10 Greatest Ever James Bond Villains

By Peter Shelton /

7. Hugo Drax

Not the movie version so much (though the movie Drax is noteworthy for presiding over the pinnacle of Moore-era excess) but the original depiction of Drax in Fleming€™s novel Moonraker earns his place in history by virtue of having one of the most absurdly awesome origin stories ever. As the novel€™s action unfolds, it transpires that Mr. Drax, an English World War Two veteran and successful businessman in charge of Britain€™s future missile defence, is actually a German special commando and fanatical Nazi, who has been impersonating a British soldier for years, awaiting the perfect opportunity to rain down fiery destruction on the country he despises and avenge his fallen Reich. It€™s the sort of National Socialist silliness that you just can€™t get away with any more.