James Bond Jr. Explained

Genre:Spy fiction, Adventure
Creator:Michael G. Wilson
Andy Heyward
Robby London
Developer:Jack Mendelsohn
Mark Jones
Bryce Malek
Jeffrey Scott
Opentheme:James Bond Jr
Endtheme:James Bond Jr (instrumental)
Country:United States
Language:English
Num Seasons:1
Num Episodes:65
List Episodes:List of James Bond Jr. episodes
Executive Producer:Fred Wolf
Runtime:22 minutes
Last Aired:[1]
Channel:Syndication

James Bond Jr. is an American animated television series based on Ian Fleming's James Bond franchise. It follows the adventures of James Bond's nephew, James Bond Jr.

The series debuted in September 1991 and ran for 65 episodes before ending in December of that year. It was the first television series ever produced based on the Bond franchise, and is the only animated adaptation.

Background

This was the second attempt to create an animated series based on the Bond franchise. Bond screenwriter Kevin McClory announced in a 10 February 1988 issue of Variety, that he was working to produce an animated James Bond series called James Bond vs. S.P.E.C.T.R.E., to be produced by an unnamed Dutch company. This series never came to fruition.[2]

In the meantime, Eon Productions began developing what would become James Bond Jr. The show was produced by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson and MGM Television, and debuted on 16 September 1991, with a total of 65 half-hour episodes produced. James Bond Jr was voiced by Corey Burton.[3]

James Bond Jr. was fully sanctioned by (and produced in association with) Danjaq and United Artists, who held the rights to the James Bond property. It was the first attempt to bring the Bond franchise to television since the 1954 live adaptation of Casino Royale. Only a single season was produced.

Plot

While attending prep school at Warfield Academy, James Bond Jr, with the help of his friends IQ (the grandson of Q), Gordo Leiter (the son of Felix Leiter) and Tracy Milbanks, fight against the evil terrorist organization S.C.U.M. (Saboteurs and Criminals United in Mayhem), a SPECTRE-like organization.[4] Expanding on his uncle's famous line, James Bond Jr's catchphrase was "Bond, James Bond... Junior."[5]

The show regularly surpasses the Bond movies in terms of fantastical gadgets, while the violence of the Bond series is nowhere in evidence. Jaws, a recurring villain from the films The Spy Who Loved Me[6] and Moonraker,[7] made regular appearances, usually partnered with Nick Nack, a villain from The Man with the Golden Gun,[8] forming a bickering comical duo. Auric Goldfinger also appears, alongside his assistant, Oddjob, from the Goldfinger film.[9] It is revealed Goldfinger has a teenage daughter named Goldie Finger with equally expensive tastes. The only other villain from the films to appear in the show, though one that is very loosely based on his film counterpart is Dr. No, who is depicted as being Asian and having green skin, a common practice at the time in children's media whenever Asian villains are showcased such as Ming the Merciless in Defenders of the Earth and The Mandarin in the 90's Iron Man TV series. Several episode titles parodied the titles of Bond films such as Live and Let’s Dance and Rubies Aren't Forever.

Characters

The main characters consist of James Bond Jr., his friends, several featured members of the Warfield Academy staff, and Trevor Noseworthy IV. They appear in almost every episode of the series. Sometimes only two or three of Jr.'s friends will accompany him on an adventure, leaving the others behind at Warfield to create a B-plot. These plots normally revolve around Trevor's misguided attempts to get James into trouble.

Main characters

Villains

There were numerous villains in the series, most of whom worked for S.C.U.M. and made recurring appearances throughout the 65-episode run. Many characters looked nothing like their movie counterparts. All recurring villains in the show are listed here:

Bond girls

In most episodes James Bond Jr. encounters guest women, whom he is often forced to rescue. Following in the 007 tradition, many of their names are based on puns or double entendres, although they are less salacious than the parent series. Some of the more notable include:

Episodes

See main article: List of James Bond Jr. episodes.

Merchandise

Board game

A board game, James Bond Jr. The Game, was released by Crown and Andrews,[11] the plot of which was to try to prevent the launch of nuclear missile.[12] Players collected computer disks, in order to deactivate the missile, while watching out for SCUM agents.[12]

Diecast vehicles

Three diecast toy vehicles was produced by ERTL in 1992: James' Sports Car, Warfield Van and the SCUM Helicopter.

Toy line

The James Bond Jr. toy line was manufactured by Hasbro.

