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Les Quatre de Baker Street #1-2
The Baker Street Four, Vol. 1
Based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, The Baker Street Four provides an inside look behind the infamous Baker Street Irregulars.
Billy, Charlie, and Tom are inseparable, and for good reason. Filled with con men and scoundrels, London’s East End is not easily survived alone. Fortunately, the three friends—and their faithful feline companion—can count on the protection of Sherlock Holmes, for whom they sometimes act as spies.
When Tom’s girlfriend is kidnapped, the Baker Street Irregulars must put their budding sleuthing skills to use. Then, when a Russian immigrant is framed for a Jack the Ripper–inspired crime, our heroes set out to discover the truth and uncover a conspiracy that may go deeper than they ever imagined. Armed with only their quick wit and street smarts, the Baker Street Irregulars must work together to solve mysteries in the nick of time. Make way for the youngest detective team of the Victorian era!
Hailed by critics and audiences, The Baker Street Four has received numerous awards and was featured at Angoulême in 2012. Insight Editions is proud to continue to bring this exciting story to English audiences worldwide.
Originally published in 2009 by Vents d’Ouest/Glenat Editions.
Billy, Charlie, and Tom are inseparable, and for good reason. Filled with con men and scoundrels, London’s East End is not easily survived alone. Fortunately, the three friends—and their faithful feline companion—can count on the protection of Sherlock Holmes, for whom they sometimes act as spies.
When Tom’s girlfriend is kidnapped, the Baker Street Irregulars must put their budding sleuthing skills to use. Then, when a Russian immigrant is framed for a Jack the Ripper–inspired crime, our heroes set out to discover the truth and uncover a conspiracy that may go deeper than they ever imagined. Armed with only their quick wit and street smarts, the Baker Street Irregulars must work together to solve mysteries in the nick of time. Make way for the youngest detective team of the Victorian era!
Hailed by critics and audiences, The Baker Street Four has received numerous awards and was featured at Angoulême in 2012. Insight Editions is proud to continue to bring this exciting story to English audiences worldwide.
Originally published in 2009 by Vents d’Ouest/Glenat Editions.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 77 reviews
September 2, 2021
Let me start off by saying the artwork in this book is spectacular. I felt like I was looking at a Dan Bluth cartoon the whole time. It did a really great job of setting the mood.
The Baker Street Four are three street children who work for Sherlock Holmes and I guess their cat. These are the cases they solve when Sherlock is off on cases of his own. The stories are fun, set at a frenetic pace.
Received an advance copy from Insight and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Baker Street Four are three street children who work for Sherlock Holmes and I guess their cat. These are the cases they solve when Sherlock is off on cases of his own. The stories are fun, set at a frenetic pace.
Received an advance copy from Insight and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2017
I admit that I still haven't read any Sherlock Holmes' story/book that is why I'm not familiar with the Baker Street Irregulars. I'm still looking for the leather hardbound version of the Sherlock Holmes' book, which is always out of stock in our local bookstores here in our country. I guess this comics is a good way to get acquainted with some of the characters in Doyle's famous detective.
This graphic novel's detailed illustrations and the stories, The Blue Curtain and The Rabukin Case, made this worthy to read. If you love reading Sherlock Holmes' detective stories, you might also enjoy reading this. Just don't expect a lot because Holmes has a small exposure only on both stories in this comics.
This graphic novel's detailed illustrations and the stories, The Blue Curtain and The Rabukin Case, made this worthy to read. If you love reading Sherlock Holmes' detective stories, you might also enjoy reading this. Just don't expect a lot because Holmes has a small exposure only on both stories in this comics.
June 28, 2017
Let me just start with the praising of an artwork - the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous!
It got me right in Victorian era, Whitechapel, London East side and it was beautiful! Such a vivid and alive graphics!
The adventures of the Baker Street Irregulars are based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, the great detective and mentor to Billy Fletcher, Black Tom O'Kilburn, Charlie and a cat (of course) - the real main characters of this stories.
Working for Sherlock they get involved in unexpected cases trying to solve them and I have to say they are pretty great at doing it!
I am in love with this adventurers stories that kept my excitement going from page one and I am definitely going to continue to read about The Baker Street amazing Four!
Disclaimer: This graphic novel have some NOT kids-friendly content as it might look by the artwork: words and dialogues, in general, are more mature, so you might want to check this out before buying it for your kid.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review or rating.
It got me right in Victorian era, Whitechapel, London East side and it was beautiful! Such a vivid and alive graphics!
The adventures of the Baker Street Irregulars are based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, the great detective and mentor to Billy Fletcher, Black Tom O'Kilburn, Charlie and a cat (of course) - the real main characters of this stories.
Working for Sherlock they get involved in unexpected cases trying to solve them and I have to say they are pretty great at doing it!
