Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Writer: Anthony Del Col, Conor McCreery
Artist: Carlos Furuzono
Release Date: 14th January, 2015

Holmes and Houdini are still very much at loggerheads as this mini-series enters its third, and perhaps pivotal issue. Save for one fleeting moment of collaboration, the pattern continues in the same fashion as before; each treats the mystery at hand like a game, determined to prove themselves the intellectual superior of the other. Thus far, this is how the ‘versus’ aspect of this min-series has been addressed, through incessant one-upmanship from the titular characters, and the resultant dynamic between the two is beginning to lose its lustre. Fortunately, the issue’s conclusion appears to have provided a suitable catalyst for the pair to bury hatchet and begin working together, something which should perhaps have happened in the last issue.

From a writing standpoint, both characters are a little too similar (aside from a few minor differences in approach), and this is perhaps the sticking point for this particular pairing. I had expected Holmes to be arrogant, aloof, and fairly unlikeable, given that it’s an accepted element of the character, and for Houdini to be the character to whom the reader could relate more, but over the last two issues he’s become ever more like his cantankerous counterpart. For me, this type of story requires the characters in question to be vastly different, and the interest lies in how they overcome their differences and work together to find a solution.

Perhaps the biggest concern I have lies with Carlos Furuzono’s artwork, which suffers from the same flaws as in previous issues. A lack of consistency in character design from panel to panel, and some awkward action sequences disconnected me from the story on a number of occasions. Characters and backgrounds are in the main fairly basic, and lack the ornate opulence of the Victorian era, and the kind of shading and shadow detail required to truly capture an authentic period feel.

Art issues aside, the issue’s conclusion has done enough to retain my interest, so Holmes Vs Houdini may yet have a surprise up its sleeve.

Rating: 2/5.

The Writer of this piece was: Martin Doyle
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