Sherlock Holmes has enjoyed a long and varied life on screen and off screen as the world’s fascination with the world’s most eccentric detective has spawned more than its share of copycats. One of the most interesting versions is Monk, who instead of a drug addiction, suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder. The other version is Psych, where the main character is a fake psychic with excellent deduction skills. The last television comparison I can make, and one that may seem offbeat, is House, where instead criminal cases he solves medical ones that would flummox most doctors.
On the big screen, the most effective versions were the ones from my childhood, as I strongly remember Disney’s take, with the Great Mouse Detective, which not only captivated me as a child, but inspired me to read detective novels. The next take that had a great effect on me, is Young Sherlock Holmes, which was Steven Spielberg’s take on the character, as his imprint is all throughout, but Sherlock’s spirit sincerely shines through. The most recent offbeat take, was Mr. Holmes, which finds an older Sherlock, played by Sir Ian McClellan, revisiting an old case, as the viewer sees that most of the time, truth is truly stranger than fiction. Within the comics realm, creators have simply done more than all the other mediums combined, as his anon has taken more diverse paths as well as creating an expanded universe in the most unique way.
Most recently, Titan Comics, home of the Doctor Who properties, have dipped their toes in adapting one of the more well known stories of Sir Conan Doyle, A Study in Pink, which instead of doing a direct adaptation, they are using the script from the extremely popular BBC reboot. Within this story, the reader is introduced to Dr. John Watson, an Iraq War Veteran, who writes a blog as a form of therapy. You are then introduced to Sherlock Holmes, an eccentric, violin playing hermit, who works as consultant to Scotland Yard. Nothing much is told about the actual case, but both characters are introduced to each other, before becoming roommates.
Overall, an interesting retelling of a classic tale in the canon, but in ways that would otherwise be deemed unorthodox, and ones I know Sir Doyle I can only imagine he would actually appreciate. The story by Steven Moffat is definitely firing on all cylinders, as it is as strong as it was on television. The art by Jay is not only true the manga styling it was meant to be but also to how the actual actors look like. Altogether, an interesting first issue, which I will definitely be following.
Story: Steven Moffat Art: Jay
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
