With each issue of Ahoy Comics Anthology Edgar Allen Poe’s Snifter of Blood, there is another unique exploration of the man and his stories. Sometimes they are for comic effect, and sometimes they are more serious adaptations of one of his renowned works. In Issue Three, you get a little of both.
The Mystery of Marie Roget
My favorite selection in this issue is a whimsical piece by writer Rachel Pollack and Artist Alan Robinson. In this tale, our erstwhile host, is talking to his readers while imbibing his favorite liquor. As he reminds his imaginary audience of his various great works, he explains how a certain well known Scottish author had basically committed grand larceny of one of his characters. The character in question was Chevalier C. Auguste Dupin. Dupin was Poe’s clever detective who used his vast intellect to solve crimes. The man Poe suspected of liberally borrowing from his tales was Ser Arthur Conan Doyle and his famous sleuth, Sherlock Holmes.
Although, at no time does Poe ever call him by name. But he makes it clear during his over the top drunken invective who the culprit is. Anyone with eyes can see that Sherlock is just a pale imitation of his vastly superior Dupin. To prove his point, he tells the tale of The Mystery of Marie Roget. A young lady who was met with a demise most foul and only the genius of his Dupin can solve the case. But unlike Doyle’s dull witted Holmes, Dupin has no need to peruse the crime scene. He can deduce the guilty by just applying the facts at hand. Unlike that OTHER detective.
The Mental Exercise is All the Entertainment Needed
Likewise, Poe explains that his story needs no gimmicks like giant hounds or snakes to enliven the tale. Just the workings of his great characters mind should more than entertain his loyal readers. And as for solving the case, that is for the law to resolve. Once his man Dupin has laid down the breadcrumbs, and his succinct breakdown of the clues, it’s up to the police to resolve where they lead. Not every tale requires a neat and tidy ending, says Poe. Only those who read that OTHER pseudo writer believe such things. Poe knows HIS readers are not so lazy. As for our Host, now that his liquor bottle has been drained, he will now go with his wife for tea and enjoy one of those French Cheese sandwiches he is so fond of.
The Cask of Amontillado Rediscovered
The other Poe tale is a unique twist on a Poe story that was also adapted in Issue 2: A Tipple of Amontillado. That version was a more classic telling with Poe sharing the story to a group of esteemed authors. It was done in an iconic visual presentation that paid homage to the classic Warren black and white presentation. This version wraps the story in a much different package.
In the future, a distant relative of our famed author is attempting to recover a one of a kind collection of Poe’s works. All the while a futuristic battle is going on. Complete with huge battle robots. During his effort, the rare book is vaporized, and he is left with nothing. Refusing to admit defeat, he decides that he will instead attempt to recreate his ancestors works. Hunkered down in the midst of a battle zone, he starts to write. The first of which is his rendition of the Cask of Amontillado.
In his story however, it is the female in the narrative that embodies the protagonist. She becomes a bricklayer and a demolitions expert to invoke revenge of those who slighted her. Even if that includes herself. Once completed, he is pleased with his work. He did his ancestor proud. Now, if he can just escape the fighting with it. Which he does but not without injury. Months later he is recognized for his efforts to save the great works of Poe (kind of) by the hundreds who still care.
Thoughts
Another winning chapter in the series. As I mentioned, the first tale was a first rate story that was blessed with the talents of Alan Robinson’s creative visuals. No one captures the sometimes whimsical nature in the expressions of the human face better. Even if the person is in the middle of an intoxicated rant. Between his work on PenultiMan and here, Robinson is becoming one of my favorite artists.
Rachel Pollack’s comparisons of Poe’s Dupin to Conan Doyle’s Holmes are made all the more fun since Doyle had long since praised the work of Poe and admitted of his influence on his writing. Maybe if he told Poe that he wouldn’t have raged so. But I suppose a glass or two, or three of bourbon might let the demons loose. At least until the offer of French Cheese Sandwiches. Great work here.
A Poe Tale Reimagined
The Cask of Amontillado Rediscovered shows how many ways that a Poe Tale can be reimagined. I can honestly say wrapping an adaptation of a Poe classic in a futuristic robot battle zone would never have occurred to me. But that’s why creators like Shaun Manning and Greg Scott do what THEY do. Great job. Also special kudos to colorist Andy Troy for a unique and effective muted pallet choice that really works for the story. Two strong entries for the popular anthology.
As always, there are two well written text stories included. One, by Tyrone Finch, that tells a story about a restaurant worker too good to be true, and the other by Brendan Mallory who explores a son who finds out that there was more to his origins than “meats” the eye. These are always worth the read.
Be sure to check out Ahoy’s Edgar Allen Poe’s Snifter of Blood issue 3. Where all great comics are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
