It was only a matter of time until an indie comic team put something based on Harry Houdini together. Forever entrenched in pop culture, the magician is still remembered to this day and for good reason:

Before Chuck Norris, there was Houdini.

Not many men could take a punch to the chest from anyone in the world and make the daring escapes he did. It practically lends itself to the comic book genre. In a way, the guy was a super hero.

Sean Von Gorman and Todd Hunt’s comic is a success mainly because it captures this element. Through the course of reading, there’s no doubt that Houdini is capable, athletic and intelligent. Like a combination of Sherlock Holmes and Batman, he’s a character with an interesting past that is focused on helping others save their future. While Hunt and Von Gorman’s writing isn’t as polished as it could be, as the character often feels a bit too thin and cliché at times, there’s enough moments of poise and confidence to make you think the series will be better written in the future.

It’s not that the writing is horrible either. There’s just too much focus on one liners and easy comedic devices. One scene in particular between Houdini and his wife feels robbed out of an episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” as the magician tries to cover up his night of crime fighting to his suspicious wife. It’s not a bad scene, it’s just a bit too hokey, especially considering the supernatural and mystical ton most of the book has.

Von Gorman’s art is able to capture this tone perfectly. While in black and white, the gray smokey elements and detailed action scenes show the precision of a talented young artist. Between that and the beautiful cover, it’s hard to complain about the art in this book.

While not quite a sleeper hit, there’s enough positives in between the pages to make you think that Houdini’s new adventures are not only just beginning, but are bound to get better in time.

Related posts:

1. Review Fix Exclusive: Sean Von Gorman Interview Review Fix chats with up and coming comic book artist and writer Sean Von Gorman to hear about his new series with writer Todd Hunt, “The Secret Adventures of Houdini.”...
2. Costumes, Adventures, Readings, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy® Highlight Kid’s Day At Wizard World Austin Comic Con on Sunday, November 13 Popular Nickelodeon® Character, Kids Adventure Passport Quest, Kids Costume Contest, ‘My Favorite Giant’ Reading Just a Few of the All-Day Activities at Wizard World Digital Booth NEW YORK and AUSTIN,...
3. Review Fix 2011 New York Comic Con Coverage: Interview with Deathklok Comic Book Team Jeremy Barlow and Nate Piekos Review Fix chats with the team behind the Deathklok comic book from Dark Horse, writer Jeremy Barlow and letterer Nate Piekos. Discussing their time on the series and in comics,...
4. ‘The Secret Circle’ Recap: Not Too Secretive, Somewhat Intriguing ‘The Secret Circle’ is the new CW series is playing into the whole teenage fantasy genre, similar to The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural. It seems network must be trying to...
5. Don’t Read With an Empty Stomach Scholastic publishing is set to release a new book by Ramin Ganeshram, “Stir It Up!” The book is unlike the average teen chapter book. In it, readers will not only...