Like the real Houdini, the character here is always honest about his tricks being just tricks; Houdini claims there is no real magic. Sherlock, a man who deciphers everything through science and logic, is also a rather spiritual man. In this adaptation, Sherlock is having trouble with drug abuse, using some kind of foreign substance to make his mind see things it would not otherwise. Houdini is disappointed by Sherlock’s cold exterior as he had always admired him. Likewise, Sherlock is equally unimpressed by Houdini’s cocky confidence. Writers Anthony Del Col and Connor McCreery (Kill Shakespeare) have taken on quite an intimidating task to portray these larger than life characters, however they have created a fresh plot and the characterisation is spot on with brilliant wit and humour. It is very classic humour and somewhat cheesy, though. Being set in this mystical time era of the early 20th century, they can get away with it being a tad ludicrous. This is all emphasised through Carlos Furuzono’s art, which is striking in itself; he has created great layouts to depict the action and emotion of each panel.
The most famous escape artist, Harry Houdini, had a real life friendship with Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. It wasn’t until Houdini decided it was his duty to shun any kind of real magic and supernatural that there came a conflict between them. This idea has very much been reflected in the friendship between Houdini and Holmes here, only they actually grow to respect each other towards the end. It gets very personal with both heroes having their own issues to deal with, and this builds the characterisation, giving them more depth as a result. It’s a brilliant dynamic duo that could take on many adventures and compelling stories.
SHERLOCK HOLMES VS. HARRY HOUDINI / WRITER: ANTHONY DEL COL, CONOR MCCREERY / ARTIST: CARLOS FURUZONO / PUBLISHER: DYNAMITE / RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 10TH
