Sherlock Holmes & the vampires of London 1 & 2 - a graphic novel review

May 1891. Sherlock Holmes dies at the Reichenbach Falls when he is opposed to his worst enemy, Professor Moriarty. Or that’s what the press tells the people. A made up story, because Holmes is alive and wants to take advantage of his supposed death to travel around the world. But ordinary mortals can easily fool, others will not be convinced. Holmes sees his plans crossed when London vampires find his trail in Paris …

Here starts the adventure of Sherlock Holmes. Holmes is hired by vampires to disarm a vampire that has gone out of control. You must have noticed that this is not an ordinary Sherlock Holmes detective. This is my first encounter with Sylvain Cordurié who took care of the scenario. Although I love more of the old Hammer horror than today's bloody horror, I think this is a very good comic. There are some bloody scenes in this comic, but it's not an excess of violence. I call it functional violence. There is also depth in the story, Holmes asks a female vampire whether she did not feel hate for those who took her life away. She answers that she has lost her life to gain eternity, gain a broader view of the world and experience more intense feelings. Unlike Holmes's life, the emptiness of her existence has been transformed to fulfillment and a sense of abundance.

For Watson, Holmes's sidekick, there is no place in this album. On the one hand, I think that is a pity, but on the other hand, I do not have to hear the statement; ‘Elementary, my dear Watson’ either. I have been annoyed by that statement many times in the Sherlock Holmes movies. Especially because Conan Doyle never wrote this. But now I wander off.

The illustrations by Vladimir Krstic, alias Laci, are very realistic. He also has an eye for detail, interiors and buildings are also beautifully drawn. The violent scenes are very intense. There is a lot of dynamism.

However, I have to mention that the cover was drawn by Jean-Sébastien Rossbach. Also beautiful done by the way.
Axel Gonzalbo also deserves a mention for the coloring of this album. He uses shades that show the time of the gas light.

This comic in two parts is from the collection 1800 of Daedalus publishing company. They've put in a lot of effort to give this comic a luxurious look. It is printed on good quality paper (coated paper) and the hard cover is treated with spot protection (partially shiny).

This is my first acquaintance with this new genre that blends detective with horror and it makes me want for more.

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Horror detective

Links:
Sherlock Holmes wikipedia
Arthur Conan Doyle wikipedia
Sherlock Holmes & vampires of London Goodreads
Sherlock Holmes & les vampires de Londres stripinfo.be
Sylvain Cordurié wikipedia
Vladimir Krstic on the comiclopedia
Vladimir Krstic on wikipedia