In THE ADLER COLLECTION, available from Titan Comics on March 30th, 2021, Jane Eyre returns from the war to start a new life in London. When she encounters the disarming adventuress, Irene Adler, working to stop a deposed Barbarian Queen from exacting revenge on London, her own talents as an adventurer are put to the test.
The Details
- Written By: Lavie Tidhar
- Art By: Paul McCaffrey
- Letters By: Simon Bowland
- Cover Art By: Paul McCaffrey
- Cover Price: $16.99
- Release Date: March 30, 2021
Was It Good?
Yes. It was excellent. This collection of the 5-issue series captures the spirit of adventure so represented in works such as Sherlock Holmes, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and Dracula. Tidhar pays special attention to voicing the alt-history versions of these characters in such a way as to make sense for who they represent in historical context, if not necessarily accurate.
We don’t know what Jane Eyre was like on a personal, day-to-day level, but this collection makes you believe this is how she would speak and act. And that’s the key to historical fiction — believability.
As for the art, it’s sharp and bright. That sharpness exemplifies the romance of turn-of-the-century London in a way that gives the story an almost science-fiction, steampunk vibe that’s great fun to read.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Jane Eyre returns to London from serving in the Boer War as a nurse and ad hoc medic. Losing a loved one in battle and receiving a scar for her troubles has left her wanting a life of peace and quiet.
Through a social connection with Lady Havisham, Jane is introduced to famed American adventuress, Irene Adler, who is also new in town. The two decide to share a rental property for both company and finances.
In short order, Adler receives an unorthodox message for help from Holmes nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Someone is undermining his authority in the London underworld. Before Adler can fully assist, Moriarity is killed by an assassin, Carmilla Karnstein. Ayesha the Barbarian Queen, is behind the assassination and the efforts to take over Moriarty’s criminal network, but becoming a crime boss is part of a larger plan of revenge.
Without spoiling too much, expect to see zeppelin dog fights, death rays, and a few notable cameos including Queen Victoria, Dr, Jekyll, and Nikola Tesla.
Final Thoughts
THE ADLER COLLECTION, available from Titan Comics on March 30th, 2021, executes the right story and art for a mystical steampunk tale to make for a pitch-perfect Victorian adventure. For the cover price, this is an easy purchase choice.
Score: 9/10
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com