Character nameManufactureNotesRef
James Bond JrHasbroNumerous variations—shoot from the hip action, in ninja gear, with parachuting action
and in scuba gear.
[13] [14] [15] [16]
IQHasbroWith undercover punch action[17]
Gordo LeiterHasbroWith pop out skateboard weapon[18]
Mr. Buddy MitchellHasbroSpring powered kicking and clubbing action[19]
JawsHasbroJaw-crushing action[20]
Dr. DerangeHasbroRotating head changing feature[21]
Captain Walker D. PlankHasbroSpring-fired grappling hook[22]
Dr. NoHasbroSpring action crusher grip with pop out weapon hand[23]
OddjobHasbroHat flinging action[24]
Vehicle NameManufactureNotesRef
James Bond Jr.'s Red Sports CarHasbroWith working ejector seat, rear firing missiles, movable gun shield[25]
The Scuba CycleHasbroWith the ability to transform from a motorcycle to a submarine
The Scum CycleHasbroA purple shark shaped motorcycle with pull-string action
Vehicle NameManufactureRef
James' CarERTL[26]
Warfield Van ERTL
Scum HelicopterERTL

Voice actors

Principal voice actors

Additional voices

Crew

Home media releases

As with most animated series, a large number of episodes were only broadcast and never commercially released. Some episodes were only commercially released in the US, and some episodes were only commercially released in the UK.

UK VHS

Release nameUK release dateEpisodes IncludedREF
James Bond Jr—The Beginning1993The Beginning, A Race Against Disaster, Red Star One, Appointment in Macau[28] [29] [30] [31]
James Bond Jr—A Worm in the Apple1993A Worm in the Apple, Dance of the Toreadors, No Such Loch[32] [33] [34]
James Bond Jr—The Eiffel Missile1993The Eiffel Missile[35] [36] [37]
James Bond Jr versus Jaws the Metallic Munch1993Plunder Down Under, Ship of Terror, Invaders from SCUM[38] [39] [40]
The Biggest Ever Saturday Morning Picture Show1993The Chameleon[41]
The Biggest Ever Saturday Morning Heroes1993The Inhuman Race, It's All in the Timing[42] [43]

US VHS

Release nameUS release dateEpisodes IncludedREF
James Bond Jr.1 April 1992The Beginning[44]
James Bond Jr.1 April 1992A Chilling Affair[45]
James Bond Jr1 April 1992The Eiffel Missile[46]
James Bond Jr1 April 1992No Such Loch[47]
James Bond Jr1 April 1992A Race Against Disaster[48]
James Bond Jr1 April 1992Dance of the Toreadors[49]
James Bond Jr1 April 1992Red Star One[50]
James Bond Jr1 April 1992Goldie's Gold Scam[51]

Books

Novelisations by John Peel

In 1992, Puffin Books published six novels based on the James Bond Jr. animated television show. The books were written by John Peel under the pseudonym John Vincent, and were based on episodes from the television run.

Release nameRelease dateAuthorPublisherNotesRef
A View to a Thrill1 January 1992 (US)
30 January 1992 (UK)
John VincentPuffin BooksAdapted from the TV episode "The Beginning."
Features Scumlord and Jaws.
[52] [53]
The Eiffel Target1 February 1992 (US)
27 February 1992(UK)
John VincentPuffin BooksAdapted from the TV episode "The Eiffel Missile."
Features Dr. Derange.
[54] [55]
Live and Let's Dance1 March 1992 (US)
26 March 1992 (UK)
John VincentPuffin BooksAdapted from the TV episode of the same name.[56] [57]
Sandblast1 April 1992 (US)
30 April 1992 (UK)
John VincentPuffin BooksAdapted from the TV episode "Shifting Sands."[58] [59]
Sword of Death1 May 1992 (US)
28 May 1992 (UK)
John VincentPuffin BooksAdapted from the TV episode "Sword of Power."
Features Dr. No.
[60] [61]
High Stakes1 June 1992 (US)
25 Jun 1992 (UK)
John VincentPuffin BooksAdapted from the TV episode "There But for Ms. Fortune."[62] [63]

Buzz Books adaptations by Caryn Jenner

In the UK, four of the TV episodes were adapted into a young children's series by Buzz Books. Although the plots were basically the same, the books were much shorter and sometimes featured different characters from the TV show. The only villains never to appear in these books were Dr. No and Walker D. Plank.

