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Ruse, Vol. 1: Enter the Detective (Ruse #1)

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 244 ratings · 36 reviews

The world no longer holds any mysteries for Simon Archard, the greatest detective of his age. The stupidity of the common criminal, the ease with which he's caught, the paltry stakes of the game all of it has pushed Archard to the verge of retirement. Then a mysterious new menace takes the stage, a hideous evil playing for very high stakes indeed. Aided by his beautiful an...more

Paperback, 160 pages

Published July 3rd 2002 by Cross Generation Comics (first published January 1st 2002)

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Jul 16, 2011 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels, mystery, read-in-2011, paranormal

When I was a teenager I bought Complete Sherlock Holmes, and then proceeded to read it over and over and over again. I loved those stories! Heck, I wanted to be Sherlock Holmes...minus the ~~opium~~ cocaine (sorry, Robert) addiction, of course. Looking back, it seems a little strange that I was so addicted to Doyle's character 'cause otherwise I was fairly normal for my age (I swear!).

Anyhoo, you can see why I liked Ruse so much, since it combines three of my favorite things:
1)A Sherlock-like chara...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Phillip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Things I liked about this graphic novel: The idea of a Sherlock Holmes type with a beautiful assistant. She was doing all of the right things as far as being interested in him, but at this point there is no chemistry.

I like the Victorian world with gargoyles flying around and some sort of magic in the picture.

I like the idea of a sustained graphic novel about the adventures of this pair.

Now, the things I didn't like. 1) Foremost in story telling craft: Don't withhold information the reader needs...more

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Mar 22, 2011 Thomas rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, graphic-novel, mystery

So, a few weeks ago, a coworker and I were talking about graphic novels, and during the discussion, she mentioned how much she loved Ruse. She told me a little about the premise, and while it didn’t really rock my socks off, she loaned me the first two trade paperbacks to give them a read, and I figured: Why not?

Well, on the bright side, I didn’t spend a whole lot of time reading the collections. And truth be told, the stories aren’t bad, as much as they’re just not anything I’m really intereste...more So, a few weeks ago, a coworker and I were talking about graphic novels, and during the discussion, she mentioned how much she loved Ruse. She told me a little about the premise, and while it didn’t really rock my socks off, she loaned me the first two trade paperbacks to give them a read, and I figured: Why not?

Well, on the bright side, I didn’t spend a whole lot of time reading the collections. And truth be told, the stories aren’t bad, as much as they’re just not anything I’m really interested in reading. The main character is clearly a Sherlock Holmes rip-off, and the fantasy setting and elements are (so far) so slight as to be merely asides to the more mundane challenges the detective faces. It’s clear from the first chapter that Emma, his assistant/partner, has some sort of supernatural ability, but she’s suppressing them as part of a wager that she has going on with … someone. Or something. Regardless, she has a recurring narrative with someone who doesn’t appear in the story, but it’s not so recurring that it becomes a major part of the story. Still, Emma narrates the stories, and she often brings up these abilities that she can’t use, so not only is it never far from the reader’s mind, but it also gets a little annoying.

Archard himself takes the stage whenever the two of them are “on screen,” but he’s such an insufferable, arrogant boor that Emma has to step in often to make up for his lack of social graces. There are hints in the second volume that Archard’s not all he’s made himself out to be, and the writers show a different side of the character, but not enough for me to care that much about him. That makes him a pretty unsympathetic character, which can be a death knell for any story. Of course, saying who is the protagonist here is up for some debate: Is it Archard, or Emma? I’m not entirely sure. I’d guess that reading more of the series would answer the question, but I’m not really interested enough to read further to find out.

As for the stories themselves, they’re entertaining, if a little overwrought in some places. The first volume has a more satisfying story-arc, but didn’t really move me. The second volume is nearly horrible, but not because of the main characters. Instead, the villain becomes the character at center stage, and he’s just not enough to pull off the series. The villain, Lightbourne, is intended to be the Moriarty character to Archard’s Holmes, but he winds up coming across more as a megalomaniacal ninny than as a challenging, recurring antagonist. The potential is there, but it seems wasted when he becomes the focus of the story.

The artwork is fine, but I find myself liking graphic novels where the artwork is more impressionistic than realistic, and in this series, the art definitely falls into the latter category. Despite that, I had a hard time following some of the action scenes, and during the final showdown between Archard and Lightbourne, there were a couple of scenes where I wasn’t even sure what happened. There was something huge happening, and then Archard did … something? … and it all went to hell for Lightbourne. I couldn’t tell you what that was, though. It was definitely the turning point in the battle, though.

