Sherlock Holmes: Year One #6

Let me say that I am a Sherlockian. I love Sherlock Holmes, espeshelly those stories by the Great Arthur Conan Doyle (I was the one who created the Creator page for the guy, for the record). So, when I was heard about this series I really looked forward to it. Here is my review of the whole 6-parter (just because I didn't feel like doing a review previously for this series).

Concept

The original concept really sounded like the film "Young Sherlock holmes" and at times there is a feel to it (in fact there is a large similarity between the two which I'll get to later). The basic idea is that Holmes and Watson had an adventure before Doyle's stories, which I'm fine with. I like the idea and would really like something similar to that fact

The Art

The art is fantastic. I hope the artist gets to do something great in their carrier...this shouldn't be high on their things they've done list...

First issue

The first issue has to be the best part of this whole series. The whole "Butlers Did it" is actually quite clever. This was the story which had a mystery to it, where we got to marvel at Holmes' cleverness and get our blood pumping at the action. I would actually recommend that story; it is what I consider a Sherlock Holmes story...that's where I stop my consideration.

The Twelve Caesars (Issues Two-Six)

The rest of 6-parter is devoted to an Adventure called The Twelve Caesars. Essentially, there is a "serial killer" (before there was such a term) who kills random people, each in the way one of the some of the Caesars (you know the roman king like people) died. One is pushed down the stairs, another poisoned, another killed by several people...you get the picture. honestly, there is No mystery to this story. I see lots of adventure, which is sort of enjoyable, but I want a mystery when I read Sherlock Holmes.

The Killer (spoiler? maybe?)

I'll be respectful of everyone by saying This is a spoiler (though not really in my oppinion)

Similarities to Young Sherlock Holmes

If you have ever seen the Movie Young Sherlock Holmes (that links to Screened's page, btw), the idea is sort of the same. Almost too similar. If you watch the full film, you would know the villain was the same. and one could also say that the form of retruilistic killings are similar to the rituals in the movie. However, this comic is only unexpected if you haven't read Doyle that much.

Arc Title

I do want to mention the fact that the title Twelve Caesars is actully pretty interesting. The concept comes goes back to AD 121 being a book written as a primary source about Roman rulers (the 12 Caesars). The villain in this story believes he is descended from a 13 Caesar and that by killing people (very randomly) he would become ruler...I thought he was supposed to be a genius!

I think the title is also interesting because there is a Doyle Story called "The Adventure of the Six Napoleons". This is a case where 6 busts of Napoleon are being shattered for some reason. Is there a parallel? Just an observation

Good: references to previous...or is that future Cases?

So, there is a good thing to this series. there are references to cases they would later have. At one point, we see several references to the Gloria Scott case (nice lady...sorry Sherlockian joke...its actully a ship). Victor Trevor in fact WAS Holmes' room mate and some one else's fiancee. There is also a more major role for Sherlock Holmes Love interest, Irene Adler, which was interesting, but not really suprising when they show her in the covers and description...they should really think about suspense at least.

Bad

Other than expect plot ventures, there are inconsistances in the holmes time stream if you go by Doyle's original stories. I don't mean Watson meeting Holmes before actully meeting him (which the obvious one), but there is also the deal that Victor Trevor is dead before his actual holmes adventure...So, This is not my favorite story. In fact, after last issue's ending which I saw coming so much it was depressing, I amittatly moved this series to my past series list. however, I have this thing where if I start something i must follow it to the end (like writing this review), so I got the final issue. I'm actully glad I got the issue just because of the picture below.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a series which is great for Sherlock Holmes fans, then this is not the place. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but its the truth as I am concerned. If you have not read it, then you are not missing anything. the art is interesting at some parts, so it has that going for it. I just don't consider this MY sherlock Holmes. Its like someone else is using his name or something. It did not have the feel of a sherlock holmes story. I like the new Sherlock holmes movie with Robert Downing Jr. more than this, and I have the same problem with that as I do with this one. That being said, everyone is differnt and none should just go by my word.

So yeah, that is my long winded review!