Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook #2
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The good
The Apocalypse Handbook is explained in a fascinating manner making the story more intriguing. More action than the first issue
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The bad
Once the action starts the panels jump unnecessarily between the various situations. Motive could be more inspiring than an auction
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The ugly
- Total score
Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook #2 sees another series of attacks as Mycroft is introduced to a world of intrigue he never knew. It opens up with the Queen and the professor showing Mycroft an arsenal of weapons and devices kept hidden in the palace. One device in particular is similar to the one used to destroy the main hall at the British Museum. They explain to him that they’re blaming that on a natural gas pocket under the museum to avoid panic among the populace. He inquires how it’s possible a working device could be out there yet all the devices in the palace are just for show. They tell him it’s because of the Apocalypse Handbook.
The prime minister called on the brightest writers and scientists to come together at a futurist convention in order to create the greatest blueprints and devices known to man. Their collective work was referred to as the Paradise Papers. However, one of the scientists apparently sold a set of blueprints before all the others were destroyed by another due to an attack of conscience. The Queen and the professor want Mycroft to help them investigate all leads to stop an impending auction that would sell the plans to the highest bidder. But considering his behavior would he even care to help?
The first issue was phenomenal in the sense that it established Mycroft’s character very well while also introducing an intriguing story and mystery. This issue peels back some of the layers of that mystery by providing solid answers but just enough so that the anticipation of more revelations is just as satisfying as the story. The artwork here is just as tremendous as the first issue. And thankfully that’s the case because there’s a lot more action this time around. So my only complaint would be the way the panels jumped back and forth between the various situations once the action started but that’s relatively trivial. That’s because this issue is just as good as the first.
I was impressed with the way the story was laid out and how the Apocalypse Handbook was explained. The interaction between Mycroft, the Queen and the professor was sharp, engrossing and entertaining. The 3 distinct personalities meshed well and Mycroft’s deductive skills shined again. The presumed motive of an auction with the plans going to the highest bidder was slightly underwhelming but since the story was so good I could overlook it. Especially since the scientist who destroyed the other plans due to his conscious was already in custody. It added another wrinkle to the story.
SUMMARY
Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook #2 is a solid follow-up issue that does a wonderful job building on the story introduced in the first issue. The premise of the Apocalypse Handbook is fascinating, and even though a lot of answers are given the overall mystery is still intriguing. I like how the story expands so it’s more than just attacks in London because it raises Mycroft’s stature as well. I just wish the motive was more than just an auction but after 2 issues into this series I’m hooked.
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