I am in love with this adventurers stories that kept my excitement going from page one and I am definitely going to continue to read about The Baker Street amazing Four!
Disclaimer: This graphic novel have some NOT kids-friendly content as it might look by the artwork: words and dialogues, in general, are more mature, so you might want to check this out before buying it for your kid.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review or rating.
March 28, 2017
The art style in this is frickin gorgeous, the story is well written and fun and who doesn't love a Sherlock Holmes inspired story!?
Wonderful!
*Huge thanks to Oliver Legrand, J.B. Djian, Insight Editions and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
Wonderful!
*Huge thanks to Oliver Legrand, J.B. Djian, Insight Editions and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
February 2, 2017
If you like Sherlock Holmes, there is very little of Sherlock Holmes in this series, from what I can see. It is really about four of his Baker Street irregulars, that he would have help him in spying for him. And, after all, that is what it says on the tin...I mean the book cover.
So, this is more like reading a Dicken's story, rather than one of Sherlock Holmes, which the group getting into saving girls from being forced into slavery, and working with Russian revolutionaries. Very boys adventure sort of thing.
Truth be told, I was rather bored with it. I guess I wanted more Sherlock Holmes. It all seemed as though it were written by someone from the 21st Century, who had read Dickens, and imagined how it must be like.
My suggestion? Read Dickens and Sherlock Holmes books instead. If you like boy adventures, I guess this is ok, but not much mystery involved here.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
So, this is more like reading a Dicken's story, rather than one of Sherlock Holmes, which the group getting into saving girls from being forced into slavery, and working with Russian revolutionaries. Very boys adventure sort of thing.
Truth be told, I was rather bored with it. I guess I wanted more Sherlock Holmes. It all seemed as though it were written by someone from the 21st Century, who had read Dickens, and imagined how it must be like.
My suggestion? Read Dickens and Sherlock Holmes books instead. If you like boy adventures, I guess this is ok, but not much mystery involved here.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
January 14, 2016
Muchos de los aquí presentes hemos disfrutado en más de una ocasión de las célebres historias del detective y consultor Sherlock Holmes, ya sea gracias a los libros de Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, las películas o la serie de televisión de Gatiss y Moffat, y lo que sacamos en claro es que este personaje no es uno de los que dejan al público general indiferente.
Ya sabemos que este hombre es en ocasiones frío y otras tantas algo histriónico, y es capaz de descubrir infinidad de detalles en todo lo que le rodea gracias a su poder de observación, pero debemos reconocer que no siempre todo depende de él sino de su habilidad a la hora de "pactar" con su entorno. Un ejemplo de esto son los famosos irregulares de Baker Street, un grupo de "niños perdidos" del estilo de los que de Peter Pan (vistos por primera vez en la novela Estudio en escarlata) que reciben un chelín diario por informar a nuestro detective y hasta una guinea si los chicos le proporcionarn alguna pista válida que le ayude en cualquier caso en curso.
Sigue leyendo...
Ya sabemos que este hombre es en ocasiones frío y otras tantas algo histriónico, y es capaz de descubrir infinidad de detalles en todo lo que le rodea gracias a su poder de observación, pero debemos reconocer que no siempre todo depende de él sino de su habilidad a la hora de "pactar" con su entorno. Un ejemplo de esto son los famosos irregulares de Baker Street, un grupo de "niños perdidos" del estilo de los que de Peter Pan (vistos por primera vez en la novela Estudio en escarlata) que reciben un chelín diario por informar a nuestro detective y hasta una guinea si los chicos le proporcionarn alguna pista válida que le ayude en cualquier caso en curso.
Sigue leyendo...
June 14, 2017
'The Baker Street Four, Vol. 1'by Olivier Legrand and J. B. Dijan with art by David Etien has two separate stories featuring a trio of young street kids (with a cat to make four) who sometimes help out Sherlock Holmes. Except here, it seems like the other way around.
In both stories, the kids help out young women. In the first story, the young woman is about to be sold into prositution, and the kids have to work with people they know on the streets to help her out. In the second story, the young woman is on the run from her home country of Russia. Assassins are out to kill her, and her companions are being framed with the murders of Jack the Ripper. This time out, Sherlock Holmes is out of the country on a case, so the kids will have to figure this one out on their own.
The stories don't particularly feel like Sherlock Holmes stories, and that could be because he only makes fleeting appearances. These aren't really mysteries either so much as adventure stories. They are fun and I liked Billy, Charlie and Tom. The art is pretty good with lots of details in some of the street and bar scenes. In spite of the subject matter, I think younger readers would like these adventures.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Insight Editions and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
In both stories, the kids help out young women. In the first story, the young woman is about to be sold into prositution, and the kids have to work with people they know on the streets to help her out. In the second story, the young woman is on the run from her home country of Russia. Assassins are out to kill her, and her companions are being framed with the murders of Jack the Ripper. This time out, Sherlock Holmes is out of the country on a case, so the kids will have to figure this one out on their own.
