James Bonde

* Manga (Bonde)
* Manga (Irene)
* Anime (Bonde)
* Anime (Irene)
* Musical (Bonde)
* Musical (Irene)
* Stage (Bonde)
* Stage (Irene)

**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: Because the Japanese language does not rely heavily on gender pronouns (he/she/they), we have chosen to use he/his to respect James's wish to be referred to as a man and be treated as such in the most current updates in the manga.

James's character profile at the end of volume 17 uses they/them pronouns.

Please remain respectful while discussing this character and refrain from engaging in any sort of harassment toward other fans.

## 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. 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.

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.

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.

James has a tendency to be flirty, regardless of gender, and even took the initiative to invite Moneypenny on a date.

## History

James was born as "Irene Adler" in the United State of America, in the state of New Jersey.

He retired following a career as the prima donna of the Imperial Opera of Warsaw, and was living in London. His successor in acting was never recognized for her talent and work, ultimately being driven into suicide. Following this, he understood that he needed to manipulate those in power who give recognition to talent.

He became a courtesan to the rich and powerful in secret and had the royalty and nobility of many nations as clientele. He used his clients' secrets and weaknesses for blackmail and manipulation, helping young talents that couldn't get into universities or get education because of their social standing.

He wanted to change the world and entire system to make it a better place, hence why he broke into Buckingham Palace and stole documents to blackmail the royal prince. The documents turned out to be top secret material about Great Britain's involvement with the French Revolution that could cause civil wars and violent uprisings. He became a target of the government and knew he stole something beyond his capability.

## Origin

James Bonde is a combination of James Bond from the *James Bond* franchise, and Irene Adler from the *Sherlock Holmes* novels.

## Trivia

* Bonde came thirteenth in the first character popularity poll and seventh in the second poll.
* He likes freedom and perfume.
	+ Bonde also features on the likes list of Miss Moneypenny; apparently she's fond of Bonde's scent.
* He dislikes oppression.
* Bonde's current worry is that he still sometimes gets bashful when Sherlock or John still treat him as a lady on occasion.
* 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.
* In an interview, 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 incorperated while writing MORIARTY THE PATRIOT's "A Scandal in British Empire."

*Note: James's surname has also been romanized officially as "Bond", as seen in the Japanese release of chapter 58 of the manga. However, due to the "Bonde" spelling being used across the anime, stage play, and musical merchandise/art, and also in the volume 17 extras of the manga, this is the romanization the wiki will use for the foreseeable future.*

## External 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. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Volume 17 Extras
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chapter 30
3. ↑ Chapter 21
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chapter 24
5. ↑ Hayakawa's Mystery Magazine: May 2023 Issue