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Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short #1-5
Dirk Gentlys Holistische Detektei, Band 2 - Ein zu kurzer Löffel: Bd. 2: Ein zu kurzer Löffel
Nachdem sein letzter Fall Dirk Gently ins sonnige San Diego führte, hat er sich dort kurzerhand niedergelassen und eine neue Detektei eröffnet. Schließlich kommen die Fälle ja zu ihm, das ist das holistische Prinzip, denn für Dirk ist alles verbunden. Auch in seinem neuesten Fall findet sich Dirk in einem Absurditätenkabinett wieder, in dem sogar das Innenleben eines Nashorns eine signifikante Rolle spielt! Douglas Adams' durchgeknallter Privatdetektiv endlich auch in Comicform!
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
17 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 2, 2016
Mysterious bi-continental problem has Dirk Gently of the Holistic Detective Agency globe trotting. If quirky science jokes and dry humor with twists are your thing, then this graphic novel will be amusing.
I loved the smart and smart-mouthed writing as well as the artwork. The framing of the scenes were both picturesque and cleverly angled for effect. The color and line were fine. But really, the thing here is the mix up. To be able to go from post-colonial critique of representations to juvenile bodily humor to quantum physics is a gift. It's funny. It takes things, breaks them down, throws them into a shaker and you end up with a delicious comic smoothie.
Seriously, my life needs more of this.
~Copy provided by NetGalley~
I loved the smart and smart-mouthed writing as well as the artwork. The framing of the scenes were both picturesque and cleverly angled for effect. The color and line were fine. But really, the thing here is the mix up. To be able to go from post-colonial critique of representations to juvenile bodily humor to quantum physics is a gift. It's funny. It takes things, breaks them down, throws them into a shaker and you end up with a delicious comic smoothie.
Seriously, my life needs more of this.
~Copy provided by NetGalley~
July 24, 2016
Sometimes, a book plain doesn’t work, and that's that. But Netgalley like feedback, so I should try and analyse why it doesn't work. Maybe Dirk Gently was always going to be fundamentally irritating without Douglas Adams to write him (though the first TV series was at least bearable). On top of that, this comic is hardly ever funny, instead it's a bit weird in a bad way - and not so weird it makes itself interesting. It's also one of the more boring comics I’ve ever read, partly due to the pages of middle-school level lecture on big game poaching and various related international issues (okay, I did learn a couple of things). Yet it wouldn’t be appropriate to give to kids because of the sex scenes. It persistently uses stereotypes; most of them may be employed in a knowing way with ample comment, but not exactly witty comment, it's tired comment I feel like I've heard dozens of times before - and with this many tropes, it could hardly not feel clichéd. Adams was, as far as I can remember, astute enough 30-odd years ago to make Dirk into something a whole lot quirkier than a white saviour, and significantly more sympathetic than this crashing boor. Here, Dirk is annoying, and everyone else is two-dimensional. Way to go.
The only bit I found intriguing was the backstory (but that was in an art style I disliked, kind of similar to Hey Arnold but with rounded edges) showing Dirk as basically a young X-Man. Which will be why he has sideburns like Wolverine, and a build like same gone to seed. However, to those who’ve read a lot of X-Men and knockoff mutant comic book characters, I daresay this element would be even more dull and embarrassing than the rest of the plot – which reads like a [rightfully discarded] Doctor Who story concept, as the Tom Baker figurine in an early scene was presumably trying to indicate.
And to top it all, American spellings – sacrilege!
The main art style works really well in gritty urban settings, especially indoors: Dirk at home in his slovenly lair is perfectly done, but outdoors in bright sunshine, much of the atmosphere is lost. The secondary style, for Dirk's childhood, also produced a lovely panel at the end: a cross-section of a big house with different things happening in each room - a type of picture I have a weakness for.
The title allusion is kind of cute, but on the other hand Dirk's housekeeping is obviously so slapdash that he routinely can't find the right size spoon for yoghurts. Which at his age is just tiresome - even if this new incarnation is a bit younger than I am. Anyway, by the point he explained the title, I was irritated by almost everything he did.
I only looked at this Netgalley ARC out of curiosity; admittedly I’ve never seen an Adams adaptation I really loved, but this charmless outing is the worst I’ve encountered across all media, and I’ve no idea why so many GR reviewers think it’s any cop.
