Manga Classics: Sherlock Holmes, Vol. 1

Gr 6 Up–When Dr. John Watson is sent home to England after suffering both illness and injury during the Second Anglo-Afghan War, he finds himself in severe financial hardship. A colleague tells him of an acquaintance who is looking for a roommate, leading Watson to the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes. Despite not being an official detective of the government, Sherlock Holmes is the finest detective consultant around. The two team up to solve a murder mystery that’s shaken the city. The “Manga Classics” series makes its return to the forefront of edutainment comics in style, with this being their first release in color. The art is wonderful, with attractive character designs that are sure to keep readers’ attentions throughout. The story is easy to follow with the accompanying artwork, and paced nicely too, making this manga adaptation of Sherlock and Watson’s first encounter a great gateway to Arthur Conan Doyle’s universe. The chemistry between both leads is noticeable immediately, and it’s heartening to see them work together not only as roommates, but as friends, too. Getting teens to read 19th-century literature may not be the easiest task, but this manga is an excellent introduction for newcomers to Sherlock lore, making it well-deserving of a spot in manga sections—or even classics sections, on a bold day.