ZC Rating 3 of 7: Good
The game's afoot once again for Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, although this time around it is much gamier; downright putrid, in fact. Not so elementary zombies are prowling the fog-bound streets of London in this steampunk and Inverness coat-dressed pastiche from author Ian Edginton and illustrator Davide Fabbri.
In Part One, The Star of Ill-Omen (Issue 1 of 6), Holmes and Watson are brought into the investigation of peculiar and inexplicable events occurring around Baker Street by Inspector Lestrade. In the opening pages, Holmes tangles with an adversary well-versed in the scientific arts of automata--a certain Professor perhaps?--while a green comet sets the stage for the undying detective to meet the undead, who are becoming more common on the streets than hansom cabs.
The story moves quickly, leaving enough mystery to hold promise. The artwork is adequate, but lacks the edginess the world's first consulting detective and his vibrant London warrant. The scenes of 221b Baker Street are perfunctory, and Holmes' visage and dress borders on the dashing; unusual for someone of his spontaneous and somewhat untidy habits. The color palette used for London is also far too chipper.
But this is Holmes and Watson against zombies, a capital idea; so I anticipate an exhilarating adventure grander than his encounter with the Giant Rat of Sumatra.
Review copy courtesy of Wildstorm/DC Comics.
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