This series has many fans, enough so as to demand a reprint of the original stories, but I just don’t get it. That’s fine (I don’t argue with people who say that Steve Alten is a horrible writer, but I still dig his novels), but for all the praise my coworker gushed about the series, I was expecting a lot more.(less)

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Mar 04, 2012 anthony e. rated it 3 of 5 stars

First off, here's the unique thing about my reading experience: the copy i got from the local library had been damaged (i.e. torn apart) and glued back together with the pages out of order. This gave the work a kind of Choose-Your-Own-Adventure, avant garde storytelling tone that made things initially difficult to follow. Once I settled into it, however, I actually found it highly enjoyable.

This is a pleasant comic. Not too trying, not too ground-breaking, but well-crafted and entertaining. The...more

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Mar 11, 2013 StoryTellerShannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels, books-reviewed, fantasy-scifi, thrillers

This is like a smarter Sherlock Holmes set in a fictional Victorian London which changes the name of the city to Parkington. Magic exists though on a tiny level and all of the main women seem to be amazingly dressed and close to beautiful.

Detective Simon Archard is the grim “know it all” detective who sometimes gets moody and leaves his assistant, Emma Bishop (a woman with powers linked to a wizard but only able to use them in dire circumstances) who isn't too bad herself. Obviously, there's rom...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Wandering Librarians rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, graphic-novel, great-graphic-novels-for-girls, mystery, series, ya

Simon Archard is Partington's premier detective, with a photographic memory, extremely focused mind, and cold personality he is able to solve any mystery. Emma Bishop is his linguistically and more socially adept assistant. What starts off as an investigation into drug trafficking, is evolving into a complicated case where the supernatural is involved.

Straight off the bat I would like to proclaim that Ruse is one of the most visually stunning graphic novels I've ever read. It was beautiful, the...more

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Jun 26, 2009 Andrew rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels-comic-books

Had the publisher not gone out of business, I think this series could have been one of its best books.

Highlights: 1) Guice's numerous double-page spreads breaks traditional comic book boundaries. A welcome change in story-telling. 2) Mixing Sherlock Holmes-type detective stories with the supernatural. Just plain cool.

Lowlights: 1) Simon Archard seems flat and a little predictable (could have grown as a character had the series continued, I'm sure). 2) Despite the beauty of Guice's interesting sp...more

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Jun 11, 2007 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic_novels

Excellent first collection of a good comic book character. If you like Sherlock Holmes or Batman, Ruse is definitely for you. The detective is much like Holmes and The Dark Knight, but there's an added edge of magic to add some flair.

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Sep 12, 2012 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels

So it is no secret I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes. Knowing that my mother found this and Ruse, Volume 2: The Silent Partner,and gave them to me as birthday presents. This is a close approximation to Sherlock Holmes in comic form. As well as being a fan of Sherlock Holmes I am a big fan of comics so was pleased to have two of my favorites rolled into one.

In Ruse Simon Archer is the worlds greatest detective, with his assistant Emma Bishop. The only comparison to Holmes is the character personalit...more So it is no secret I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes. Knowing that my mother found this and Ruse, Volume 2: The Silent Partner,and gave them to me as birthday presents. This is a close approximation to Sherlock Holmes in comic form. As well as being a fan of Sherlock Holmes I am a big fan of comics so was pleased to have two of my favorites rolled into one.

In Ruse Simon Archer is the worlds greatest detective, with his assistant Emma Bishop. The only comparison to Holmes is the character personalities. Otherwise this is a separate world with it's own secrets and comic wonders. The mysteries are well written and I attribute that the the profound writing of Mark Waid who has written some of the best Graphic novels which include Kingdom Come. The feel of the stories is similar to Conan Doyle's own style of writing an engaging mystery. The art work if very well done as well so not only was this a joy to read but also quite impressive in the visual sense.

In my opinion the character of Simon Archer feels almost like a combination of Sherlock Holmes and Batman. He relies heavily on building gadgets to pass time and has created his own base of operations from a converted chapel. So it is not an apartment on 221 Baker Street, or a secluded cave, but it seems to mesh the two characters very well into one. Archer's assistant is not a doctor or really has any vocation other than trying to keep up with Archer. In the first issue of this graphic novel we are lead to believe she has an underlying mission which keeps her with Archer but that fails to develop so don't hang on that little bit of information for now. Enjoy the mysteries as they happen. She also is hiding a bit of a secret from Archer, she has super powers. Where these powers come from and exactly what she is capable of are still a mystery to the reader after finishing Vol 1, so I hope a little more light is shed in volume two.