The stories don't particularly feel like Sherlock Holmes stories, and that could be because he only makes fleeting appearances. These aren't really mysteries either so much as adventure stories. They are fun and I liked Billy, Charlie and Tom. The art is pretty good with lots of details in some of the street and bar scenes. In spite of the subject matter, I think younger readers would like these adventures.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Insight Editions and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
August 6, 2018
I read this twice,once for the story which was good and again for the artwork,which was fabulous.There are some are some adult situations,so I don't think it's appropriate for young kids.
May 23, 2017
I requested for a copy of a graphic novel, The Baker Street Four Volume 1 in Net galley. I thank Net galley and Insight editions for fulfilling my wish.
The graphic novel "The Baker Street Four" is about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes unofficial force called Baker Street Irregulars. The book has two stories one is "The Blue Curtain" and the second is "The Rabukin Case".
The Blue Curtain:
Chubby Charlie, acrobatic and energetic Tom, Billy and a feline are the Baker street irregulars. Tom's girlfriend Betty is kidnapped in front of his eyes. Tom along with his friends reach Door No.221B to find out that their master Sherlock Holmes has gone to crack a case in Surrey. Tom had glanced at the kidnapper who had a unique tattoo on his hand that of crowned skull with two roses. As they are tutored by Holmes they start to investigate. Did they save Betty?
The Rabukin Case:
The story involves one of the Russian refugee an idealist Viktor Rabukin falsely arrested for killing O' Sally and believed to be new Jack The Ripper. His lover Katya Ivanova try to get the help of Sherlock Holmes on the way she was to be killed by some Russians but the timely intervention by our irregulars saves Katya. She comes to know that Sherlock has left for Austria in search for a stolen Stradivarius. Katya narrates her story that they are from Saint Petersburg, Russia and they are supporters of Socialist revolution. Like others they tried to escape from the clutches of Okhrana (The Russian Tsarist secret police) and stayed some time in France but Okhrana was behind them so they came to London, here Viktor gave speeches about the prospect of planning a future Russian revolution from England. Two days later Viktor was taken into custody as evidence of murder found in the attic room.
After hearing the sad story and their love of murdered O' Sally they convince Katya that they will investigate as they are assistants to Sherlock Holmes.
Did they find out who the real culprit in planting the evidence in Viktor's attic room? Did they found who is the real new Jack the ripper? all are answered in the remaining pages of the novel.
First I have to mention the artwork, it is rich in exhibiting Victorian era buildings, costumes, horse carriages etc. The action scenes are awesome, the acrobatic stunts of Tom are nicely done. The panels are breathtaking and the plot line is good. The characters Tom and Billy make fun of each other which often ends in fisticuffs but their friendship and mutual understanding never gets affected. Charlie is a girl, on advice of Holmes she disguises as a boy. The cat a small character often seen with them helps the three in dire situations. I loved these characters and awaiting to see their next adventure.
The graphic novel "The Baker Street Four" is about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes unofficial force called Baker Street Irregulars. The book has two stories one is "The Blue Curtain" and the second is "The Rabukin Case".
The Blue Curtain:
Chubby Charlie, acrobatic and energetic Tom, Billy and a feline are the Baker street irregulars. Tom's girlfriend Betty is kidnapped in front of his eyes. Tom along with his friends reach Door No.221B to find out that their master Sherlock Holmes has gone to crack a case in Surrey. Tom had glanced at the kidnapper who had a unique tattoo on his hand that of crowned skull with two roses. As they are tutored by Holmes they start to investigate. Did they save Betty?
The Rabukin Case:
The story involves one of the Russian refugee an idealist Viktor Rabukin falsely arrested for killing O' Sally and believed to be new Jack The Ripper. His lover Katya Ivanova try to get the help of Sherlock Holmes on the way she was to be killed by some Russians but the timely intervention by our irregulars saves Katya. She comes to know that Sherlock has left for Austria in search for a stolen Stradivarius. Katya narrates her story that they are from Saint Petersburg, Russia and they are supporters of Socialist revolution. Like others they tried to escape from the clutches of Okhrana (The Russian Tsarist secret police) and stayed some time in France but Okhrana was behind them so they came to London, here Viktor gave speeches about the prospect of planning a future Russian revolution from England. Two days later Viktor was taken into custody as evidence of murder found in the attic room.
After hearing the sad story and their love of murdered O' Sally they convince Katya that they will investigate as they are assistants to Sherlock Holmes.
Did they find out who the real culprit in planting the evidence in Viktor's attic room? Did they found who is the real new Jack the ripper? all are answered in the remaining pages of the novel.
