Comikaze: Adapting Sherlock Holmes

Why Sherlock? How did that particular detective become an icon? That was part of the focus of this panel along with looking at the different adaptations over the years. Panelist Bonnie MacBird, pointed out that Sherlock is a “classic superhero” but he has an “Achilles heel that makes him interesting”. She also mentioned that those stories remind us of a simpler time where honor was paramount, and that “the friendship with Watson makes their world come alive”. You cannot have a super hero without a villain and Sherlock’s infamous rival, “Moriarty appeals to people” explained panelist Daniel Corey. He went on to explain that in the world of Sherlock and Moriarty, one just has to find the evil and solve it, making one a hero. These characters have a singular focus, explained Corey, “the game is all there is” for them.

The panelists were asked how they were exposed to Sherlock Holmes with most of them answering that they read the books. However, panelist Sam Weller said his first exposure to the great detective was the animated Great Mouse Detective movie. I think that was also how I came to know the character, that and Young Sherlock Holmes. How did you first encounter Sherlock Holmes?

So what makes a good Sherlock adaptation? One panelist, Sax Carr, does not buy characters that are the best at everything. He wants to see the “dark side of that gift.” A few of the panelists like how the BBC’s Sherlock is a genius but has lost touch with the outside world. MacBird pointed out that the TV show House is another example of a flawed but brilliant character and, in a subtle way, is also an adaptation of Sherlock Holmes. House even has his own Watson in Wilson. MacBird also expressed how she does not like the criticism of ‘too much action’ in the Robert Downy Jr. Sherlock films because the original cannon and short stories actually do have lots of action.

The original story is always the best, but to the to wrap up the panel, the panelists were asked their favorite adaptations of Sherlock and here are their favorites: The Great Mouse Detective, Without a Clue, Sherlock Hound, Detective Comics, BBC’s Sherlock, and Jeremy Brett’s and Robert Downy Jr.’s portrayals. What is your favorite Sherlock Holmes adaptation?

From Left to Right: Sax Carr, Bonnie MacBird, Sam Weller, Daniel Corey, and Tim Powers