James Bond: Permission to Die #3

James Bond: Permission to Die was a three-issue prestige format limited series published by Dark Horse Comics in 1989. This series marked a significant moment in the literary history of the character as it was the first original James Bond comic book story written by Mike Grell, who also provided the painted cover art. The series was designed to capture a more grounded, sophisticated tone that mirrored the gritty tension found in Ian Fleming's original novels rather than the campy film iterations prevalent at the time.

The interior art was handled by Mike Grell, whose style was noted for its cinematic pacing and realistic character anatomy. By opting for a fully painted aesthetic, the publication aimed to elevate the visual standard of licensed comic properties. Upon its release, the series was well-received by fans of the spy genre, who praised its departure from the cartoonish depictions of Bond seen in newspaper strips of previous decades. It remains a notable entry in the long history of 007 graphic storytelling.