First I have to mention the artwork, it is rich in exhibiting Victorian era buildings, costumes, horse carriages etc. The action scenes are awesome, the acrobatic stunts of Tom are nicely done. The panels are breathtaking and the plot line is good. The characters Tom and Billy make fun of each other which often ends in fisticuffs but their friendship and mutual understanding never gets affected. Charlie is a girl, on advice of Holmes she disguises as a boy. The cat a small character often seen with them helps the three in dire situations. I loved these characters and awaiting to see their next adventure.
May 1, 2017
I received a free eARC of this graphic novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Baker Street Four - Billy, Tom, Charlie, and their cat - sometimes act as the eyes and ears of Sherlock Holmes in London's East End and they know they can rely on him for protection; you might know them as the Baker Street Irregulars. When Tom's girlfriend gets kidnapped, they'll have to put their detective skills to the test and along the way take in a new member becoming the youngest group of Victorian detectives.
Sherlock Holmes is one of my all time favorite characters and I have a hard time resisting anything that in some way involves the character. Of course, this graphic novel focuses on the Baker Street Irregulars and we get an inside look at what they do for Holmes and just how dangerous their lives can be. I've always wanted a greater look at these street urchins from what we've seen of them in the original stories and the adaptations, and this does a wonderful job showing what's on the line. I particularly enjoyed getting to know the Irregulars and their interactions with Holmes - and seeing this Victorian London in graphic novel form. The art, by the way, is excellent - the color palette really suits the story.
This graphic novel's easily a four star read, but my experience reading the eARC, or at least trying to figure out how I'm supposed to read it, made me lower my rating to just three stars. I don't know if it was just me, but it was difficult to enjoy a graphic novel when none of the words are in the right spots. All of the text is below each page worth of illustration, so at times it could be difficult to figure out what parts went in each bubble. That being said it could make it difficult to keep track of who exactly is speaking. Another issue, I went in thinking this would be a graphic novel marketed more toward MG audiences, but just to let you know some of the language and subject gets a bit iffy for that age group and at times this could easily fit the YA categorization.
Overall, if you're a fan of any incarnation of the character of Sherlock Holmes, this graphic novel is must read. It's all the better if you want to see Holmes from another fresh perspective. I'm definitely interested in continuing this series (and seeing a finished copy to sort out exactly what dialogue goes with where) in the future.
Thanks again to NetGalley for providing me with this eARC of The Baker Street Four by Oliver Legrand and J.B. Djian.
The Baker Street Four - Billy, Tom, Charlie, and their cat - sometimes act as the eyes and ears of Sherlock Holmes in London's East End and they know they can rely on him for protection; you might know them as the Baker Street Irregulars. When Tom's girlfriend gets kidnapped, they'll have to put their detective skills to the test and along the way take in a new member becoming the youngest group of Victorian detectives.
Sherlock Holmes is one of my all time favorite characters and I have a hard time resisting anything that in some way involves the character. Of course, this graphic novel focuses on the Baker Street Irregulars and we get an inside look at what they do for Holmes and just how dangerous their lives can be. I've always wanted a greater look at these street urchins from what we've seen of them in the original stories and the adaptations, and this does a wonderful job showing what's on the line. I particularly enjoyed getting to know the Irregulars and their interactions with Holmes - and seeing this Victorian London in graphic novel form. The art, by the way, is excellent - the color palette really suits the story.
This graphic novel's easily a four star read, but my experience reading the eARC, or at least trying to figure out how I'm supposed to read it, made me lower my rating to just three stars. I don't know if it was just me, but it was difficult to enjoy a graphic novel when none of the words are in the right spots. All of the text is below each page worth of illustration, so at times it could be difficult to figure out what parts went in each bubble. That being said it could make it difficult to keep track of who exactly is speaking. Another issue, I went in thinking this would be a graphic novel marketed more toward MG audiences, but just to let you know some of the language and subject gets a bit iffy for that age group and at times this could easily fit the YA categorization.
Overall, if you're a fan of any incarnation of the character of Sherlock Holmes, this graphic novel is must read. It's all the better if you want to see Holmes from another fresh perspective. I'm definitely interested in continuing this series (and seeing a finished copy to sort out exactly what dialogue goes with where) in the future.
Thanks again to NetGalley for providing me with this eARC of The Baker Street Four by Oliver Legrand and J.B. Djian.
June 17, 2017
Originally published in French, The Baker Street Four graphic novel collection focuses on the children that assisted Sherlock Holmes in his cases.
Billy, Tom and Charlie are called upon from time to time by the consulting detective to follow suspects and report their actions back to them, but when not on a case, they are young kids on the streets of Victorian London and invariably find themselves swept up in events.
This graphic novel collects two stories. The first focuses on introducing us to the characters and then involves them in tracking down Tom's flower selling girlfriend Betty when she is kidnapped off the street right in front of Tom. The second story finds our trio involved in proving the innocence of a Russian refugee whilst London is in the grip of fear that Jack The Ripper has returned.
