James Bonde (ジェームズ・ボンド Jēmuzu Bondo), previously known as Irene Adler (アイリーン・アドラー Airiin Adorā), is an ally of William James Moriarty's. After faking the death of "Irene Adler", he takes on the name of "James Bonde" and joins MI6 as their seventh agent.
Note: The Japanese language does not rely heavily on gendered pronouns (he/she/they). James' official character profile in volume 17 uses they/them pronouns. The wiki primarily uses he/him and they/them.
Remain respectful while discussing this character.
Appearance
While living as Irene, James had long blond hair, wore make-up and was known for extravagant dresses befitting a former prima donna.
When becoming James Bonde, he cut his hair short and began wearing a grey suit with a pink tie. He has light blue eyes and also a distinctive mole under his right eye; this mole is concealed with makeup when in disguise.
As James, he is often depicted wearing 8cm shoes to appear taller[2]. Making him the average height of 5'10" (178 cm); without the added height from the shoes he is 5'7"(170 cm).
Personality
During James' time as a prima donna, he was disappointed to learn that no matter how talented you are, social standing and contacts with nobles are far more important than hard work.
Bonde used his looks and being a mistress as a way to manipulate and blackmail nobles in order to support young talents who were denied and excluded due to social standing. Since then, he was able to help many people, such as musicians who didn't have access to education. He wanted to change the world and reward talented people who wouldn't be able to prosper otherwise.[3]
James is smart and a talented actor as he managed to fool even Sherlock Holmes. When he got in bigger trouble, he made a plan involving Sherlock that would give him temporary safety and leave the government no choice but to negotiate instead of assassinating him.
Upon faking the death of "Irene Adler", he gets the chance to live a new life as a man. He is given the name James by William and Albert and chose the surname Bonde for himself, to represent his new beginning and new "bonds" with the Moriarty group. He immediately takes on this new identity and asserts his wish to be seen as a man to others.[4]
Because James felt indebted to William and Albert, he was concerned about making himself useful quickly and tried to be a perfect subordinate. It's on a mission with his allies that he realizes he should have trust in his abilities and act in missions how he pleases, stating he's never been one to be held back by conventional ways.[4]
James has a tendency to be flirty, regardless of gender, and even took the initiative to invite Miss Moneypenny on a date.[2]
Biography
James Bonde was born in New Jersey, United States of America, as "Irene Adler". They became a famous opera performer and the prima donna of the Warsaw Opera House.
After their successor was driven into suicide due to her efforts being buried and receiving no recognition due to her lack of status, Irene obtained the wish to fix the system and manipulate those in power. Irene began to use their womanly charm and affection to seduce and blackmail dukes, nobles, etc. in order to help talented musicians from poor backgrounds.
At one point, Irene retired from her opera career and settled down in London.
Origin
James Bonde is a combination of James Bond from Ian Fleming's James Bond franchise, and Irene Adler from the Sherlock Holmes novels.
Trivia
- The character "James Bond" also works for the MI6 as agent "007", Bonde also being the 7th agent in MI6.
- James's surname has been romanized as "Bond" in the Japanese release of chapter 58 of the manga. However, the "Bonde" spelling is used across the anime, stage play, and musical, and also in the volume 17 extras of the manga.
- Bonde came thirteenth in the first character popularity poll and seventh in the second poll.
- He likes freedom and perfume.[1]
- He dislikes oppression.[1]
- Bonde's current worry is that he still sometimes gets bashful when Sherlock or John still treat him as a lady on occasion.[1]
- Apparently Zack Paterson recently came to him for assistance with dry skin. Based on Zack's comments, Bonde has an extensive collection of skincare products.[1]
- In an interview[5], Hikaru Miyoshi explains her own interpretation of the original Irene Adler in Arthur Conan Doyler's story was that she chose to live as a man by the end, which Miyoshi incorporated while writing MORIARTY THE PATRIOT's "A Scandal in British Empire."
- He wears a blue tiepin and cufflinks because Sherlock told him 'you look good in blue'. [6]
Links
- Irene Adler at Wikipedia
- Irene Adler at Baker Street Wiki
- James Bond at Wikipedia
- James Bond at James Bond Wiki
- James Bonde at LGBTQIA+ Characters Wiki
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Volume 17 Extras
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chapter 30
- ↑ Chapter 21
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chapter 24
- ↑ Hayakawa's Mystery Magazine: May 2023 Issue
- ↑ Hikaru Miyoshi's X