MANGA CLASSICS SHERLOCK HOLMES VOL. 1

Holmes and Watson’s first adventure adapted into manga format.

Former army doctor John Watson is seeking new living quarters when he meets intelligent eccentric Sherlock Holmes. They become roommates at 221B Baker Street. Holmes’ array of oddly specific bits of knowledge and his constant stream of visitors fascinate Watson, as do his uncanny powers of deduction. After Watson learns that Holmes is a consulting detective, he joins him in investigating the murder of a man whose body bears no external injuries and who’s found lying beside a wall with an ominous message written on it in blood. The text of this adaptation is solid, hitting all the major plot points of its source material. However, the art is where the volume stumbles. The flat illustration style doesn’t allow for detail or nuance in characters’ expressions. The art also at times contradicts the text, contains continuity errors, and utilizes shōjo manga iconography conventions in a confusing manner that hints at departures from the original work. Following the movements of the characters becomes difficult when detailed settings are suddenly replaced by abstract swathes of background color that seem to bear no relation to the emotions on display. All characters present white.

A passable graphic reimagining of an enduring classic.