Billy is the cerebral one of the bunch, emulating Sherlock himself. Tom is the firebrand who's temper usually does as much harm as good. Charlie is the buffer between the two and hiding a secret of his own.
I know that you might be thinking that a comic graphic novel where the three main characters are kids means the story is aimed at younger readers, but you'd be wrong. While the story is fine for slightly older readers, the tone and topics in the stories make this something less likely for kiddie readers to get their hands on.
The art in the book is pretty good and I really enjoyed the stories themselves. I think the inclusion of a cat as a fourth "member" of the group was a little ridiculous though. It felt like an afterthought to kind of fool people into believing the story was geared more towards younger readers or perhaps to attract interest from animated moviemakers.
But that was the only real misstep that I felt occurred. I was genuinely entertained by the book and found myself wanting more. Which is probably a good thing since I saw that there is a second volume coming out in a couple of months.
Billy, Tom and Charlie are called upon from time to time by the consulting detective to follow suspects and report their actions back to them, but when not on a case, they are young kids on the streets of Victorian London and invariably find themselves swept up in events.
This graphic novel collects two stories. The first focuses on introducing us to the characters and then involves them in tracking down Tom's flower selling girlfriend Betty when she is kidnapped off the street right in front of Tom. The second story finds our trio involved in proving the innocence of a Russian refugee whilst London is in the grip of fear that Jack The Ripper has returned.
Billy is the cerebral one of the bunch, emulating Sherlock himself. Tom is the firebrand who's temper usually does as much harm as good. Charlie is the buffer between the two and hiding a secret of his own.
I know that you might be thinking that a comic graphic novel where the three main characters are kids means the story is aimed at younger readers, but you'd be wrong. While the story is fine for slightly older readers, the tone and topics in the stories make this something less likely for kiddie readers to get their hands on.
The art in the book is pretty good and I really enjoyed the stories themselves. I think the inclusion of a cat as a fourth "member" of the group was a little ridiculous though. It felt like an afterthought to kind of fool people into believing the story was geared more towards younger readers or perhaps to attract interest from animated moviemakers.
But that was the only real misstep that I felt occurred. I was genuinely entertained by the book and found myself wanting more. Which is probably a good thing since I saw that there is a second volume coming out in a couple of months.
February 3, 2020
Cómic juvenil con dos historias detectivescas, ambientadas en el Londres de Sherlock Holmes. El dibujo es realista y correcto, y los personajes protagonistas, tres jóvenes sin muchos recursos y un gato, están muy bien retratados. Este tomo incluye dos historias autoconclusivas, y esto es lo que más ne ha fallado, sobre todo en la primera de ellas. Esperaba un poco más de misterio, casos con algo más de complejidad ... pero al final son excesivamente simples. También me ha chirriado algún toque machista, que entiendo que puede ser debido a su contexto del siglo XIX, pero al estar enfocado a un público juvenil, pienso que podrían haber evitado. En resumen, es un cómic correcto, pero no me ha dejado suficiente buen recuerdo como para continuar con la serie.
July 26, 2017
This book was an unfortunate but decided meh for me. The art was lush, the main characters distinct in their characterization. Secondary characters were more hit and miss as far as being visually distinctive (except for Sally, god love 'er). The backgrounds were extremely detailed, which sometimes helped and sometimes hindered; action scenes had a tendency to look like a freeze-frame rather than being imbued with action themselves. The three main scamps were fine as protagonists, and could certainly carry further adventures. I guess I just wasn't that sold on the cases themselves.
The first case, the kidnapping, was okay, and functioned as a fine if basic introduction to the characters and their environment. The second case... I didn't take issue with the content of the story so much as the execution, largely due to the scene where Billy hypothesizes about the significance of the perpetrators' actions, followed immediately by a scene of the perpetrators vocalizing exactly that. I know that the Irregulars are supposed to be smart, but this felt far too convenient and contrived. At that point, it was just a matter of the story playing out, the plot being foiled, the bad guys being punished. There wasn't any surprise, nothing to look forward to other than it being over--though I did enjoy the framing, with both cases ending on Baker Street with Holmes & Watson. And cookies.
There was certainly potential here; I'll be curious to see if the Irregulars take on more cases in the future, and if anything will have changed between now and then. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
The first case, the kidnapping, was okay, and functioned as a fine if basic introduction to the characters and their environment. The second case... I didn't take issue with the content of the story so much as the execution, largely due to the scene where Billy hypothesizes about the significance of the perpetrators' actions, followed immediately by a scene of the perpetrators vocalizing exactly that. I know that the Irregulars are supposed to be smart, but this felt far too convenient and contrived. At that point, it was just a matter of the story playing out, the plot being foiled, the bad guys being punished. There wasn't any surprise, nothing to look forward to other than it being over--though I did enjoy the framing, with both cases ending on Baker Street with Holmes & Watson. And cookies.