The only thing, for me, that kept this from being a 5 star review is the supernatural aspect of the story and lack of resolution or development for Miss Bishops powers. I felt that the mystery would be just fine without pulling in to play these secret powers that she is troubled with keeping from her partner Archer. After doing much research on this project I found that Mark Waid didn't want to write a supernatural aspect to the story but was pressured into it by the publishing company. That is clearly evident as the powers of Miss Bishop seemed to disappear three issues in. The company also went Bankrupt after the series had wrapped and only had published 2 of the potential 4 volumes this series will encompass. I fear I will never know the true secrets Miss Bishop his hiding from Archer and us the reader. I'll just have to read on. (less)

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Aug 12, 2009 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels-and-manga

A Sherlock Holmes type detective with a partner who is able to stop time.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Kurt rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kurt by: Matt

This volume is a collection of comics originally published around 2001 as part of CrossGen comics, which I didn't read at the time of publication (apparently, no one else read them either, which is why the line didn't publish many issues before going into hibernation and waiting for Marvel to reinvent it over the last year or two). I was definitely missing out here. The story here is a clear homage to Sherlock Holmes, with a few updates to make it a more conventional comic book kind of story. Th...more This volume is a collection of comics originally published around 2001 as part of CrossGen comics, which I didn't read at the time of publication (apparently, no one else read them either, which is why the line didn't publish many issues before going into hibernation and waiting for Marvel to reinvent it over the last year or two). I was definitely missing out here. The story here is a clear homage to Sherlock Holmes, with a few updates to make it a more conventional comic book kind of story. There are a few technological upgrades (don't worry if you hate steampunk; I'm no fan of that tradition either but I wasn't bothered by the hints of it here) and some magic and stuff. I get the impression that some story elements would make more sense if I had read the companion titles (for example, Emma Bishop, who takes a Watson role and provides our point of view, also has some secret magical powers that aren't really explained in these pages). Also, this story takes place in a setting that is supposed to be London in everything but name, which feels like when a character in a movie grabs a nice glass of "Shmepsi" and we're not supposed to notice...

Even with the minor irritations here, this is a terrific comic book. The art by Butch Guice is gorgeous, in a much more elegant and lifelike way than his more recent work. I especially love the way he goes out of his way designing sexy dresses for his villainess, yet he never crosses that vague line that would make her some tawdry pin-up. She stalks through these pages with confidence and grace and a hulking henchman who is always subtly (and hilariously) too large for the panels in which he is presented. The counter to the Baroness, of course, is Emma Bishop, who carries just as much confidence but expresses it differently in her efforts to be taken seriously as an equal partner to her brilliant detective companion. Visually, these women make a great match and draw out a great deal of the richness in this book - officially, it's presented as the story of Simon Archard, the detective, but even with the engaging layers of his character (there are hints of a history with his nemesis "Shmoriarty," and Waid's narrative is charming in its refusal to acknowledge openly just how much he knows of the secrets swirling around him), the story really gets its narrative power from following Emma through the mystery. Emma Bishop is a wonderful character, and I love her banter with Simon (it compares well with Nick and Nora squabbling through The Thin Man) and her interactions with the colorful minor characters around the edges of the story.

Someone expecting the traditional Sherlock Holmes story advertised on the cover may be disappointed with the more contemporary magic/science/horror elements that make the main mystery relatively unimportant. Someone expecting a simple "zap the bad guy" comic book may be turned away by the Victorian setting and Waid's cheeky insistence on a mysterious plot. For someone willing to embrace this book for the charming and well-executed story that it is, there is a little-known gem here. I loved it.(less)

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Apr 14, 2011 Brad rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, graphic-novels

My interest in this book was piqued solely due to the recent relaunch of the series by Marvel, as I avoided the CrossGen imprint like the plague back in the day. The idea that every book in their line contained the 'Sigil-bearer' storyline seemed wrong-headed to me at the time. While I'll admit it may have been rash to dismiss the line wholesale, considering that one of the weakest parts of this book is the 'Sigil-bearer' angle, I will stand by my choice to avoid imprint years ago.