Release nameRelease dateAuthorPublisherNotesRef
Tunnel of Doom15 July 1993
(US) and (UK)
Caryn JennerBuzz BooksAdapted from the TV episode "Canine Caper."[64] [65]
Barbella's Revenge15 July 1993
(US) and (UK)
Caryn JennerBuzz BooksAdapted from the TV episode "Barbella’s Big Attraction." Features Scumlord and presumably Jaws.[66] [67]
Freeze Frame15 July 1993
(US) and (UK)
Caryn JennerBuzz BooksAdapted from the TV episode "Weather or Not."[68] [69]
Dangerous Games15 July 1993
(US) and (UK)
Caryn JennerBuzz BooksAdapted from the TV episode "Catching the Wave." Features Scumlord, Jaws and Baron von Skarin.[70] [71]

Other books

These books are not part of a series.

Release nameUS release dateAuthorPublisherNotesRef
The Adventures of James Bond Junior 003½1967 (UK)
1968 (US)
R.D. MascottJonathan Cape publishing company (UK)
Random House (US)
Also Release
in France, Denmark
and Germany in 1970.
[72]
James Bond Jr. Sticker Album1992MerlinMerlinPaperback[73]
James Bond Jr Regular Color Book1 December 1992
(US) and (UK)
UnknownGolden BooksAges 9–12[74] [75]
As Good as Gold: James Bond Jr. Adventure Game Book12 July 1993
(US) and (UK)
Dave MorrisMammothN/A[76] [77]
James Bond Jr. Spy File12 July 1993
(US) and (UK)
Clare DannattMammothN/A[78] [79]
James Bond Jr Paint & Color15 August 1993
(US) and (UK)
UnknownHamlyn young booksN/A[80] [81]
James Bond Jr. Activity Sheet5 March 1997
(US) and (UK)
UnknownHamlyn young booksN/A[82] [83]

Marvel Comics books

James Bond Jr. had a limited 12 issue run with Marvel Comics spanning from January 1992 to December 1992.[84] The first five stories were lifted directly from the TV series, but the other seven were original stories. The writers were Cal Hamilton and Dan Abnett, and the artists were Mario Capaldi, Colin Fawcett, Adolfo Buylla, and Bambos Georgioli.

Release nameUS release datePublisherNotesRef
"The Beginning"January 1992Marvel ComicsBased on episode 1 of the TV series, featuring Scumlord and Jaws.[85]
"The Eiffel Missile"February 1992Marvel ComicsBased on episode 9 of the TV series, featuring Dr. Derange.[86]
"Earthcracker"March 1992Marvel ComicsBased on episode 2 of the TV series, featuring Odd Job.[87]
"Plunder Down Under"April 1992Marvel ComicsBased on episode 5 of the TV series, featuring Jaws and Walker D. Plank.[88]
"Dance of the Toreadors"May 1992Marvel ComicsBased on episode 26 of the TV series, featuring Baron von Skarin.[89]
"The Gilt Complex"June 1992Marvel ComicsFeaturing Odd Job.
"Sure as Eggs Is Eggs"July 1992Marvel ComicsFeaturing Scumlord and Jaws.
"Wave Goodbye to the USA"August 1992Marvel ComicsFeaturing Odd Job and Walker D. Plank.
"Absolute Zero"September 1992Marvel ComicsFeaturing Dr. No.[90]
"Friends Like These"October 1992Marvel ComicsFeaturing Dr. Derange.[91]
"Indian Summer"November 1992Marvel ComicsFeaturing Baron von Skarin.
"Homeward Bound"December 1992Marvel ComicsFeaturing Scumlord, Jaws, Dr. Derange, Odd Job, Dr. No, Walker D Plank and Baron von Skarin.

Video game

James Bond Jr. had two video games based on the series, published by THQ in 1992 for the NES[92] and the Super NES[93] (the former developed by Eurocom and the latter developed by Gray Matter).

