Review by Ian Keogh
The writing team of Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery have hit on an instantly intriguing concept with their title match-up. The world’s greatest fictional detective pitted against the greatest escapologist of his era, whose methods aren’t entirely known to this day, is a mouth-watering combination.
They begin with Sherlock Holmes far from his best, over-indulging in narcotic substances and imprisoned for his resulting behaviour, while Harry Houdini is in London with a show to promote. He, though, is being targetted by someone he initially dismisses as akin to the fraudulent spiritualists he frequently exposes. There’s an instinctive rivalry between the pair as Holmes believes he can deduce Houdini’s methods, while Houdini enjoys the challenge of disproving that.
Del Col and McCreery can use too much dialogue, but the reason Sherlock Holmes vs. Harry Houdini isn’t the thrill it ought to be is down to artist Carlos Furuzono. He’s technically good, and tells the story, but in the most mundane way. The viewpoints remain fixed on head and shoulders when the spectacle on show demands a wider view for maximum effect. It’s exemplified by the sample art of Holmes tracking Houdini and them jumping from tram to tram. It’s efficiently drawn, but without any sense of drama.
On seeing the face of the person taunting Houdini readers may make the connection with an infamous influence also around during the early years of the 20th century. Once they’re revealed, though, they’re the cackling histrionic type of villain and everything descends into pulp melodrama, sucking away any thrill.
There was potential here, but you’d be better off looking for a different Sherlock Holmes graphic novel.