The only bit I found intriguing was the backstory (but that was in an art style I disliked, kind of similar to Hey Arnold but with rounded edges) showing Dirk as basically a young X-Man. Which will be why he has sideburns like Wolverine, and a build like same gone to seed. However, to those who’ve read a lot of X-Men and knockoff mutant comic book characters, I daresay this element would be even more dull and embarrassing than the rest of the plot – which reads like a [rightfully discarded] Doctor Who story concept, as the Tom Baker figurine in an early scene was presumably trying to indicate.
And to top it all, American spellings – sacrilege!
The main art style works really well in gritty urban settings, especially indoors: Dirk at home in his slovenly lair is perfectly done, but outdoors in bright sunshine, much of the atmosphere is lost. The secondary style, for Dirk's childhood, also produced a lovely panel at the end: a cross-section of a big house with different things happening in each room - a type of picture I have a weakness for.
The title allusion is kind of cute, but on the other hand Dirk's housekeeping is obviously so slapdash that he routinely can't find the right size spoon for yoghurts. Which at his age is just tiresome - even if this new incarnation is a bit younger than I am. Anyway, by the point he explained the title, I was irritated by almost everything he did.
I only looked at this Netgalley ARC out of curiosity; admittedly I’ve never seen an Adams adaptation I really loved, but this charmless outing is the worst I’ve encountered across all media, and I’ve no idea why so many GR reviewers think it’s any cop.
September 8, 2025
Loved reading this book. If you are a devout fan of Douglas Adams and expect his style, you may be disappointed. However, if you are new to his writing or if you like Dirk Gently, you will like this one.
Note - I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review in any way.
Note - I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review in any way.
April 8, 2017
He's back! :-D
I liked the previous Dirk Gently comic that came out, but in retrospect I might consider bumping my rating on that one down to a three, because, yes, I liked it and it made me feel nostalgic. But I didn't really like it as much as I wanted to...
This is Dirk Gently the way I remember him, not just in character, but in spirit in the writing. I felt like I was reading an Adams story again, with the same wonderful balance of wit, whimsy and matter-of-fact-ness ("That's not a word." "Exactly!")
To compare the two: the first one was like seeing a cameo of a beloved character or person who's passed, and it's bittersweet because you know you'll never actually see them again. Whereas reading this one was like a chance meeting with an old friend who you didn't know was living in the same city and you're so glad they're back in your life.
I liked the previous Dirk Gently comic that came out, but in retrospect I might consider bumping my rating on that one down to a three, because, yes, I liked it and it made me feel nostalgic. But I didn't really like it as much as I wanted to...
This is Dirk Gently the way I remember him, not just in character, but in spirit in the writing. I felt like I was reading an Adams story again, with the same wonderful balance of wit, whimsy and matter-of-fact-ness ("That's not a word." "Exactly!")
To compare the two: the first one was like seeing a cameo of a beloved character or person who's passed, and it's bittersweet because you know you'll never actually see them again. Whereas reading this one was like a chance meeting with an old friend who you didn't know was living in the same city and you're so glad they're back in your life.
October 26, 2016
'Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short' by Arvind Ethan David with art by Ilias Kyriazis continues the adventures of the world's strangest detective.
This time around (amid flashbacks of Dirk as a child), Dirk meets a family who have strangely lost their voice. In order to solve the case, and because everything is apparently connected, Dirk follows a random stranger. This random stranger turns out to be a client looking to hire Dirk to investigate a tribe of people living in Africa who apparently have no voice. This leads Dirk to Africa and the world of rhino poaching. How does all of this and an orchestra have anything to do with the poor voiceless family?
I won't divulge that, but if you sense that wacky humor abounds, then you would be correct. Even a bit of humor on the ribald side this time around. The story is fun as is the art. I love the "young Dirk" art as well. It looks like grainy old comics. Another fun romp by Dirk Gently.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
This time around (amid flashbacks of Dirk as a child), Dirk meets a family who have strangely lost their voice. In order to solve the case, and because everything is apparently connected, Dirk follows a random stranger. This random stranger turns out to be a client looking to hire Dirk to investigate a tribe of people living in Africa who apparently have no voice. This leads Dirk to Africa and the world of rhino poaching. How does all of this and an orchestra have anything to do with the poor voiceless family?
I won't divulge that, but if you sense that wacky humor abounds, then you would be correct. Even a bit of humor on the ribald side this time around. The story is fun as is the art. I love the "young Dirk" art as well. It looks like grainy old comics. Another fun romp by Dirk Gently.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
December 19, 2016
Nope nope nope.
The book felt super American and very not!Douglas Adams. And then I got to that utterly bizarre and inappropriate sex scene between the two black characters that was full of stereotypes and was totally gross and I knew the book was no longer salvageable.
