Philip K Jones reviews ‘Scandal In Bohemia’
Posted by Steve Emecz on
“This is a different book than most English speaking Sherlockians are accustomed to. First, it has been translated from Czech. Next, it is a graphic version of SCAN, but it also includes SPEC as if it occurred intertwined with events in SCAN. Finally, it also includes additional material. In most cases, the additional material comes as a bit of a surprise. The appearances of Dorian Grey and Mr. Hyde in SCAN may give some indication of the things in store for the reader. This book is the fourth in time-sequence of ten or eleven graphic novels produced by the author. I am not sure how many will be published in English nor in what sequence other items will appear. I’m also not sure how many involve Sherlock Holmes although I expect he will appear in at least five and, perhaps, in six. In any case, these books are not published for children. Adult subjects and illustrations appear and the graphics are well done and interesting. All-in-all, they are presented much better than most comic books I have seen. Readers should be prepared to be surprised. The general story lines follow those in the Canonical Tales, but the difference is in the details. It is never quite clear, in this single installment, who bears which relation to whom. Irene Adler is certainly a major player, but who she works for and who is opposing her for which reasons are not at all clear. One almost gets the feeling that Sherlock is a bit-player in a play that stars others. The artwork is quite individual and is very well-done. The story line is left open and presents more questions than answers. I sincerely hope that later additions to the series will provide a few answers and resolve some of the puzzles. The author’s “take” on Sherlock Holmes is certainly unique and this presentation of two of the Canonical short stories is both unique and fascinating. This is truly an interesting “read.” A Scandal In Bohemia – A Sherlock Holmes Graphic Novel is available for order from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . 
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