There was certainly potential here; I'll be curious to see if the Irregulars take on more cases in the future, and if anything will have changed between now and then. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2017
Sherlock Holmes often used some street youths as part of his investigations, calling them the Baker Street Irregulars. They were perfect for gathering intelligence, following people, or staking out places. In this story, three of the children (Billy, Charlie, and Tom) along with their cat, have their own investigations while Mr. Holmes is out of town. First, Tom's girlfriend Betty is kidnapped and they have to find her. Second, Russian immigrant Viktor is falsely accused of murder and the immigrant's girlfriend needs help. Sounds like a great premise for a kids' graphic novel, right?
Well, Betty is being sex-trafficked; Viktor agitates for a workers' revolution and is being framed as a new Jack the Ripper by the Tsarist secret police, who are apparently all over Europe manipulating events. The stories are interesting but not kid-friendly. The art wallows in the squalor of late 19th century London, with a bit more blood, violence, and foul language (even from the kids) than I want my seven- or nine-year old to see.
The book has a big disconnect between its premise and its execution, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader and glad I didn't let my children read it before I did.
Not recommended.
Well, Betty is being sex-trafficked; Viktor agitates for a workers' revolution and is being framed as a new Jack the Ripper by the Tsarist secret police, who are apparently all over Europe manipulating events. The stories are interesting but not kid-friendly. The art wallows in the squalor of late 19th century London, with a bit more blood, violence, and foul language (even from the kids) than I want my seven- or nine-year old to see.
The book has a big disconnect between its premise and its execution, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader and glad I didn't let my children read it before I did.
Not recommended.
August 11, 2017
Originally published in French in 2009/2010, this English translation (by Mark Bence) had a release date of May, 2017 under the Insight Comics imprint.
The story is written by Olivier Legrand & J.B. Djian. The virtuoso art is by David Etien. This volume includes two full stories (really novella sized). Both stories are solid. I've always been a fan of the canonical Holmes stories which include the Irregulars, and even though these stories obviously aren't in the canon, they live up to the Holmes legacy.
I've read a -lot- of Holmes pastiches and stories and homages... most of them are weak in one respect or another. These two stories are entertaining and complete. I enjoyed both so very much.
The art is absolutely beautiful and lifts the narrative to a whole other level.
As other reviewers have stated, because this is a graphic novel (i.e., 'comic book') it doesn't follow that it's a kid book. There is a lot of explicit fighting and violence, prostitution and adult themes.
Well worth picking up. Lovely treatment of Holmes and the Irregulars!
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
The story is written by Olivier Legrand & J.B. Djian. The virtuoso art is by David Etien. This volume includes two full stories (really novella sized). Both stories are solid. I've always been a fan of the canonical Holmes stories which include the Irregulars, and even though these stories obviously aren't in the canon, they live up to the Holmes legacy.
I've read a -lot- of Holmes pastiches and stories and homages... most of them are weak in one respect or another. These two stories are entertaining and complete. I enjoyed both so very much.
The art is absolutely beautiful and lifts the narrative to a whole other level.
As other reviewers have stated, because this is a graphic novel (i.e., 'comic book') it doesn't follow that it's a kid book. There is a lot of explicit fighting and violence, prostitution and adult themes.
Well worth picking up. Lovely treatment of Holmes and the Irregulars!
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
June 1, 2017
I loved it! I can't wait for volume 2! I thought the art was fantastic and the story was a lot of fun. I really appreciated that while this graphic novel takes place in the world of Sherlock Holmes, he doesn't really appear that much; the focus instead is on three street urchins who sometimes act as Holmes' eyes and ears on the streets. They are able to have their own adventures when Sherlock Holmes conveniently leaves town and they are called on to solve mysteries themselves. One thing I will say is that as I was reading it I wasn't sure if it was meant for a teen or adult audience. The main characters are teens but sometimes the subject matter is a bit adult or seems geared towards an older audience. Even so, I purchased it for the teen section of my library and I am sure they are going to love it.
Another thing I loved about this graphic novel is that there is a cat in it:)
Another thing I loved about this graphic novel is that there is a cat in it:)
June 12, 2017
The Baker Street Four are a group of spies that watch the streets of London for the infamous Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Billy, Charlie, Tom, and their cat get into saving lives and stopping villains in this story. They set out to save a girl after she's been kidnapped and find the truth when a Russian immigrant is framed for a crime Jack the Ripper would appreciate.