If you are a fan of Dirk Gently, this is a VERY different interpretation where Gently is psychic and was part of a military experiment as a child and there are aliens. WTF.
NOPE.
The book felt super American and very not!Douglas Adams. And then I got to that utterly bizarre and inappropriate sex scene between the two black characters that was full of stereotypes and was totally gross and I knew the book was no longer salvageable.
If you are a fan of Dirk Gently, this is a VERY different interpretation where Gently is psychic and was part of a military experiment as a child and there are aliens. WTF.
NOPE.
March 4, 2025
Rating: 3,5*
Read full review at: https://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.c...
As a fan of both Douglas Adams and Ilias Kyriazis, I was so eager to get my hands on Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short. Having not read the novels, I can’t really judge if the character was consistent with them. However, I could see Douglas Adams’ influence in the dialogue and I rather enjoyed the dry humour. This comic book takes place after the novel Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul and right before the events of the comic book The Interconnectedness of All Kings.
Dirk Gently is a holistic detective that strongly believes that everything is connected. Therefore, a mysterious case of a family that has lost all means of communication becomes strangely connected to illegal rhino poaching in Kenya. For the most part, I enjoyed the story and I was fully engaged for the ride. Yet, the final resolution felt like it was missing something as I couldn’t really understand how the cases ended up connecting to one another.
My favourite part of the comic book was definitely the scenes that every issue begins with. In these scenes, we get a glimpse of young Dirk and how he comes to terms with his powers. Some of the things that he had to go through were actually horrifying.
Finally, I would like to talk about the art style of the comic book. As I’ve already mentioned, I’m familiar with the work of Ilias Kyriazis and I love it. I’m not sure if and how many of his own comic books are translated into English as I’ve read them in their original language, which is Greek. In any case, I found that his particular style was a great fit for the story. I have to comment though that I wasn’t a big fan of Sally dressing up as a sexy nurse as it was an opportunity for some panels that felt a bit too objectifying.
All in all, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short was a great comic book. If you enjoy the dry humour of Douglas Adams, then you will definitely like it!
*I've received an ARC of the book via Netgalley. Thank you to the publisher.
Read full review at: https://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.c...
As a fan of both Douglas Adams and Ilias Kyriazis, I was so eager to get my hands on Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short. Having not read the novels, I can’t really judge if the character was consistent with them. However, I could see Douglas Adams’ influence in the dialogue and I rather enjoyed the dry humour. This comic book takes place after the novel Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul and right before the events of the comic book The Interconnectedness of All Kings.
Dirk Gently is a holistic detective that strongly believes that everything is connected. Therefore, a mysterious case of a family that has lost all means of communication becomes strangely connected to illegal rhino poaching in Kenya. For the most part, I enjoyed the story and I was fully engaged for the ride. Yet, the final resolution felt like it was missing something as I couldn’t really understand how the cases ended up connecting to one another.
My favourite part of the comic book was definitely the scenes that every issue begins with. In these scenes, we get a glimpse of young Dirk and how he comes to terms with his powers. Some of the things that he had to go through were actually horrifying.
Finally, I would like to talk about the art style of the comic book. As I’ve already mentioned, I’m familiar with the work of Ilias Kyriazis and I love it. I’m not sure if and how many of his own comic books are translated into English as I’ve read them in their original language, which is Greek. In any case, I found that his particular style was a great fit for the story. I have to comment though that I wasn’t a big fan of Sally dressing up as a sexy nurse as it was an opportunity for some panels that felt a bit too objectifying.
All in all, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short was a great comic book. If you enjoy the dry humour of Douglas Adams, then you will definitely like it!
*I've received an ARC of the book via Netgalley. Thank you to the publisher.
October 10, 2016
I have never read the original source novel by Douglas Adams. I really should rectify that. Not knowing anything going in, I found this to be mildly amusing with an interesting storyline but a thoroughly irritating main character who I wanted to punch in the face. The completely unnecessary sexy nurse costume of a secondary character very early on in the first issue was also a huge turnoff - I'm not opposed to sex and sexy, but not if it has no purpose for the plot. And it didn't at all. After that, I was a bit surprised at the fairly enlightened commentary about cultural appropriation, race, and wildlife conservation later on, though I was less than impressed that Dirk continued to be a clueless asshole. He reminded me a bit of the Doctor from Doctor Who, only with much less charm and heart.
The greatest sin, however, was that it just wasn't funny. This is based on a Douglas Adams work. It should be funny. It wasn't.