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/jamesbondjr/episode_guide?id=2934
  2. Web site: Films: The Nineties. 2021-09-08. www.liner-notes.com.
  3. Web site: James Bond Jr (TV Series 1991–1992). 16 September 1991 . . 29 August 2011.
  4. Book: Erickson . Hal . Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 . 2005 . 2nd . McFarland & Co . 978-1476665993 . 440–442.
  5. Web site: Plot Summary for "James Bond Jr" (1991) . . 29 August 2011.
  6. Web site: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) . 3 August 1977 . . 29 August 2011.
  7. Web site: Moonraker (1979) . 29 June 1979 . . 29 August 2011.
  8. Web site: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). 20 December 1974 . . 29 August 2011.
  9. Web site: Goldfinger (1964). 9 January 1965 . . 29 August 2011.
  10. James Bond Jr BBC Web site: James Bond Jr – the TV Series. 30 April 2001 . . 6 June 2011.
  11. Web site: James Bond Jr The Game. Amazon UK . 27 August 2011.
  12. Web site: James Bond Jr. Game. . 27 August 2011.
  13. Web site: James Bond Jr 'Shoot from the Hip Action'. Amazon. 27 August 2011.
  14. Web site: James Bond Jr. in Ninja Gear. Amazon. 27 August 2011.
  15. Web site: James Bond JR Flight Gear. Amazon. 27 August 2011.
  16. Web site: James Bond Jr in Scuba Gear. Amazon. 27 August 2011.
  17. Web site: James Bond Jr IQ. Amazon . 27 August 2011.
  18. Web site: James Bond Jr. Gordo Leiter. Amazon . 27 August 2011.
  19. Web site: James Bond Jr. Mr. Buddy Mitchell. Amazon . 27 August 2011.
  20. Web site: James Bond Jr " Jaws ". Amazon. 27 August 2011.
  21. Web site: 1991 JAMES BOND JR -DR DERANGE ROTATING HEAD CHANGE FIGURE. Amazon . 27 August 2011.
  22. Web site: 1991 JAMES BOND JR -CAPTAIN WALKER D. PLANK SPRING-FIRED GRAPPLING HOOK FEATURE CHANGE FIGURE. Amazon . 27 August 2011.
  23. Web site: James Bond Jr " Dr. No ". Amazon . 27 August 2011.
  24. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. ODD JOB . Amazon . 27 August 2011.
  25. Web site: James Bond Jr Sports Car. Amazon UK. 27 August 2011.
  26. Die-cast Web site: James Bond Jr. Die-cast. . 19 November 2011.
  27. List of cast Web site: James Bond Jr.(1991) . . 28 August 2011.
  28. Web site: James Bond The beginning. Amazon UK . 6 June 2011.
  29. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – THE BEGINNING. . 18 November 2011.
  30. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – A RACE AGAINST DISASTER. . 18 November 2011.
  31. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – RED STAR ONE. . 18 November 2011.
  32. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – A WORM IN THE APPLE. . 18 November 2011.
  33. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – DANCE OF THE TOREADORS. . 18 November 2011.
  34. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – NO SUCH LOCH. . 18 November 2011.
  35. Web site: James Bond Jr [VHS]]. Amazon UK . 26 August 2011.
  36. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – SHIP OF TERROR. . 18 November 2011.
  37. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – EIFFEL MISSILES.C.U.M.. . 18 November 2011.
  38. Web site: James Bond Jr Versus Jaws [VHS]]. Amazon UK . October 1993 . 18 November 2011.
  39. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – PLUNDER DOWN UNDER. . 18 November 2011.
  40. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – INVADERS FROM S.C.U.M.. . 18 November 2011.
  41. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – THE CHAMELEON. . 18 November 2011.
  42. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – THE INHUMAN RACE. . 18 November 2011.
  43. Web site: JAMES BOND JR. – IT'S ALL IN THE TIMING. . 18 November 2011.
  44. Book: James Bond Jr: Beginning [VHS] (1991). 6302380510 .
  45. Book: James Bond Jr. Episode 6 A Chilling Affair [VHS] (1991). 6302380634.
  46. Book: James Bond Jr. Episode 8 The Eiffel Missile [VHS] (1991). 6302380618 .
  47. Book: James Bond Jr. Episode 7 – No Such Loch [VHS] (1991). 6302380626 .
  48. Book: James Bond Jr. Episode 2 A Race Against Disaster [VHS] (1991). 6302380529.
  49. Book: James Bond Jr., Episode 4: Dance of Toreadors [VHS] (1991). 6302380537.
  50. Book: Red Star One (James Bond Jr.) [VHS] (1991). 6302380316.
