Back in Junior
High, I was quite the Sherlock Holmes fan. I had read all the
Arthur Conan Doyle stories; picked up a plethora of stories and
novels written by others (some of my favorites include "The
Holmes-Dracula File" by Fred Saberhagen and "The Seven-Per-Cent
Solution" by director Nicholas Meyer); and watched tons of Holmes
movies and television series (including the Granada Television
version staring the amazing Jeremy Brett). It's easy to admit that
I was a Holmes junkie. As time passed however, I found myself
drifting away from the character and spending more time with another
British import (Doctor Who). The older I get, the less I remember
of the stories I read as a teenager. Such is life.
As I started
reading Moriarty #7, I was immediately taken back to my youth.
Writer Daniel Corey has a real grasp on what a young Moriarty should
sound and act like - Brash, intelligent and dangerous. He's at
least three to four steps ahead of you before you even enter the
room.
We join the story
at Chapter 3 of The Lazarus Tree story arc. It's a perfect jumping
on point for a new reader, as the entire issue is a flashback to the
young professor's life. In the flashback, Moriarty is already well
on his way to becoming the "Napoleon of Crime." The Professor
attempts to employee a young student to take over the operation of
his Bombay office. When the student refuses because of an
obligation to his father, Moriarty begins a ruthless operation that
will eventually change the student's mind.
The way Corey
writes each scene is perfection. Moriarty's character is
impertinent and despite the odds against him, he remains in control
of the situation. It was a joy to read as the plot played out to
the bitter end.
How the flashback
plays against the current story arc isn't covered in this issue
outside of the student's involvement. I'm sure there are more
details in the previous issues.
In the art
department, Mike Vosburg takes on the bulk of the chores. His art
fits the story well and captures the flair of the time period. The
crucial finale is layered perfectly and the panels flow without a
loss in story. His style is a mesh between Eduardo Barreto (who
unfortunately just died) and Tim Truman.
Anthony Diecidue's
opening and closing pages are a bit rougher but also fit the
"present" setting of the story. It's only two pages so it's hard to
mention anything else.
I have to say I
really enjoyed this issue. I'm tempted to add this title to my Pull
List and track down the previous 6 issues or the Trade Edition. You
probably should too if you like Holmes and the characters in his
universe. Professor Moriarty is treated with the respect a villain
of his caliber should be treated.
Pick it up!