The in-between flashback bits were fairly interesting, and provided some backstory to Dirk's upbringing. I found those were some of the more intriguing bits, actually, even though the artwork wasn't to quite to my taste.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
The greatest sin, however, was that it just wasn't funny. This is based on a Douglas Adams work. It should be funny. It wasn't.
The in-between flashback bits were fairly interesting, and provided some backstory to Dirk's upbringing. I found those were some of the more intriguing bits, actually, even though the artwork wasn't to quite to my taste.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
August 5, 2016
Really enjoyed this. The fun storyline combined well with the cartoonish graphics. Although not written by Adams, David does a good job of re-creating his left-field humour, without coming across as too try-hard.
The same story arc is continued across five chapters and interweaves Dirk's present case with brief glances into his childhood, and the mysterious experiments he was subjected too. While his main case his wrapped up nicely in this book, the story of his past is tantalisingly left on a cliffhanger, nicely waiting for volume two.
Timed to coincide with the TV show adaptation of the character coming in October, I'm hoping his past is left to the graphic novel and not explored elsewhere, as this medium is far more suited to his backstory.
Resembling the great Skottie Young, the artwork is bright, and stylised. My only quibble is that there seems to be a bit of an issue with women's faces - almost all of them look like they're sucking lemons.
All-in-all, this isn't a bad way to pass half an hour. Would recommend borrowing it, or loaning from a library though, as re-read value is minimal. Giving me something to revisit would have definitely garnered this 4 *
The same story arc is continued across five chapters and interweaves Dirk's present case with brief glances into his childhood, and the mysterious experiments he was subjected too. While his main case his wrapped up nicely in this book, the story of his past is tantalisingly left on a cliffhanger, nicely waiting for volume two.
Timed to coincide with the TV show adaptation of the character coming in October, I'm hoping his past is left to the graphic novel and not explored elsewhere, as this medium is far more suited to his backstory.
Resembling the great Skottie Young, the artwork is bright, and stylised. My only quibble is that there seems to be a bit of an issue with women's faces - almost all of them look like they're sucking lemons.
All-in-all, this isn't a bad way to pass half an hour. Would recommend borrowing it, or loaning from a library though, as re-read value is minimal. Giving me something to revisit would have definitely garnered this 4 *
September 14, 2021
I found this story a lot better than the previous comic (The interconnectedness of all kings) as it is more faithful to the original stories, in terms of character and style. Well, apart from quite a strange haircut Dirk has in the story, but I guess certain liberties can be taken to fit this writer's/artist's style.
It is engaging fun and funny, and even delves into elements referred to as backstory in the original books.
There somethings I found let the comic down a bit like a character just happened to be dressed in a titillating costume for reason slightly related to the plot but I guess has more to do with 'the male gaze' which lowered the tone a bit, as did a certain solution Dirk tried to deal with later on.
Other than that it's a solid story, nothing special, but if fans of Douglas Adams' original material would like to read further stories utilizing his characters and wacky worlds, then this is one of the best adaptions I have come across so far.
It is engaging fun and funny, and even delves into elements referred to as backstory in the original books.
There somethings I found let the comic down a bit like a character just happened to be dressed in a titillating costume for reason slightly related to the plot but I guess has more to do with 'the male gaze' which lowered the tone a bit, as did a certain solution Dirk tried to deal with later on.
Other than that it's a solid story, nothing special, but if fans of Douglas Adams' original material would like to read further stories utilizing his characters and wacky worlds, then this is one of the best adaptions I have come across so far.
May 1, 2020
Tediously sexist.
May 24, 2017
This is the second Dirk Gently graphic novel I have read from IDW and I enjoyed it as much as the first. What starts off as quirky, random behavior evolves into a tight six degrees of separation storyline that actually makes sense! Good writing and a secondary story that begs for a prequel novel of its own let me greatly enjoy this romp. I recommend any fan of Douglas Adams to obtain a copy of this as you will not be disappointed.
May 30, 2017
It was nice to have another Dirk Gently story to dive into, the story here, however, was just okay. The art was pretty good and the quirkiness of Dirk was on full display, but the 'mystery' itself just didn't really capture me. I was hoping for more laugh out loud moments and maybe something a little more twisty and turny in terms of Dirk's detecting. It lacked both those things for me and so I think it is only an okay addition to the Dirk Gently pantheon
March 4, 2019
This didn't really do it for me. I was excited to see one of my favourite characters in one of my favourite forms, but it felt too far removed from what I'd imagined reading Adams' books. The nod to Adams' interest in conservation was welcome but felt a bit forced and I didn't like the side story, but that might just be me. I won't be trying any more of these but for someone else who isn't so attached to the original books I'm sure it'll be a treat.
