Sherlock Holmes vs. Harry Houdini #1
Writers: Anthony Del Col & Conor McCreery
Artist: Carlos Furuzono
Colorist: Aikau Oliva
Publisher: Dynamite
Fact and fiction collide when the world’s greatest magician meets the world’s greatest detective in Sherlock Holmes vs. Harry Houdini issue #1. What makes this five issue series particularly interesting is that Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle knew each other in real life. While Houdini actively campaigned against spiritualists, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle put his faith in those who claimed to possess other worldly powers. Anyways, enough history.
In this issue, Houdini and Holmes meet for the first time in Scotland Yard, where Houdini is performing for the local authorities, and where Holmes is being held for drug abuse-again. Holmes, with his usual deductive flare, exposes the mystery behind Houdini’s great escape. After trading a few snappy remarks, Houdini prepares to leave in order to get ready for a show later that night, and is confronted by a group of ghostly figures who demand that Houdini confesses to his lies about spiritualism before someone dies.
Convinced that whoever is behind this mysterious threat is nothing more than a bag of wind, Houdini announces that the show will go on. Adding that it will be so thrilling, that even the great Sherlock Holmes will stay sober from start to finish. Such a challenge is exactly what Holmes is in need of, because as we discover back on Baker Street, Holmes hasn’t had an interesting case in some time.
Houdini might have been simply teasing Holmes, but the mystery that appears at the end of this issue is sure to keep the great detective sober as he attempts to pull back the curtain to reveal Houdini’s mortal enemy. This isn’t the first time Holmes has had to face a supernatural foe. However, it is not everyday Houdini steps into the role of a detective. It will be interesting to see what Houdini can bring to the crime fighting table. One thing is certain, having these two men come together promises to be an entertaining to read, especially since their egos are so big that they barely fit on the page.
So, who will solve the crime first?
Holmes?
Houdini?
Only time will. For now, all readers can do is collect data, take notes, and observe each event as it unfolds. The game is afoot fellow sleuths, and there are only four more issues to go!
– Elizabeth Rico
