The graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s 2004 Hugo award-winning short story A Study in Emerald captures quite well the original story’s tone. Emerald, adapted by artist/writer Rafael Albuquerque (aided by co-writer Rafael Scavone, colorist Dave Stewart & letterer Todd Klein), deftly mixes the worlds of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. The prose version can be found in Gaiman’s short story collection Fragile Things.
Sometime in the late 19th century, London, a scarred British Army veteran decides to share rooms with a self-described “consulting detective.” The detective is asked by Scotland Yard Inspector Lestrade to look into the horribly violent murder of a foreign prince. As the detective and the veteran combine forces to solve the murder, the reader discovers that the world around these characters isn’t what they’ve read about in previous Holmes stories but (mild spoiler alert) instead one ruled by Lovecraft’s “Old Ones,” Further, the protagonists’ investigation leads them to their encounter with an antagonist who’s just as brilliant as the detective! And when their adversary’s actual identity and motive are revealed, readers (especially if they’re Holmes purists) are guaranteed to be shocked!
Faithfully adapted by Albuquerque and company (with nice art, although Lestrade was never THAT fat in the original Holmes stories), and capturing the compelling drive & atmosphere of the original Gaiman short story, A Study in Emerald is recommended reading to anybody who enjoys a good thriller with unexpected twists!
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