Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Muppet Sherlock Holmes #4 of 4
Boom! Kids Comics
Storck & Mebberson
Muppet Sherlock Holmes wraps up with a good case that really plays off as something interactive. The cast of characters expands a bit for this issue which helps to keep things interesting as well. The issue contains some good one-liners, explosions and some of the expected Muppet nonsense that is as welcome as ever. Overall this is the best issue of the mini series and is an enjoyable book all on its own.
The issue kicks off with a good couple of pages of Fozzi, Kermit, Gonzo, Sam and Rowlf going at it. The group has a number of laughs as Sherlock's abilities are questioned. Once Sherlock accepts Sam's case though, Rowlf exits the book for good which is a shame.
One of the things that made this scene so great was the playful interaction among the extended cast. Storck shows tremendous command of the greater Muppet community and what makes all of them great. Everyone knows how Kermit, Fozzi and Gonzo are together. This sequence of the comic is unique because it provided more than just the core characters doing what they do best. Unfortunately it was too short lived as we fall back into the familiar three characters after page four.
The note on page three launches the book into interesting territory as the book's case is revealed. It manages to involve the reader because the reader has the chance to parse out the note to try to solve the case of the missing persons. As Holmes begins his investigation the book gives enough space for the reader to continue to guess and play along to an extent.
The book becomes a bit awkward at the end because the case splinters off into two cases where the second one has nothing to do with the note. The resolution of the second case doesn't rely on the abilities of Holmes, but just on information from another Muppet. It was a bit disappointed to see the case solved in this manner, especially after the interesting riddle in the beginning.
The artwork is great. Mebberson nails the Muppets and their expressions. She captures all of the silliness and uniqueness that makes them so lovable and funny at the same time. It's amazing how she can get Kermit to suck his mouth in just as the actual Muppet has done so many times on film and on TV. This was the true highlight of the book.
This mini series was loaded with jokes that seem aimed at specific age groups, such as the Caddyshack reference. This keeps the issue from mass appeal and almost feels out of place coming from the Muppets. However, this comic has a level of charm and is loaded with some funny moments that many ages groups can share. This is a good comic but stops just short of being a great one.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
