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Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook #1
Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook #1
Basketball legend, novelist, and superstar polymath Kareem Abdul-Jabbar brings his take on Sherlock Holmes' older brother to comics at last! An all-new adventure set in the world of the bestselling Mycroft novel, The Apocalypse Handbook sees the diffident, brilliant Mycroft pulled into a globe-spanning adventure at the behest of Queen Victoria and a secret organization at the heart of the British government. A madman is on the loose with civilization-destroying weapons, each two hundred years in advance of the status quo. Can the smartest man in England set aside his idle, womanizing ways for long enough to track down the foe that may be his match?
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2016
12 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
39 books643 followersAs a center for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1975 to 1989, American basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally Lew Alcindor, led the all-time scores in history of national basketball association in 1984.
This former professional player current serves as assistant coach. Typically referred to as Lew Alcindor in his younger days, he changed his name when he converted to Islam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_...
This former professional player current serves as assistant coach. Typically referred to as Lew Alcindor in his younger days, he changed his name when he converted to Islam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 19, 2021
Continuing my journey into the world of graphic novels I recently bought Mycroft Holmes: The Apocalypse Handbook, in a second hand bookshop. It’s a five issue volume based on the popular Mycroft Holmes book series by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
I guess this fantasy featuring a young Mycroft Holmes and his famous brother Sherlock would be classed as Steampunk - ‘a retrofuturistic subgenre of science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam powered machinery’ - Wikipedia (for those of you, like me, who knew of the term but weren’t totally sure of it’s meaning)
The fantastical plot involves the theft of blueprints for some deadly (and bizarre) weapons of mass destruction. Mycroft is enlisted by Queen Victoria to recover the blueprints for the good of mankind. Thus begins a race through this colourful, alternative Victorian world, from Britain to the Wild West to thwart the evil adversaries.
The edition was glossy and the artwork by Josh Cassara was good but there was too much story - the plot meandered, was relatively complicated and relied too much on the text rather than the artwork. Also, I found the smug, wisecracking hero with his continual stream of logic and unlikely problem solving a little annoying.
Overall, this graphic novel is worth a look but not my favourite of the genre.
I guess this fantasy featuring a young Mycroft Holmes and his famous brother Sherlock would be classed as Steampunk - ‘a retrofuturistic subgenre of science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam powered machinery’ - Wikipedia (for those of you, like me, who knew of the term but weren’t totally sure of it’s meaning)
The fantastical plot involves the theft of blueprints for some deadly (and bizarre) weapons of mass destruction. Mycroft is enlisted by Queen Victoria to recover the blueprints for the good of mankind. Thus begins a race through this colourful, alternative Victorian world, from Britain to the Wild West to thwart the evil adversaries.
The edition was glossy and the artwork by Josh Cassara was good but there was too much story - the plot meandered, was relatively complicated and relied too much on the text rather than the artwork. Also, I found the smug, wisecracking hero with his continual stream of logic and unlikely problem solving a little annoying.
Overall, this graphic novel is worth a look but not my favourite of the genre.
February 18, 2018
This isn't the Mark Gatiss Mycroft. Which may disappoint some readers and intrigue others. Also Sherlock makes only a cameo here, this is Mycroft's story.
When I saw Kareem Abdul-jabbar was the author I couldn't help pick it up, not sure what to expect. I'm glad I did. The story is good, interesting alternative history. The artwork is good, a little garish but fitting. And there is Moriarty and Miss Adler, I admit I like these versions better, especially Miss Adler. How often do you find a Black Native American character that isn't a villain, is superfluous or male? Just how often does such a character turn up, period?
I noticed Queen Victoria looks more like Jenna Coleman than the real queen, especially after Albert's death when this is set. Not a big deal but I can't let it go. The other gripe is Mycroft. IIt's hard to believe he's this knowledgeable at such a young age. Clever yes, but also a little insufferable.
But I am sucked in and will read the rest of the books. I want to know what happens next.
When I saw Kareem Abdul-jabbar was the author I couldn't help pick it up, not sure what to expect. I'm glad I did. The story is good, interesting alternative history. The artwork is good, a little garish but fitting. And there is Moriarty and Miss Adler, I admit I like these versions better, especially Miss Adler. How often do you find a Black Native American character that isn't a villain, is superfluous or male? Just how often does such a character turn up, period?
I noticed Queen Victoria looks more like Jenna Coleman than the real queen, especially after Albert's death when this is set. Not a big deal but I can't let it go. The other gripe is Mycroft. IIt's hard to believe he's this knowledgeable at such a young age. Clever yes, but also a little insufferable.
But I am sucked in and will read the rest of the books. I want to know what happens next.
October 30, 2018
Another fun Mycroft story from Abdul-Jabbar.
In the first novel Kareem wrote about Mycroft I said while he didn't create MY mycroft, he did create a fun and interesting character. Well, the same goes here except, this one doesn't even seem to be Kareem's Mycroft. The two characters don't jibe. As an example, Mycroft from the novel was the ultimate in frugality, but the Mycroft in this book is planning expensive Mediterranean cruises.
But it is a fun story with interesting historical tidbits and interesting characters.
In the first novel Kareem wrote about Mycroft I said while he didn't create MY mycroft, he did create a fun and interesting character. Well, the same goes here except, this one doesn't even seem to be Kareem's Mycroft. The two characters don't jibe. As an example, Mycroft from the novel was the ultimate in frugality, but the Mycroft in this book is planning expensive Mediterranean cruises.
But it is a fun story with interesting historical tidbits and interesting characters.
June 22, 2018
Terrible graphic pastiche of the Sherlock Holmes world, with a third-rate Wild, Wild West plot(in fact the movie screenplay was better) and at the end I hated the Holmes brothers.
A Study in Disaster.
A Study in Disaster.
December 12, 2017
Really cool take on Mycroft, I really enjoyed it!
February 23, 2017
I'm not sure if I like this version of Mycroft. I think Gatiss has spoiled the character for me.
June 4, 2018
Engaging and Creative
I’ve been reading Abdul-Jabbar’s fictional works more out of curiosity than anything else. This is the first graphic novel I’ve had the opportunity to read. The story has stunning graphics and a suspenseful and engaging storyline. I immediately became a fan of reading the fiction of Abdul-Jabbar after reading the novel “Mycroft Holmes”. I’ve enjoyed reading the mysteries of Mycroft Holmes and look forward to reading the fourth coming “Mycroft and Sherlock”.
I’ve been reading Abdul-Jabbar’s fictional works more out of curiosity than anything else. This is the first graphic novel I’ve had the opportunity to read. The story has stunning graphics and a suspenseful and engaging storyline. I immediately became a fan of reading the fiction of Abdul-Jabbar after reading the novel “Mycroft Holmes”. I’ve enjoyed reading the mysteries of Mycroft Holmes and look forward to reading the fourth coming “Mycroft and Sherlock”.
October 31, 2022
Apparently, this conception of Mycroft Holmes is not only smarter than Sherlock, he is more of a "man's man" and secret agent than James Bond. I had to look at it almost as a satire, even though I don't think it was meant to be. As long as you are willing to suspend a whole heck of a lot of disbelief, it's a fun romp.
August 4, 2016
A lively, clever take on a young Mycroft. The scenes depicting his genius are believable and the hints of what's to come in his career are there. As a Sherlock nerd, I'm pleased to have found this!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews