 |
| Lee Child |
I was just reading Lee Child’s handiwork, a Jack Reacher novel, when it struck me that he is not that
different from Ian Fleming’s James Bond. No doubt, that two different characters
from some of our favourite books, cannot be compared. But I was rather stuck by
the similarities between Bond and Reacher. Both have interested me in their own
ways.
Bond and Reacher are both
intelligent and heroes of their books. That is taken for granted, of course. Both
their action moves are rather different, Bond of course has all the gadgets and
guns, he requires while Reacher of course, has all the muscle he needs and the occasional
firearms too.
Reacher is a former
Major in the US Army and Military Police Corps, who retired at 36, but takes on
the occasional job, where it is marked danger. Reacher’s travels are usually in
the US, but on occasion, he has travelled to France and England. He does not
have a home.
 |
| James Bond |
Bond on the other hand, is a Secret Service agent, code number 007,
was 38 when he joined the service. He keeps a house in London, and is
internationally active.
Bond has the blue-grey
eyes, while Reacher has blue eyes. Bond is 6ft tall, while Reacher is up at 6’5.
Between 35 and 42 are both their ages. They never seem to age, though. They are
extremely fit too!
A three-inch scar on
his cheek and a faint scar of a Russian Cyrillic letter carved onto his hand
while quite a few scars and a broken nose for Reacher, at last count. Both of
them seem to have a liking for caffeine; Reacher loves his coffee, while Bond likes
coffee too.
Both are travellers,
Reacher would prefer the walk, so he hitchhikes and also, the occasional bus
and flights, whenever needed, while Bond travels by ultra-cool cars and of
course, the flights. Fashion wise, Reacher is for the street wear, while Bond’s
strict fashion sense, keeps him up there.
 |
| Jack Reacher (movie) |
Both
seem to have a liking for languages as well, though Bond wins this round. He is
fluent in English, French, Italian, German and Russian,
with a degree in Oriental languages and
is passable with Greek, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.
Reacher speaks fluent English and French, with passable
Spanish.
They both have an
attraction, Bond’s of course, is legendary, but Reacher does not seem to be far
behind. Both Bond and Reacher seem to get their women at the end of every book.
Both seem to be against commitment, of any sort.
People-wise too, Reacher
is a loner, preferring to drift, as always, while Bond, who though we do see
him interacting. I guess only M, Moneypenny and Q are the only
beneficiaries, though I cannot say that’s great either.
 |
| Ian Fleming |
But both Bond and Reacher are strong individuals, and extremely focused. Their characters are
different due to their circumstances. Both are extremely good at what they do,
and their brilliance, knowledge and street smart tactics are what keep them,
going!
Both have
some super cool movie stars, converting their books into movies, as well… So, who wins? :)
