A review by davybaby
Aetheric Mechanics by Warren Ellis
3.0
Aetheric Mechanics fits in that broad category of Sherlock Holmes fan-fiction that adds sci-fi/fantasy elements (steampunky in this case). It was well-done, with interesting depth to the Holmes and Watson characters, and an unexpected twist in the character of Holmes.
That said, the whole climax of the story relied on some dubious science, and was too neatly resolved.
I think my favorite aspect, and what made me read it in the first place, was the art. Check it:
Isn't that beautiful!? It's wonderfully detailed, and the black and white line work helps make the fantasy elements seem appropriate and commonplace. It reminds me of the suspiciously ordinary-looking art from [b:Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs|8073|Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs|Judi Barrett|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388176826s/8073.jpg|11045]. There were a few artistic choices throughout that I thought weren't handled well, but for the most part, it was a joy to look at.
If it sounds like your kind of read, it's worth the 30 minutes you'll spend on it.
That said, the whole climax of the story relied on some dubious science, and was too neatly resolved.
Spoiler
I would rather lose some of the mystery storyline in order to see Holmes deal with the implications and morality of being a fictional character/killing to prevent it. The fact that they received the(quite possibly literally) world-shattering news that their world was fictional only a few pages before Holmes solved everything with murder rubbed me the wrong way. Fortunately, Ellis left the ending open, so perhaps the plan was to deal with this lapse in character over the next issue or something.I think my favorite aspect, and what made me read it in the first place, was the art. Check it:
Isn't that beautiful!? It's wonderfully detailed, and the black and white line work helps make the fantasy elements seem appropriate and commonplace. It reminds me of the suspiciously ordinary-looking art from [b:Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs|8073|Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs|Judi Barrett|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388176826s/8073.jpg|11045]. There were a few artistic choices throughout that I thought weren't handled well, but for the most part, it was a joy to look at.
If it sounds like your kind of read, it's worth the 30 minutes you'll spend on it.