British Artist’s Cartoons That Inspired Bond Films on Show at Oscars Museum

John McLusky’s comic strips for the Express in the 50s and 60s came to define the character, as his son explains

The late illustrator John McLusky, creator of the popular James Bond newspaper cartoon strips, is finally getting his due. His dynamic, almost-forgotten drawings, which graced the pages of the Daily Express between 1958 and 1966, are now on display at the Oscars Museum in Los Angeles.

McLusky’s work was instrumental in shaping the iconic image of James Bond. His rugged, swarthy depiction of the character is said to have inspired the casting of Sean Connery. In fact, McLusky’s agent, Leslie Linder, who was also a film producer, is credited with suggesting Connery for the role due to his striking resemblance to the cartoon character.

The McLusky family has donated a collection of images to the Oscars Museum, revealing a close connection between the comic strips and the early Bond films. The museum has selected one image from each Fleming film, highlighting the influence of McLusky’s work on the films’ visual style and storytelling.

While the Bond films have achieved immense commercial success, their Oscar record is less impressive. The franchise has primarily been recognized for its technical achievements, such as special effects, sound, and theme songs, rather than its storytelling or performances.

Despite McLusky’s significant contribution to the Bond franchise, he was not particularly fond of his work on the comic strips. He preferred his later, softer style, which included children’s drawings and illustrations for magazines.

Nevertheless, his Bond cartoons remain a valuable piece of film history, and their inclusion in the Oscars Museum is a well-deserved recognition of his talent and influence.