The art design is absolutely beautiful! I couldn't applaud Etien's artistry more. The illustrations were colorful, detailed, and had a unique style that fit perfectly with the story. The story though... did not fair well for me. The way the ARC was given to me the words were separate from the actual images. It made the story difficult to follow but even without the complication I think it would have been hard to follow nonetheless. I don't know if it's just me but the accents threw me off as well. I've read books where characters have accents before but this one didn't work for me. I just ended up being bored although I do like the potential of the characters. There just needed to be more direction when it came to the plot.
The art design is absolutely beautiful! I couldn't applaud Etien's artistry more. The illustrations were colorful, detailed, and had a unique style that fit perfectly with the story. The story though... did not fair well for me. The way the ARC was given to me the words were separate from the actual images. It made the story difficult to follow but even without the complication I think it would have been hard to follow nonetheless. I don't know if it's just me but the accents threw me off as well. I've read books where characters have accents before but this one didn't work for me. I just ended up being bored although I do like the potential of the characters. There just needed to be more direction when it came to the plot.
June 19, 2017
The Baker Street irregulars have been present in most interpretations of Sherlock Holmes in some form or another, whether they're the underground network of homeless as in the newest television series, or a group of scrappy street urchins as in this graphic novel.
The book is about three friends, who band together to keep safe and make their way on the streets of London. There's the charismatic one, the impulsive romantic and the one who is actually a girl. Typical stuff.
The three help Sherlock solve crimes by serving as his eyes and ears on the street, but when the great detective is away the three must find the clues and solve the kidnapping of a young girl by themselves, which leads them ultimately to a much bigger and more dangerous conspiracy.
Great art, fun story, nice cameo of Holmes and Watson, great that the story focuses this time on these younger characters.
The book is about three friends, who band together to keep safe and make their way on the streets of London. There's the charismatic one, the impulsive romantic and the one who is actually a girl. Typical stuff.
The three help Sherlock solve crimes by serving as his eyes and ears on the street, but when the great detective is away the three must find the clues and solve the kidnapping of a young girl by themselves, which leads them ultimately to a much bigger and more dangerous conspiracy.
Great art, fun story, nice cameo of Holmes and Watson, great that the story focuses this time on these younger characters.
March 14, 2017
Thanks to Insight Comics and Netgalley for an ARC of this book for review purposes!
The Baker Street Four caught my eye because of the vibrant cover. I am often a fan of European graphic novels because the art is so rich and detailed, and this book is no exception. The pages of The Baker Street Four are bursting with life and motion. There are full backgrounds filled with interesting visuals, and the characters are always in motion and a delight to look at. In comparison to the often minimalist designs of manga or North American comics, it's always refreshing to see the visually stunning artistry of a comic of this sort.
The stories are quite fun as well. The first deals with Betty, beloved of one of the Four, being kidnapped by a pimp. Sherlock's little band of helpers has to track her down and rescue her. In the second, the Four are embroiled in a Russian Tsarist plot against socialists and a mystery surrounding the return of Jack the Ripper. Sherlock himself only appears at the end when he debriefs the kids on what happened, but even without him, the book features interesting mysteries and some great action. It's not very kid friendly despite the child protagonists. There is a lot of violence, talk of rape, and general scuzzy things occurring. This is a book for adults and it managed the blend of youthful characters, but adult themes quite well.
While I have not read the original French, the translated text flows well, and the characters all have their own voice. All in all, this was a great comic to bring over to North America, and a delight to read!
The Baker Street Four caught my eye because of the vibrant cover. I am often a fan of European graphic novels because the art is so rich and detailed, and this book is no exception. The pages of The Baker Street Four are bursting with life and motion. There are full backgrounds filled with interesting visuals, and the characters are always in motion and a delight to look at. In comparison to the often minimalist designs of manga or North American comics, it's always refreshing to see the visually stunning artistry of a comic of this sort.
The stories are quite fun as well. The first deals with Betty, beloved of one of the Four, being kidnapped by a pimp. Sherlock's little band of helpers has to track her down and rescue her. In the second, the Four are embroiled in a Russian Tsarist plot against socialists and a mystery surrounding the return of Jack the Ripper. Sherlock himself only appears at the end when he debriefs the kids on what happened, but even without him, the book features interesting mysteries and some great action. It's not very kid friendly despite the child protagonists. There is a lot of violence, talk of rape, and general scuzzy things occurring. This is a book for adults and it managed the blend of youthful characters, but adult themes quite well.
While I have not read the original French, the translated text flows well, and the characters all have their own voice. All in all, this was a great comic to bring over to North America, and a delight to read!
March 21, 2017
Well done! Again, another wonderful spin-off from Sherlock Holmes. This time around, this graphic novel centers on the street kids whom Holmes utilizes as his “eyes and ears”. The mysteries are solved by the kids themselves, given that Holmes is often out of town on other assignments. The illustrations are top-notch and the storyline sufficiently exciting and action-packed. The only suggestion I have is to make the arrows of the speech balloons straight instead of lightning-jagged. It was a little distracting. I do look forward to the rest of the series as they are published.
