And now it’s perfectly clear Goodwin’s seen You Only Live Twice. This story recasts Phil as James Bond—with Goodwin borrowing not just the big volcanic secret headquarters ending from You Only Live Twice, but details from various other Bond movies like Thunderball.
Williamson clearly had a great time illustrating the story—he’s got secret bases, naval fleets, sharks—but the story is painfully mediocre. Goodwin’s starting to reuse character traits too. Here, the seemingly villainous woman comes around, convinced by Phil’s goodness. I think she’s maybe the third since their run started.
And the villain? Good grief, he’s a craggy sea captain. Surrounded by Bond-like guys in jumpsuits. If anything Goodwin and Williamson created G.I. Joe on this story, given all the goofiness of costumes.
It’s not terrible, it’s not as bad as their worst stories, but it’s so absurd… it feels like Goodwin’s disinterested in writing well.
CREDITS
Writer, Archie Goodwin; artist, Al Williamson; publisher, King Features.
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