Beyond Bond: Nastya - The Femme Fatale, Sexier and More Complex

Edmund Thorold
May 18, 2024
3 min read

Nastya: A Complex Heroine in the Eternal Blue Series. Is Nastya the next upcoming icon of femme fatale and sexiness in strength. James Bond Who?

Meet Nastya, the captivating and multifaceted female protagonist of the Eternal Blue series. While some readers have drawn comparisons between Nastya and the iconic James Bond, the truth is, they couldn't be more different.

Let's dive into what makes Nastya a unique and intriguing character in her own right.

Breaking the Bond Mould:

First and foremost, Nastya shatters the traditional Bond stereotype.

Nastya: A Complex Heroine in the Eternal Blue Series. Is Nastya the next upcoming icon of femme fatale and sexiness in strength. James Bond Who?

She's a woman, bi-sexual, and hails from a background far removed from the privileged halls of Eton. While future Bond iterations may embrace diversity, Nastya stands as a trailblazer, defying conventions and carving her own path in the world of espionage.

Efficiency with an Edge:

Like Bond, Nastya possesses an impressive skill set when it comes to completing missions.

She can eliminate targets with chilling efficiency and move on without a hint of remorse. However, this is where the similarities end. Nastya's approach to her work is shaped by her unique experiences and motivations, setting her apart from the suave British agent.

A Peek into Bond's Past:

To understand the stark contrast between Nastya and Bond, let's take a brief look at 007's background.

Ian Flemming the writter of the James Bond Series

Ian Fleming's novels reveal snippets of Bond's history, including the tragic loss of his parents and his education at Eton.

The films have expanded on these details, but the focus remains on his thrilling adventures rather than his personal life.

Nastya's Rich Tapestry:

In contrast, the Eternal Blue series delves deep into Nastya's personal history. She was born to a Czech mother who was raised by Ukrainian grandparents. Nastya's upbringing in Moscow's finest schools and colleges has shaped her into the woman she is today.

Her liberal sexual preferences and the challenges she faces in finding a soul-mate add depth and relatability to her character.

Duty and Loyalty:

Both Nastya and Bond are driven by a sense of duty, but their loyalties differ.

While Bond serves his country, Nastya's allegiance lies primarily with her mentor, General Melnikov.

This nuanced distinction adds complexity to her character and raises questions about the choices she makes throughout the series.

Vulnerability and Introspection:

Beneath their tough exteriors, both Nastya and Bond grapple with vulnerabilities and moments of introspection.

For Nastya, these instances may lead her to question her chosen path and consider alternative directions in life.

This emotional depth sets her apart from the often one-dimensional portrayal of female characters in the spy genre.

Beyond Nationality:

It's tempting to view Nastya through the lens of her Russian heritage, but to do so would be a disservice to her character.

Nastya is defined by her life experiences, her quick wit, and her adaptability in the face of change. She refuses to be pigeonholed by her nationality or any other label society may impose upon her.

Major Natalya Popova was a stunning redhead. Daughter of a Russian diplomat posted to Prague in the late 1980s and a leading Czech fashion model. In the world of the Eternal Blue Series

In the end, Nastya stands as a unique and captivating heroine in the Eternal Blue series. While comparisons to James Bond may arise, she firmly rejects them, asserting her individuality and depth of character.

As readers, we are drawn to Nastya's complexity, her unapologetic nature, and her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of international espionage on her own terms.

So, let's try to embrace Nastya for who she is—a remarkable protagonist who defies expectations and keeps us enthralled page after page.

The challenge is that It’s automatic to think of her as Russian, and judge her thoughts and actions accordingly.

a scene of Major Natalya Popova in action as she completes her missions in the world of Eternal Blue

That would be a gross oversimplification. She is not defined by her nationality but by her lifetime of experiences, clever enough to change direction whenever she has to, or feels she wants to.

What would she say to you if you asked her about a comparison to my hero, Mr Bond?

Something along these lines...

“Don’t compare me to that two dimensional throwback. I’m not a woman from your stupid comic books or trashy Western films. I’m a real person, but maybe you can’t understand that. ”