Graphic Investigation: Mid City Micro-Con

In the world of Sherlock Holmes things are rarely black and white—evidence is not always what it seems, rules and regulations can be bent, and though an answer is ultimately found, justice is not always precisely served.

Watson & Holmes: A Study in Black goes further, blowing the black and white text of the traditional manuscript into a graphic novel fully rendered in shades of gray and bright colors alike. While he’s at it, creator Karl Bollers gives the whole Holmesian universe a foundational shake-up, turning the sallow scholar of Victorian Baker Street into a black P.I. on the streets of modern-day Harlem. But though his Holmes swaps that famous deerstalker cap for a natty fedora, his wits and his Watson are as diligent as ever, as the duo tries to unravel the criminal tangles of cause and effect while keeping their balance in the shifting world around them.

Tying in with this year's One Book, One Community program, this innovative portrayal of Sherlock Holmes will be featured at this year's Mid City Micro-Con hosted by East Baton Rouge Public Library. It's a perfect fit for the con's theme: “Building Worlds, Breaking Molds,” celebrating diversity in comic book characters, creators, and their fans.

Mid City Micro-Con, which is free and open to the public, will be held April 27 at the Main Library at Goodwood. While the focus is on graphic novels and comic books, the Con welcomes fans of all genres and provides a venue for independent and underrepresented creators to express themselves and connect with the community.

“It's not as overwhelming as a major convention, especially if you've never experienced anything like that before,” said Jessica McDaniel of EBRPL. “It's such a supportive and friendly environment; it really encourages you to join in and not just be a spectator, be a participant.”

The family-friendly cosplay opportunities and Arts & Comics Market are fun, low-pressure ways to start exploring fan culture. Comic enthusiasts can attend panels and workshops on theme, process, and other behind-the-scenes mechanics, as well as discussions on important contemporary issues in media and art, such as diversity, representation, and body-shaming.

Like all the artistic creations present at the Micro-Con and beyond, Sherlock Holmes does not exist in a vacuum. He is shaped by the judgments of the reader in her world as much as the whims of the creator in his, and the effect is only amplified by the hundreds of interpretations and re-interpretations of the character throughout the years. Hence the question this year's OBOC readers are asked to consider:“Who's Your Holmes?” For a complete list of One Book, One Community programs and events, visit ReadOneBook.org.