Written by Leah Moore & John Reppion
Art by Aaron Campbell; Tony Aviña; & Simon Bowland
Cover Art by John Cassady
SUMMARY:
In late 2009, Dynamite Entertainment’s opener for this five-part mini-series is released. It’s entitled “The Trial of Sherlock Holmes, Part One: A Smoking Gun.” In October 1895, a warehouse’s massive explosion rocks London’s East End. It’s a grim warning shot of urban terrorism by an unknown bomber. While an admiring Baron Albrect Lothair’s visit to England intrigues Holmes, retired Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Samuel Henry’s predicament is Holmes & Dr. Watson’s immediate priority.
Suffering from tuberculosis, the ailing Sir Henry has been targeted for death by the shadowy terrorist(s) for an unknown motive. Unless the ex-Assistant Commissioner willingly consents to being murdered inside his own home at a specified time, additional bombs will be detonated across London. As Sir Henry’s bodyguards the following night, even the combined forces of the legendary detective duo and Scotland Yard’s best can’t thwart a shocking locked-room outcome.
REVIEW:
In spite of rave industry reviews from Jeph Loeb, Ed Brubaker, & J. Michael Straczynski on the back cover, this first issue has potential — but it’s not some instant masterpiece. Dynamite’s visual inspiration is apparently Peter Cushing’s Holmes, as recreating his British hawk-like approach makes good creative sense.
Much of the time the production values are above-average, including a few stellar panels (i.e. the explosion on Page 2). However, the artwork is muddled in some places, making it harder to distinguish characters from one another (i.e. Inspector Lestrade from Watson). Still, as with the cover image, the artwork succeeds well enough in delivering the goods.
Including a welcome late twist, the plotting conveys a semi-intriguing premise that might well keep Doyle fans tuned in. The question is whether or not there’s really enough going on “A Smoking Gun” to snare casual readers into following Holmes’ unusual dilemma. If anything, this issue makes a good sampler for the complete “Trial” compiled in Dynamite’s Sherlock Holmes, Volume 1 trade paperback (released in July 2010).
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a single-page “Dynamite Dispatches” column. The back inside cover is a full-page cover reveal for Issue # 2.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