The book does...more

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Sep 14, 2010 Crystal rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novel

An interesting series, with appealing illustrations and bold, beautiful colors. I could do without the character, Simon Archard, however; he's completely useless. Why not have Emma Bishop receive the focus outright? Although playing a protagonist, Simon is in truth a secondary character, but one that seems to serve very little purpose other than to be absent for 'mysterious' and stupid reasons or to be condescendingly smug to the real risk-taker and investigator, Emma.

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May 04, 2012 Stephanie O'neil rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sherlock Holmes with a supernatural element and an assistant who wears pretty dresses. There are so many storylines weaving together that I wish I had the second volume. Six chapters in and we've gotten no answers at all. With mysteries that are occasionally cliche, te graphic novel is redeemed by the occasion creepy moment being so creepy that I actually curse out loud. Emma is definitely a likable character, though.

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Apr 05, 2011 Alger added it

Its Sherlock Holmes in the form of detective Simon Archard. But instead of a poky sidekick in Watson, he has a comely towheaded lass in the form of Emma Bishop, who unbeknownst to him is a sorceress on an enigmatic mission to protect him . . . And there's an evil baroness who looks allot like Angelina Jolie. Why aren't you reading this right now? Why?

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Nov 05, 2011 Don Bernal rated it 3 of 5 stars

If Sherlock Holmes was a bit (a lot ) dickish. Not exactly a mystery, as each story asks more questions that gets answered. Not a satisfying end to the first trade paperback. Very enjoyable visuals - particularly the characters.

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Dec 20, 2009 Travis rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: comic-books

An interesting attempt at a fantasy/mystery series is hurt by making the lead detective so totally unlikable.
That and Waid tries too hard to be clever and captured a Conan-Doyle vibe that some of the stories feel forced and like you are reading an obvious homage to Holmes.

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Dec 17, 2011 Alicia *The Novel Strumpet* Wheeler rated it 3 of 5 stars

I picked this up b/c it closely resembled a series of books by Laurie King with Sherlock Holmes and his young apprentice Mary Russel. One of my first graphic novels so it holds a special place in my heart.

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Jan 29, 2012 Katie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels, read-in-2012

I found the plot to be so hard to follow. At one point, I thought the chapters had been bound out of order within the book. But alas, no. The story just didn't make much sense.

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May 29, 2009 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who likes comics and mysteries

Recommended to Andrea by: Kimberlee Hicks

Shelves: manga-comics, speculative-fiction

Ah, it's the perfect comic! Fantastical Victorian setting, witty dialogue, abounding clever mysteries, a fair dose of exciting action, and a romantic bouquet. I can't believe it ended prematurely when the publisher went out of business. :-(

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Apr 19, 2011 T. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels

Sherlock Holmes meets Gothic Fantasy. THRILLING. One of the few trades where I'm collecting the individual issues AND the spinoffs.

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Nov 05, 2009 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels-comic-books

Completely witty and hilarious. The downside is the series wasn't finished since its publisher went out of business.

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Oct 31, 2010 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk, please-be-mine, will-buy-asap, graphic-picture-comics, sci-fi-and-fantasy, crime-mystery-thriller

God I love this series so much. All I can think now is WHY WAS THIS BEAUTIFUL GEM'S LIFE CUT OFF SO SHORT?

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Jul 06, 2009 Jennifer Gilbert rated it 5 of 5 stars

God Damnit! I wish CrossGen did go under just so that I could read this as an ongoing series

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Aug 16, 2012 Jeff rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: criminals, fiction, graphic-novel, mystery, murder, paranormal, scandals, young-adult

Interesting, seems like a long comic book really. Simon is an ass.

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Aug 14, 2009 Sketchycat8 rated it 4 of 5 stars

great artwork good dialogue and good story!

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Nov 27, 2011 Peacegal rated it 3 of 5 stars

A fast-paced and fun Victorian mystery.

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May 21, 2012 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars

one of those sherlockian-type partnerships, with a detective who's brilliant but socially-inept and his assistant who acts as a liaison b/w him and everyone else. set in a sort of steampunk fantasy world which adds a cool flavor.

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Dec 18, 2010 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic

Witty dialogue, gorgeous art. The story didn't grab me like the second volume, but still!

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Nov 01, 2010 Joanna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: anglophilia, comix, detectives, sherlockiana, scientific-romances, 2000s, neo-victorian

It's a Sherlock Holmes/Out of this World crossover. Everyone is gorgeous, esp. Sherlock or whatever his name is in this one. Also there is Angelina Jolie as an evil witch.

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About Mark Waid

Mark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.

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Ruse, Vol. 1: Enter the Detective (Ruse #1)

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