This was well done but I’m not sure if I should have been the primary audience for this. The illustrations were good but I think I wanted something more illustrative. This felt too serious for me and wasn’t as entertaining as the actual stories and novels of Sherlock.

Best suited to a younger audience, but a great adaptation just getting into Sherlock. The art style is really cool and I can’t recall seeing it used in another graphic novel I’ve read.

If you have a young reader (10-14) who enjoys mysteries, this is a great one to pickup.

***Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for providing me with an eBook in exchange for an unbiased review.

“The Final Problem” by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Hannes Binder, and translated by David Henry Wilson, is a really nice illustrated version of the famous Sherlock Holmes story.

Sherlock Holmes has been missing, and Dr. Watson has been enjoying married life. When Holmes turns up at his door unexpectedly, it turns out he’s found a dangerous new enemy. The chase begins in London and soon heads to the Swiss Alps. Can Holmes defeat Moriarty?

This was to be the original end of Sherlock Holmes, a character Arthur Conan Doyle, was tired of writing about, but the fans clamoring for more brought homes back to life. The illustrations are black and white line drawings on scratchboard. It kind of looks like wood cuts. I really like the style for this story.

Sherlock Holmes’ most famous adventure, in a striking graphic novel format.

Hunting hat, smoking pipe, coat collar turned up— that’s how we know Sherlock Holmes, the most famous detective of all time. He usually investigates from London’s Baker Street. But Holmes’ most spectacular case leads him in a fast-paced chase from the metropolis of London across the continent to the Swiss Alps. At the roaring Reichenbach Falls there is a showdown between Holmes and his archenemy Professor Moriarty. Who will triumph in this battle between good and evil?

Black and white line drawings on scratchboard are Hannes Binder’s trademark. The Zurich illustrator has created dramatic images of the Swiss landscape for this epic story, the pull of which is hard to resist. An exciting graphic novel for beginners and seasoned Holmes fans alike.”
The story of The Final Problem contains one of the most notorious endings. The story itself seems to be a bit of what an average Holmes story would be, but it is well known that Doyle was very tired of writing the beloved detective, so we will forgive him of this centuries-old debacle and grudge. The original story was published in 1893; it might be time to let it go. That being said, the book we are reviewing now is an excellent rendition of this infamous story. The story itself is a bit shortened, as you often find with reprints of older stories, and the artwork accompanying it is lovely. The art style is very fitting for the overall feel of the story.

My only complaint is that this publishing of the story is being labeled as a “graphic novel,” whereas it genuinely feels more like an “illustrated edition.” We do not have panels with speech bubbles; we have lovely drawings describing one or two sentences in the story on that page. Overall this book is very well done, but if you are a graphic novel reader, do not come into this expecting a graphic novel. Come in expecting a beautifully illustrated edition of this story that was so emotion-provoking that Queen Victoria called Sir Conan Doyle “a cad.”

Content:
There really is not anything objectionable. There are some intense situations, but overall the language is clean, and the storyline is relatively bloodless, outside of the obvious ending that, while we will not spoil for you, is a bit emotional for those who are attached to Holmes as a character.'

This is a spoiler free review.

Sherlock Holmes - The Final Problem graphic novel is excellent. I’ve never read this Sherlock Holmes short story before and really enjoyed the suspense and build up throughout the story as Professor Moriarty follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson through Europe. Reading this graphic novel showed me how similar Will Eisner’s The Spirit’s arch enemy, The Octopus is to Professor Moriarty. They both never give up and try over and over to kill the hero in various ways. Plus both villains are never seen trying to kill the hero until the final confrontation..

The various ways Professor Moriarty tries to kill Sherlock Holmes are perfect. The professor tries dropping a brick on him, running him over with a car, and sending his henchmen after Holmes but each attempt fails until their final confirmation at Reichenbach Falls. The final confrontation was written and drawn so well. The suspense was great and the art work just added even more fright to the scene. I loved how so much was left to our imagination. Like Dr Watson we only got to see the aftermath of the gruesome scene and were left wondering what happened to our hero and the villain.

Reading this graphic novel made me want to read another Sherlock Holmes novel or perhaps BlackSad or another detective story graphic novel.

If you like Sherlock Holmes stories or detective story graphic novels please read this graphic novel. The story and artwork are worth reading this one and then reading to again to examine all the fun details.

Stay awesome and keep reading.

A Sherlock Holmes graphic novel? Who doesn't want it?! 🤗

It's very short, and the illustrations are just *insert heart eyes* I looooved it. Tbh, there isn't much to the story, it's the same old, same old, but it's the illustrations that did it for me! Verrrry cool, almost hypnotic, i legit stared at them for a while!