  51. Book: James Bond Jr. 5: Goldie's Gold Scam [VHS] (1991). 6302380502 .
  52. Book: View to a Thrill (James Bond Jr) [Paperback]. 0140360115 . Vincent . John . 1992 . Puffin Books .
  53. Book: James Bond, Jr: Book 1 [Paperback]. .
  54. Book: The Eiffel Target – No. 2 James Bond Jr [Paperback]. 0140360123 . Vincent . John . 1992 . Penguin .
  55. Book: James Bond Jr.: The Eiffel Target [Paperback]. .
  56. Book: Live and Let's Dance (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. 0140360131 . Vincent . John . 1992 . Puffin Books .
  57. Book: James Bond Jr. 3: Live and Let's Dance [Paperback]. .
  58. Book: Sandblast (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. 014036014X. Vincent. John. 1992. Puffin Books .
  59. Book: JJames Bond Jr.: Sandblast [Paperback]. .
  60. Book: Sword of Death (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. 0140360492. Vincent. John. 1992. Puffin Books .
  61. Book: Smith P.J. : James Bond, Jr. (Book 5) [Paperback]. .
  62. Book: High Stakes (James Bond Jr) [Paperback]. 0140360484. Vincent. John. 1992. Puffin Books .
  63. Book: Smith P.J. : James Bond, Jr. (Book 6) [Paperback]. .
  64. Book: Tunnel of Doom (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. 1993 . Buzz Books . 1855912864 .
  65. Book: Tunnel of Doom (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. .
  66. Book: Barbella's Revenge (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. 1855912872 . Jenner . Caryn . 1993 . Buzz Books .
  67. Book: Barbella's Revenge (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. .
  68. Book: Freeze Frame (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. 1993 . Buzz Books . 1855912880 .
  69. Book: Freeze Frame (James Bond, Jr.) [Paperback]. .
  70. Book: Dangerous Games (James Bond, Jr.) [Hardcover]. 1993. Buzz Books . 1855912899.
  71. Book: Dangerous Games (James Bond, Jr.) [Hardcover]. .
  72. Web site: The Adventures of James Bond Junior, 003½ [Paperback]]. . 28 August 2011.
  73. Web site: MERLIN STICKER ALBUM. . 19 November 2011.
  74. Book: James Bond Jr Regular Clr Book [Paperback]. December 1992 . Random House Children's Books . 030702914X .
  75. Book: James Bond Jr Regular Clr Book [Paperback]. .
  76. Book: As Good as Gold: James Bond Jr.Adventure Game Book [Paperback]. 0749713526 . Morris . Dave . 1993 . Mammoth .
  77. Book: As Good as Gold: James Bond Jr.Adventure Game Book [Paperback]. .
  78. Book: James Bond, Jr. Spy File [Paperback]. 0749713542 . Dannatt . Clare . 1993 . Mammoth .
  79. Book: James Bond, Jr. Spy File [Paperback] [Hardcover]. .
  80. Book: James Bond Jr Paint & Col60355292 [Hardcover]. 0603552803. Egmont Books. Limited. August 1993. Egmont Books, Limited .
  81. Book: James Bond Jr Paint & Col60355292 [Hardcover]. .
  82. Book: James Bond Jr. Activity Sheet [Import] [Paperback]. 0749715723. Egmont Books. Limited. 5 March 1997. Egmont Books, Limited .
  83. Book: James Bond Jr. Activity Sheet [Paperback]. .
  84. Web site: The Adventures of James Bond Jr., Sequential Art, and a 12-Issue Marvel Comics Series. Robert G. Weiner. Texas Tech University. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140326061912/http://library.ttu.edu/about/facility/face/2011/entries/Weiner_Adventures_of_James.pdf. 26 March 2014.
  85. Book: James Bond Jr. No. 1 The Beginning [Comic]]. January 1992 . Marvel Comics . 27 August 2011.
  86. Book: James Bond Jr. No. 2 February 1992 [Comic]]. January 1992. Marvel Comics. 27 August 2011.
  87. Book: James Bond Jr. No. 3 Marvel [Comic]]. January 1996. Comic book Company. 27 August 2011.
  88. Book: James Bond Jr. No. 4 April 1992 [Comic]]. January 1992. Marvel Comics. 27 August 2011.
  89. Book: James Bond Jr, Vol 1 No. 5 (Comic Book) [Paperback]]. January 1992. MARVEL. 27 August 2011.
  90. Book: James Bond Jr. No. 9 September 1992 [Comic]]. January 1992. Marvel Comics. 27 August 2011.
  91. Book: James Bond Jr. No. 10 October 1992 [Comic]]. January 1992. Marvel Comics. 27 August 2011.
  92. NES game Web site: James Bond Jr. Nintendo NES . 19 November 2011 . Amazon.
  93. SNES game Web site: James Bond Jr. Nintendo SNES . 19 November 2011 . Amazon.