12 replies to this topic

[Loomis]

As we all know, most of the Gardners and Bensons didn't exactly set tills working overtime in the world's bookshops. And "Colonel Sun" was no blockbuster, either.

Now that our friends at IFP have secured a big name (big in the UK, anyway) to write Bond adventures, and are aiming their "product" squarely at kids (as opposed to a dwindling band of ageing fanboys), are they on to a surefire winner?

Will there be a huge marketing push the like of which Benson could only have dreamed of? Merchandising?

(One possible stumbling block: would many parents assume that a Bond novel, of any kind, was appropriate reading matter for their children?)

[Qwerty]

I have the sad thought that perhaps it will be a fad for a little while and then quickly die like most other fads do.

The only way I would really like this idea would be if they did these novels, along with a different author continuing the James Bond novels, that we are familiar with.

[J J]

Wonder if they're going to make this an illustrated book (aimed at the reading shy youth of today)... looking forward to see the illustration of Bond's first night out in Paris

[DLibrasnow]

Is Higson really a big name?

[Qwerty]

Is Higson really a big name?

I had never heard of him before until today, but he appears to be much better known with the UK audience, although it doesn't seem like he was extremely huge either, but I can't say that as a fact.

[Dunph]

In the UK he's a big name, a famed comedy/thriller writer, actor, producer and director.

If you've ever watched the Fast Show or the remake of Randall & Hopkirk with Vic & Bob then you'll probably know who he is.

[Simon]

Sure, it'll be huge.

Just so long as they reuse the same six colour palette scenario as the James Bond Junior artistry - continuity being what it is etc.

Of course, like Bond, they will have to assume that those who watched JB Junior are still 13 from the late 80's......and haven't progressed from six colour palettes......and have yet to view Young Sherlock, Indiana, Tarzan and all those other hits from years gone by.

What will they call it?
JB Junior has already gone.
JB Teenybop? Maybe too current.
JB in shorts.........

.......Oh god, I need Jim to write this - I can't compete.

At least JB junior was a cartoon - it didn't have the obvious weight of Eon and MGM behind it. But with the IFP behind this brainwave, it doesn't bode well for what problems Eon are currently facing with their malaise or impasse.

[Triton]

I presume that this is the expectation of the banking Flemings who recently took over Ian Fleming Publications. Got to take some of the market share away from JK Rowling. I can't predict whether it will be a success or a flop but Charlie Higson will certainly have to change the James Bond character until we hardly recognize him.

Will Bond meet Moneypenny at school and will there be a romance between them? Will Geoffrey Boothroyd be a nerdy wizkid and mechanical genius?

Bleccch! I have been desperately trying to find the April Fool at the IFP site. So far, no success.

[Jim]

Given that they're at Eton, it's more likely that young Jamie frae Glencoe meets Geoffrey Boothroyd and has an affair with him. Corrupted by the older science teacher... well ... um ... it would explain their later "love/hate" relationship and the comment "Never let them see you bleed" seems to make some sort of sense in that context.

As an Old Etonian meself, I am almost allowed to say this. Almost.

[Tanger]

I wonder if they'll do what they did with the Harry Potter novels? Have a set with kids covers and a set with adult covers. That way adults won't get too embarrased at buying or reading them.

[[dark]]

As we all know, most of the Gardners and Bensons didn't exactly set tills working overtime in the world's bookshops. And "Colonel Sun" was no blockbuster, either.

Now that our friends at IFP have secured a big name (big in the UK, anyway) to write Bond adventures, and are aiming their "product" squarely at kids (as opposed to a dwindling band of ageing fanboys), are they on to a surefire winner?

Will there be a huge marketing push the like of which Benson could only have dreamed of? Merchandising?

Sorry to drag up an ancient thread (made just one day after the series was announced), but man, Loomis, didn't you hit the nail on the head! If you'd only touched on the quality of the books, I'd be asking you for lottery numbers right about now.

[Loomis]

Sadly, my lottery form is very poor. I've been playing the National Lottery religiously for fourteen years and have not once won the jackpot. And I've always played the same numbers as well! How is this possible?!?!?!?!

Mind you, I did also predict that Daniel Craig would be an amazing Bond and that CASINO ROYALE would be both a critical and commercial supersmash. However, my predictions for QUANTUM OF SOLACE were never remotely as rosy.

Still, I do sometimes get it wrong. For instance, I thought that DEVIL MAY CARE would be terrific.

[[dark]]

Still, I do sometimes get it wrong. For instance, I thought that DEVIL MAY CARE would be terrific.

I did consider that when making the above post, but you weren't alone in that prediction. Too bad you were wrong, eh?