Thanks so much to Netgalley, artists, publishers for the eARC. All opinions are my own :)

I would not recommend this edition to someone who is new to the Sherlock Holmes universe. Although Sherlock and Watson’s adventure has thrilling moments, the plot of the short story may feel excessively melodramatic and anticlimactic if you haven’t already formed an emotional connection with the characters. Furthermore, because the edition is a graphic novel and Doyle’s prose is missing, you won’t be able to appreciate Doyle’s writing style and will instead get the impression that the plot was crafted solely to kill Sherlock and conclude the series. Because of this, I’d say that the graphic novel is more of an homage to Sherlock Holmes’ legacy and to all Arthur Conan Doyle readers who took the time to understand Holmes and his archrival Professor Moriarty’s goals and motivations than a way to introduce the detective to the new generation.

Nonetheless, all readers receive a beautiful, illustrated version of the short story. I’d also argue that the method of scratchboard drawing used in the book is the ideal choice for interpreting the tragedy that awaits Holmes and the sense of dread that permeates almost every scene.

Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

If you’re a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle you should definitely buy this graphic novel.
The illustrations are just perfect and are a great way to get new readers into the sherlock holmes series.
I haven’t read the original story, but from the other books I can say it’s a great way to enjoy the story!

A really pleasing and attractive adaptation and portrayal of the Conan Doyle story where Sherlock Holmes and his biggest, most intelligent enemy ever both face death at an Alpine waterfall. I did wonder if this, being such a downer and beat of finality (at least until the footnote about the sequel that came about ten years later) is the perfect book to attract new Holmes fans, however. Certainly, for those acquainted with the hero this is wonderful – the art excellently produced using scratchboard techniques – that approach where you carve a top layer from a sheet of product and one slip ruins it all. The style adds to the contents of the illustrations to give a classical kind of Holmes, complete with deerstalker, long coat, and a face we don't really get that much of. The script here was easily read, and didn't feel too modern or chopped up too much for the sake of a young audience. So yes, I am left with the feel that this is starting at the end, which remains the only hindrance I see behind this being a hit. What the artist can do with falling water is remarkable, and in a way that may be behind this book – a man from Zurich choosing this story over the brighter, standardly-resolved ones because of it featuring a local mountain setting. Either way, I am still certainly glad it came about, and for me to have the chance to see it.

I've read and enjoyed other Sherlock Holmes' books. I was interested in this one due to it being a graphic novel. The illustrations are wonderful and complement the story. However, the story is pared down, which takes away from the overall story. You can really "feel" the story unfold.

Holmes faces Professor Moriarty, a criminal mastermind. He asks Watson to accompany him when he goes to the meeting place with Moriarty. Watson agrees to. He is shocked when he believes that Holmes has died while confronting Moriarty at the waterfall. Is Holmes really dead?

I loved this short story. It’s quite a story to read. I am a Sherlock Holmes fan. Reading this story shows the excellent writing of the author besides his ideas. Don’t miss this great mystery!

Sherlock Holmes—The Final Problem is a new illustrated edition of the famous short story. The illustrations are reminiscent of German woodcuts. They are beautiful. The text is abridged from the original version, which may make the story more accessible for younger readers.

Though originally published in 1893, the story holds up remarkedly well in modern times. In fact, it seems almost like a Marvel movie set in Victorian times with its clear hero/villain characterizations. The ending is very effective and shocking, so I won’t ruin the surprise by describing the plot. Overall, a beautifully illustrated version of a popular detective tale. 4 stars for Sherlock Holmes—The Final Problem!

Thanks to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

I love anything Sherlock Holmes so this was an immediate yes to me. The art is beautiful and adds so much to the story, I loved being able to visualize what was happening as I was reading. Loved this.

I received this arc from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review.

First and foremost, I would love to thank NetGalley, the author, and publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Such a great adventure! but not suitable for kids.

Not what I was expecting. I had expected a graphic novel adaptation of The Final Problem. Instead it was an abridged version of The Final Problem with illustrations.

I think the bare bones version bothered me most. Also, the illustrations and text were matched across the pages seemed to be off. Although that could be an eARC problem.

A little sad for having read this.

Date finished: 16th November 2022
Publish date: 4th April 2023

4⭐
📱

Thank you to Netgalley for approving this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore Sherlock Holmes. So when I saw this illustrated version on Netgalley, I absolutely had to request it.

This one was just as good as every other Sherlock Holmes book I've read. The illustrations were absolutely stunning. My only issue with this one is it was a little too short. I was left just wanting more.

Ah, The Final Problem what happens when an author doesn't want to write about their popular character anymore, and as the back points out, not even Doyle could keep Sherlock fully gone. While the general plot of most well-known Holmes stories have been done and redone through various media, I liked this adaption. The art is a real standout. It works well with the text, and the ink like tones add a layer to it, as if Watson was trying to draw out parts of the events as he takes his notes. This seems like a very approachable way to experience a Holmes story.

The graphics in the book were well done. I like the illusions and within the drawings. The story was simple, easy, but kept with the wriitng of the original stories.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

I'm relatively new to the world of Sherlock Holmes. I haven't read the original books but I do love the character. I appreciate the artistry in this reteling - definitely adds to the story.

A little breviate version of the short story contained in the original Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes book. This one comes with some very nice artwork to draw newer readers into the Holmes fanbase. This works equally well for fans of the character as well. Thank you NetGalley for accepting my Request to read this ARC.