REVIEW: Sherlock – A Study in Pink #1
In my house, there is an ongoing debate as to which show is better, Sherlock or Elementary. Both shows have their own twist on the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tales of the eclectic detective and his erstwhile partner-in-solving-crime.
Now, and some would say it’s easily done, I am a little confused. For all the gloss, for all the style of the Sherlock show and bearing in mind there is the original books of course, I am unsure why another version is required, especially as rather than present a new story, this book is a straight up adaptation of an already aired episode.
This issue features the writing of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss so as such, the overall feel of the show is well replicated, from Watson’s feeling of being lost in the world all the way to the “lightbulb” moments that occur that have become a bit of a trademark of the show. Reading the book, its hard to judge the writing. With this being an adaptation, if you ae a fan of the show, then you will like the writing here.
The art has a manga style, both in panel structure and line work. This is really no big surprise as the book was originally published in Japanese by Kadokawa. As such, the art in the comic is a marriage between the inherent manga elements and the necessity of having the characters look like their TV counterparts. For the most part, it works well, particularly with the Benedict Cumberbatch scenes. Color wise, it’s a black and white affair, with greyscale effect in place of a true color scheme.
Back to the confusion; as well put together this book is, I am not sure why there is a need for this book. Fans of the show will no doubt have the DVD/Blu Ray’s  and will have watched and re-watched and, for kicks when it is raining, watch it again. Will the book appeal to viewers of the show? I have to say that, for all the fantastic work that has gone into this book, I sincerely hope so.
Oh and if you’re interested, it’s Elementary over Sherlock.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Writers: Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss
Art & Adaptation: Jay
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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