBE, has written a book that features all the Bond movies, along with a wonderfully witty account of his own involvement in them. From the girls to the villains, the cars to the cocktails, and oh so many gadgets, Bond on Bond has it all. This sumptuous book is illustrated with over 400 hundred iconic images from all the films including many previously unseen photos from the Bond archive as well as photos from Moore's personal collection. And while there have been other actors that have taken on the coveted role of James Bond, Moore, the longest starring 007, is certainly one of the most renowned and beloved. Written with all the affection and good humor he brought to the role, his charming wit and charismatic personality come through on every page."
Film journalist Bill Desowitz has published the book, James Bond Unmasked, that chronicles the 50-year franchise. What makes this volume stand out from other James Bond books is that it features interviews with all six 007 actors to provide contact to the character and films. Although Amazon lists the publication date as May 9th, the official website announces June 1st as a release date. I have not read any reviews yet and I am mostly curious to learn how much the interviews make up the book itself. As first impressions go, the cover design is not terribly stylish. Maybe we'll hear from Spy Vibers who check it out.
From Amazon: "James Bond is the most powerful and enduring cultural hero of our time and the longest-running franchise in movie history. In James Bond Unmasked, veteran film journalist Bill Desowitz chronicles the 50-year evolution of Ian Fleming's iconic superspy on the big screen from the Cold War of the sixties to the current post-9/11 era. This insightful book comes direct from the source, as Desowitz interviews all six Bond actors: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig." Bill Desowitz has a movie blog called Immersed in Movies. Find 007 books and other treasures in Spy Vibe's Amazon Associates Store.
As James Bond fans look forward to the 50th anniversary events and releases, including Skyfall and the Ian Fleming Bibliography, quench your thirst for rare 007-realted artifacts at the James Bond First Editions website. Spy Vibers with deep pockets may be tempted to pick up some holy grail editions by Fleming, Amis, Gardner, and others. The site also has a blog called The Biblio Bond.
Where can a James Bond fan find in-depth articles, rare images, memorabilia and autographs for sale, and a community forum? Check out 007 Magazine (007 Archive File), the premier James Bond resource since 1979. The newest issue focusses on james Bond promotional artwork with rare images from around the world. Back issues are also available, including vol 1 of their coverage of my fave 007 film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service (below). Follow them on Facebook.
Variety has published a 50 Years of James Bond special with articles about the franchise, film locations, the 1954 version of Casino Royale, and an intriguing sounding piece called "Bond's most dangerous nemesis: His own dark reflection." If you are not a member, you can register for free to gain access to on-line reading beyond the lead article. More info at Variety.
The publishers of MI6 Confidential have announced the release of issue #15. Lavishly produced with rare images and in-depth articles, MI6 Confidential is one of the premiere 007 magazines in print. The new issue features articles about the new Bond film, Skyfall, Fleming publications, Bond comics, and more! When issues go out of print, they tend to triple in price on the collector's market- so order while you can. The magazine is only $10 plus shipping and is available internationally from the MI6 Confidential website.
In This Issue
- To Istanbul With Love - The Skyfall cast & crew discuss their work in the historic city
- Shooting Bond - Photographer Keith Hamshere explores his various 007 campaigns
- Fleming Bibliography - An exclusive extract from this unique history of Bond in print
- The Phoenix Project - Bond is in Istanbul again, hot on the tail of missing defence technology
- 007 On TV - The curious history of James Bond films on the small screen
- Poster Gallery - How character posters could have dominated the marketing of Bond 19
- Boyd On Board - Scottish author William Boyd is joining the ranks of 007 penmen
- The Bond Connection - What else was making the news in the year Dr. No debuted?
One of my favorite design conventions of the mid-sixties is Op Art, which can be found throughout the visual and performing arts. Here's a commercial example, a 1965 ad for Pond's Fresh-Start cleansing gel.
Artist, Rene Magritte, might be best remembered for his surreal portrait of the bowler hat and apple, but he was also a terrific Fantomas fan. He was so enthralled by the character and Feuillade's films, in fact, that he even wrote some fiction about the arch-criminial! This text was published in March, 1928: "A THEATRICAL EVENT. Juve has been on the trail of Fantomas for quite some time. He crawls along the broken cobblestones of a mysterious passage. To guide himself he gropes along the walls with his fingers. Suddenly, a whiff of hot air hits him in the face. He comes nearer...His eyes adjust to the darkness. Juve distinguishes a door with loose boards a few feet in front of him. He undoes his overcoat in order to wrap it around his left arm, and gets his revolver ready. As soon as he has cleared the door, Juve realizes that his precautions were unnecessary: Fantômas is close by, sleeping deeply. In a matter of seconds Juve has tied up the sleeper. Fantômas continues to dream — of his disguises, perhaps, as usual. Juve, in the highest of spirits, pronounces some regrettable words. They cause the prisoner to start. He wakes up, and once awake, Fantômas is no longer Juve's captive. Juve has failed again this time. One means remains for him to achieve his end: Juve will have to get into one of Fantômas's dreams — he will try to take part as one of its characters. (Translation by Suzi Gablik, from Magritte. Boston: New York Graphic Society 1976)."
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Magritte devoted a number of paintings to Fantomas, the most famous being The Backfire (1943), a recreation of the Fantomas book jacket and movie poster art (see below). Note how the artist exchanged the original knife that Fantomas holds with a flower. More about Magritte and Fantomas at the Matteson Art site.
For the Spy Viber with deep pockets and a love for Fantomas, there is a gorgeous poster from Argentina currently for sale on eBay. This is the promotional art for the 1949 remake by Robert Vernay. The original Fantomas Against Fantomas by Louis Feuillade was released in France in 1914. The stylized design of the figures and the dynamic composition remind me a bit of the Batman Animated series. Maybe someday Batman will meet Fantomas! More details about the sale at eBay here. More info about the films at the Fantomas website.
Fans of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet will be interested to check out new mini LP replica CDs of classics episodes. From Fanderson: "Fanderson has released its seventh CD set of replica Century 21 Mini-Albums. The collection contains adaptations of the classic Thunderbirds TV episodes Atlantic Inferno and Move - And You're Dead, as well as Captain Scarlet is Indestructible, an original audio play from Century 21 Records, featuring the voice artists from the original cast." I always enjoyed how the actor who portrayed Captain Scarlet, Francis Matthews, sounded so much like Cary Grant! Matthews also appeared in Crossplot (1969) with Roger Moore, and in episodes of The Avengers and The Saint. More info at the Fanderson website. Find Gerry Anderson treasures in Spy Vibe's Amazon Associates Store.
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