IDW Publishing 2015
Written by David & Scott Tipton
Illustrated by Ron Joseph
Coloured by Jordi Escuin
This adaptation has so far been one of the most interesting and surprising of all the Sherlock Holmes stories out there. How often would you think that Sherlock Holmes and Sigmund Freud would get together after all.
Last issue John went to see Mycroft as the issue ended and that’s where we pick things up here. Of course why he went to see him is the whole Moriarty thing that has become an unhealthy obsession for Holmes. Really he’s so gaunt and withdrawn and just a shell of the man he used to be that it is more than rather alarming. This version of Mycroft is the overweight one and while a large man he doesn’t seem to have lost a step. Though he and Sherlock haven’t seen each other in more than a year he’s still willing to stop everything and help his brother.
Now the relationship between Watson and Mycroft has been almost as complicated as the brothers own. However these two men both care about Sherlock and seeing them work together well it’s almost as much fun as watching the other Holmes/Watson team. The characterization is here and it’s delightful. It’s just more comical and harder to take Mycroft as seriously when he has this whole Tweedledum appearance. However never forget this is Watson’s narration to another so she may write his final book and that’s the point of view we get here complete with the omission of things said that aren’t pleasant.
In the morning John receives a summons from Sherlock and it requests he take precautions for the “Game is Afoot.” There’s another request that he bring Toby as well and well i’m not sure i’m used to Sherlock using a dog like Toby to assist him in his endeavours. It’s well done mind you and takes the right approach to the use of the dog and it’s talents it’s just that well I’m used to Sherlock being able to miraculously deduce what he needs. Kind of a new implication that this Moriarty business has touched more than he cares to admit but no it’s Toby’s olfactory senses that are needed here.
I have to admit that there are times that it seems like this is more Abbott and Costello and less Holmes and Watson. The interior artwork helps that feeling along as it seems that Sherlock’s actions are more manic and physically expressive plus this whole new even thinner look makes a difference. Though with the game afoot his colouring is better but he’s still off to me. Oh the backgrounds though wow Victoria Station is gorgeous here and seeing at this time in history is just beautiful.
There’s something nice about John’s unease at deceiving his friend and orchestrating a meeting with Freud. More so since it seems that this adventure has perked up Sherlock to a degree where he’s actually happy again. The brothers Tipton really do know how to utilize what’s what in a story to showcase what’s needed to really get to both the heart and meat of the story. Ron’s interiors are stunning and his work in bringing this to life remains true to the written text as well as showcasing his skill to convey a lot that’s unspoken. There’s a lot of subtle stuff happening with the characters that you see through Ron’s interiors and it’s a great companion to the story.