A Study in Emerald by Neil Gaiman, art by Rafael Albuquerque

Dark Horse, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-50670-393-0

Available: Hardcover, Kindle edition, comiXology edition

A Study in Emerald is a Lovecraftian/Doyle mystery featuring a brilliant detective and his partner as they try to solve a murder. The investigation follows the investigators, named only as the Detective and the Major, from the Whitechapel slums to Queen Victoria’s palace as they attempt to find the killer of a member of the blood royal. The story follows almost all of the same plot points as the original Holmes story, A Study in Scarlet. There are numerous twists and turns in Gaiman’s story from the moment the Major approaches the front door of the Baker Street residence. It also becomes clear that this world is one where the Great Old Ones have prevailed. Cultists are in power, as are the entities themselves. The royals, after all, bleed green. This graphic novel was adapted from Gaiman’s short story of the same title: http://www.neilgaiman.com/mediafiles/exclusive/shortstories/emerald.pdf.

Readers who enjoy Holmes crossovers with a dash of Lovecraftian horror should pick this up, as well as read the original source material. The story is unique in several respects, especially regarding a few of the big reveals that happen through the investigation. I think the only disappointment I have in this volume is that it ended so quickly. I would have loved to have read more. Albuquerque’s beautiful, rich illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to Gaiman’s tale of a great detective and his companion searching for a killer in an alternate Victorian setting.

Recommended.

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker