Adler #1

Although I wished to give Adler #1 a fair shot, the reliance on saying and excessively familiar aspects made it just another forgettable action thriller. It’s written by Lavie Tidhar and illustrated by Paul McCaffrey, and I previously published some preview pages and covers.

I liked the idea of teaming up a bunch of women who transcend the expectations of their era, but I item to most of this first problem actually being about Jane Eyre, who’s pulled from watching guy die on the battlefield (she’s a nurse) to narrate. thanks to woman Havisham, she is introduced to Irene Adler, who is written to noise just like Sherlock Holmes (who we’re told is off at Baskerville). In fact, her first major speech is extremely close in many aspects to Sherlock’s first conversation with John Watson in the BBC series. (There’s acknowledging an influence, and then there’s lightly disguising plagiarism. but it explains why Jane is suddenly returned from war; she’s our Watson.)

All the women have similar body types, with big busts, the exact same face, and what appears like heavy eyeliner. You won’t be surprised to note that Ayesha, “Queen of the Amazons”, is hanging around dirty, foggy London in bikini boob armor, ridiculous as that is.

Carmilla reports to Ayesha in Adler #1

Lady Havisham’s hair explodes from the back of her head, making her look like a vegas showgirl at rest, some ridiculous bird, or perhaps an antique Harley Quinn. She’s also apparently a mad scientist. It would also have assisted if we were told her first name is Estella, since people phone call her one or the other but never both together. There is a cast introduction page, which also doesn’t mention the name Estella or, weirdly, Jane’s last name except in a riddle.

Estella and Jane Eyre in Adler #1

The bad man is Moriarty, whom I am distinctly tired of. He also demonstrates how much a villain he is by killing a henchman, another saying relied on by those who don’t understand how to compose beyond shortcuts.

This is the type of comic that plays into unfavorable stereotypes of the medium — that it’s all about visuals aimed at teen boys and meaningless action. Of course, this is only a first issue. when the team of remarkable women actually forms, things may improve. but as something that’s geared to excite people about the idea and bring them back for more, I don’t believe it’s successful.

There’s a short trailer, if you want to see more of the art and characters:

(The publisher provided a digital evaluation copy.)

Adler #1 cover by Butch Guice

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