US comic house CrossGen have just released issue #1 of a new Bond inspired adventure series titled "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" on January 14th 2004.

Although not officially linked with Bond or using any of the stories, characters or trademarks movie goers have all come to know, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" creates a new spy we will all love to hate.

From Moscow to Beijing, everyone knows the world’s top espionage agent is Sir Charles Basildon of Her Majesty’s Secret Service… but no one knows what he really looks like. In truth, Basildon is merely an identity passed on from one agent to the next, building up a reputation so feared and respected that the mere mention of Sir Charles is enough to make rogue nations change their wicked ways.

But now times are changing, and not only is the next top spy in training a Yank…but she’s also a woman! Can Stephanie Shelley live up to the role of the legendary super spy? And can she bear to learn the ropes from the current Sir Charles-the most unstoppable, deadly, and infuriatingly sexist Basildon ever?!

Right: The cover art for issue #1 of "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"

Surrounded by the political, cultural and sexual revolutions of London in the swinging '60s, three MI6 agents fight for the safety of the globe - and scheme to claim the UK's #1 espionage job.

In a twist similar to the 1967 spoof Bond film "Casino Royale", the main character's name is simply a moniker for a series of agents who have fought villains over the years.

"Over-the-top in its humor and action, KISS KISS BANG BANG asks 'what would a spy like James Bond be like in the real world?'" writer Tony Bedard stated.

"If you actually met him, some might see Basildon as a smooth operator. Then again, you might think he's an amoral adrenaline junkie and a sociopath ic sexual predator. Whichever you decide, he's a loose cannon who frequently holds the fate of the Free World in his butt-slapping hands."

"We're going for all-out excitement, exotic locales and expectant character interaction - while also exploring the sexual politics of the age," penciler Mike Perkins revealed. "As a life-long espionage fan, this is the perfect chance to draw everything from groovy fashion and exotic locales to retro-future gadgets and sexy agents of the crown."

"Everything you want to put into a book like this - and everything that people want to see - will be there...and then we'll add that extra bit, just to confound your expectations and put your knickers in a twist."

Left: Charles Basildon

"A thrilling, globe-hopping adventure...the first 'must-have' comic of 2004!" -Heath Shelby, TheComicFanatic.com

"Tony Bedard and Mike Perkins put on a clinic on how to whet the appetite for a comic series...featuring great art, and more evidence that Bedard is a frickin' comic genius!" -Mike Maillaro, 411Mania.com

"Explosive and irreverent...Bedard posits that in order for one to assume the sort of extreme espionage duties associated with 007 and the like, one would have to be reckless, boast a manic personality and most importantly, one must be an utter a**hole. In other words, Bedard introduces his readers to Sir Charles Basildon." -Don MacPherson, TheFourthRail.com

Right: The first page of "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" #1. Click to view a high-resolution image.

MI6 Briefing

Title: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Publisher: CrossGen
Released: Issue #1 January 14th, #2 February 18th
Price: $2.95
Writer: Tony Bedard
Penciler: Mike Perkins
Colorist: Laura Villari
Inker: Andrew Hennessy