Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Writer(s): Anthony Del Sol, Conor McCreery
Artist: Carlos Furuzono
Release Date: 1st October 2014

This latest crossover from Dynamite brings together the world’s greatest detective and the world’s most famous magician, and adds two more names to the company’s growing roster of historically significant characters. Using an actual event in Harry Houdini’s life as a jumping on point, the central premise involves a ghostly apparition who seeks to punish him for his perceived lack of faith in the supernatural. Sherlock Holmes is drawn into the mystery after witnessing the spectre’s portentous warning be gruesomely realised during Houdini’s London stage show.

Over the course of the issue, Del Col and McCreery invite us deep into the labyrinthine minds of each man, where we discover that they are in fact kindred spirits who share a grudging respect, both bound by ego, logic, and an insatiable curiosity. Given the book’s title, I had anticipated seeing the two iconic figures go head-to-head, but rather than having both men in direct opposition, the series would appear to be focussing on a collaboration between the two. Still, this first issue does feature a fair amount of verbal jousting. The meticulous, scathing deductions of Holmes are cleverly countered by Houdini’s quick wit and unshakable self-confidence in a back and forth battle of wits.

John Cassady’s cover art did much to pique my interest in the title, with Houdini inserted into the negative space created by Holmes silhouette, but unfortunately the interior art doesn’t quite hit the mark. Carlos Furuzono’s characters suffer from a distinct lack of continuity; faces change from panel to panel, and character physiology looks awkwardly out of proportion in places. There are some nice touches: the period style decorations around each page, for example, but I had expected more from a very talented artist.

Art issues aside, Holmes Vs. Houdini creates an interesting dynamic between two larger than life characters and has great potential for further exploration.

Rating: 3/5

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PREVIEW ARTWORK.

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The Writer of this piece was: Martin Doyle
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You can check out more of Martins reviews and thoughts on random retro things over at Retromuse

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