Emma Withington reviews Sherlock: A Study in Pink #2
The Japanese SHERLOCK Manga comes to the USA and UK for the first time ever! Adapting the episodes of the smash-hit BBC America/Hartswood Films TV show that sees Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman) tackling brain-teasing crimes in modern-day London, this stunning manga is presented in its original right-to-left reading order, and in the full chapters as originally serialised. Each oversized issue comes with a selection of BRAND-NEW covers by some of the best Sherlock artists around!
SEE ALSO: Check out a preview of Sherlock: A Study in Pink #2
John Watson has been pulled out of his post-war slump by Sherlock, his high functioning new flatmate, and is ready for adventure in Sherlock: A Study in Pink #2. The game is on! This issue picks up from Sherlock and John’s taxi ride bonding time, by which I mean Sherlock deduces John into amazement, on their way to the crime scene of Jennifer Wilson’s murder(?) – the woman in pink.
Sherlock: A Study in Pink #2 translates more of the charm from the series into Manga form than the first issue – the famous floating text from the show comes into play during Sherlock’s examination of Jennifer Wilson and contains some of the most amusing scenes from episode one of Sherlock – including Sherlock’s humiliating deduction of Anderson and Donovan’s ‘antics’ from the night before… However, as someone who has watched the TV show, it helps that the pacing and intonations are already planted in my mind, some of which may not come across in this Manga – that being said, the pacing seems to be flowing better this issue. I think it is still enjoyable enough and a strong encouragement to watch the show, if you haven’t already. The character designs by Jay are pleasing representations of Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch and are charming within the monochromatic setting. In particular, Benedict’s Sherlock seems to have been made for Manga, with his angular features and slim build.
As far as adaptations go the only thing that has really been adapted is the style and medium it’s presented in, it essentially transcribes the episode verbatim – which is great for fans of the show to relive some of the classic moments (once you’ve got used to reverse reading). A newcomer to the franchise? If you’re a Manga reader this could be a perfect route in to the 21st Century world of Sherlock Holmes. However, being that there isn’t any new content here, Sherlock: A Study in Pink is potentially missable for casual viewers of the series, who wish to see something fresh from the team behind Sherlock.
I would highly recommend Sherlock: A Study in Pink #2 for die hard fans and newcomers to the franchise, but if you’re after a brand new Sherlock adventure, this may not be for you.
The name’s Sherlock Holmes and the address is 221B Baker Street
Rating: 6/10
Emma Withington – Follow me on Twitter
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Originally published July 13, 2016. Updated November 14, 2019.