Review copy provided by Net Galley.
Review copy provided by Net Galley.
June 4, 2017
I am a massive Sherlock Holmes fan - I've read pretty much all of the original Conan Doyle short stories and novels, and binged on nearly every single adaptation I could get my hands on. The Baker Street Four is a delightful graphic novel concerning a group of three of the Baker Street Irregulars - aka the network street urchins Holmes employed to keep him informed. The eponymous four are Billy, Tom, Charlie and an adorable tiger-striped kitty called Watson. Together, they solve crimes. Honestly, you don't need much more to convince me to read this. Would definitely recommend to fans of Sherlock Holmes spinoffs and graphic novels.
June 14, 2017
In this volume are two cases solved by the Baker Street Irregulars. In the first case, The BSI is trying to locate the kidnapped girl friend of Black Tom. Using their street smarts and contacts, they located her, and improvised a plan that freed her and shut down a house of ill-repute. In the second case, the BSI were seeking to solve the murder of one of their contacts when their case intersected with the plight of Russian emigres who were the target of a Russian secret police scheme. Plenty of action, plenty of mystery, and fun characters. My only complaint is that the skies are too blue for Victorian England.
March 7, 2018
I greatly enjoyed all the references to the original Sherlock Holmes characters and stories, and was surprised the author didn't shy away from the true nature of East End Victorian England, especially with respect to what happened to unprotected girls and women in that environment.
I wish I could read this story in its original French - I'm curious how phrases such as "The game is afoot!" and "Elementary, my dear Watson" translate into different languages. My one concern was the artwork; it was a little to bright and cheerful for both the subject matter and the smoky,decrepit London of the times.
I wish I could read this story in its original French - I'm curious how phrases such as "The game is afoot!" and "Elementary, my dear Watson" translate into different languages. My one concern was the artwork; it was a little to bright and cheerful for both the subject matter and the smoky,decrepit London of the times.
December 25, 2025
Gorgeous artwork. I'm not sure what age bracket the audience for this graphic novel should be based on the story - there is some action packed violence and sympathetic portrayals of Bolsheviks. England is oddly clean for this period - no coal smoke and horse crap I guess. Our trio of street urchins are well dressed. With the exception of some squabbles, they are well mannered disciples of Sherlock Holmes, often trailing people at his request. Holmes calls them his "Baker Street irregulars" and makes one or two cameos. I enjoyed it mostly for its artwork, although one precocious cat looks more like a caricature of a tiger than a domestic cat.
January 12, 2018
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free copy for me to read in exchange for an honest review.
A great first installment in the series of the three friends' adventures, which can be viewed as a spin-off of the famous Sherlock Holmes's stories.
Billy, Charlie and Tom get into some shady incidents, with some shady characters and important secrets being unraveled the deeper I dived into the story.
All in all, a great graphic novel, with inviting illustrations which made me like the story even more, and a story full of mystery and adventures.
A great first installment in the series of the three friends' adventures, which can be viewed as a spin-off of the famous Sherlock Holmes's stories.
Billy, Charlie and Tom get into some shady incidents, with some shady characters and important secrets being unraveled the deeper I dived into the story.
All in all, a great graphic novel, with inviting illustrations which made me like the story even more, and a story full of mystery and adventures.
July 17, 2020
Amazing drawings that gives me a nostalgic feel of old non-Disney 2D-animation movies (always a plus), and the coloring is simply gorgeous. The main characters are kids, yet prostitution, politics and violence play a big part of the story which is set in Whitechapel, London in the Victorian era. Holmes himself plays a minor part, and the story is full of charm. My only complaint is that it's not always super easy to see which speech bubble belongs to which character because if the way they're drawn.
August 21, 2023
Un par de historias que sirven para presentar a los pillos que protagonizan estos comics. Mas ala del dibujo claro y agradable y de la historia o los personajes me ha llamado muchisila atención la composición de algunas viñetas en las que los protagonistas de la escena apenas se ven y la imagen te hace perderte en una escena que representa un momento cotidiano cualquiera de las calles del Londres victoriano en el que se ambienta la narracion. Unas escenas cargadas de detalles, preciosas.
December 5, 2018
The stories here aren't the real draw of this book. It's a cute Sherlock Holmes pastiche, but it doesn't stand out for me. However, beyond the story, what's going on in the background adds so much depth: the cityscapes and Londoners are so interesting. Those elements are so engaging as to almost detract from the central story.
October 18, 2023
I love Sherlock Holmes it is such a great series and this is a great extension. I enjoyed the plot lines of the different short stories and I loved the perspective of Watson the cat! The book I only gave 3 stars as in parts I found very cringe and not like original Sherlock but have to remember this is Arthur writing anymore! Overall fun stories to read nice and quickly.
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