July 7, 2017
Fun fun. Never read the novel, I was first introduced to Dirk in the tv show so I didn't know too much about him. I enjoy his witty, humorous brand of chaos. A bit like Doctor Who. This trade was about people mysteriously losing their voices which leads him to rhinos in Africa. Of course. I'm definitely a fast fan of Dirk.
February 17, 2018
While another fun Dirk Gently story, this follow up isn't as good as Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: The Interconnectedness of All Kings.
February 5, 2026
Interesting first foray into the world of Dirk Gently through the comic medium. Bonus points for the small connections to the tv show (which I am sure will be elaborated on in the two part crossover comic) and also for giving some of its proceeds to conservational groups helping to preserve wildlife.
January 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this storyline; frankly more than I expected. I'm pleased that the decision was made to tell a new story, and I'm even more pleased that the character of Dirk Gently wasn't cleaned up. He's the self-centered, sweet, and utterly ridiculous jerk he has always been.
December 21, 2017
Happily, this has the same feel as the original books and gives me hope for the new television series.
January 1, 2018
It was OK.
February 25, 2018
I adored this. I don't really know anything about the other versions of Dirk but I want to read all the comics now. Diiiiirk ❤❤❤
March 9, 2018
Dirk is so quirky and peculiar. I just adore reading about his “cases”.
August 26, 2018
Numero più interessante del precedente con più flashback
June 13, 2019
dirk gently at its best
September 29, 2019
You can skip it.
Want to read
April 18, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
March 13, 2025
Glorious 👌
February 22, 2017
Video Review: https://youtu.be/gyGe9sKBabY
I liked "The Interconnectedness of All Kings" better, but this is still a fun story. I was intrigued with the sudden loss of voices and the events in Kenya didn't disappoint. It's a bit more mature with a sex scene and very sexy nurse costume playing prominent roles.
I liked "The Interconnectedness of All Kings" better, but this is still a fun story. I was intrigued with the sudden loss of voices and the events in Kenya didn't disappoint. It's a bit more mature with a sex scene and very sexy nurse costume playing prominent roles.
September 8, 2016
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short collects the five issues of this story arc by Arvind Ethan David and Ilias Kyriazis and is currently scheduled for release on September 20 2016. After the many and conflicting versions of the legendary Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams created Dirk Gently: a detective with a belief in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things, a troubled relationship with the laws of probability and quantum physics, and a love of cats and pizza.
After the events of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency and The Long Dark Tea Time, but prior to the detective's relocation to California in The Interconnectedness of All Kings, Dirk finds himself investigating a bizarre case of poaching, dumbstruck tourists, and the inner membranes of a rhinoceros nose.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short is a solid graphic novel and kept my interest through the entire story. I will admit that I have not read as much about Dirk Gently's adventures as I would like, but his hair still always surprises me, and sometimes distracts me. However, despite his distracting hair, I really found myself fully engaged by the story and wanting more.the art work is as quirky as the story and the characters, and does a great job of illustrating what readers know from the text, and adding more information and emotion into the mix. I found the characters well defined, although there is some background into a relationship or two that I definitely want more information on, but that is my fault for not having read previous stories, rather than the fault of the authors.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short has a complete and compelling storyline, with a satisfying conclusion and more than enough weirdness to keep me happy. However, it also inspired me to read more because Dirk's personal story left plenty of questions on the table, and I would love to explore his exploits more. This graphic novel offers the right balance of answers and leaving readers wanting more without leaving them feeling cheated.
After the events of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency and The Long Dark Tea Time, but prior to the detective's relocation to California in The Interconnectedness of All Kings, Dirk finds himself investigating a bizarre case of poaching, dumbstruck tourists, and the inner membranes of a rhinoceros nose.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short is a solid graphic novel and kept my interest through the entire story. I will admit that I have not read as much about Dirk Gently's adventures as I would like, but his hair still always surprises me, and sometimes distracts me. However, despite his distracting hair, I really found myself fully engaged by the story and wanting more.the art work is as quirky as the story and the characters, and does a great job of illustrating what readers know from the text, and adding more information and emotion into the mix. I found the characters well defined, although there is some background into a relationship or two that I definitely want more information on, but that is my fault for not having read previous stories, rather than the fault of the authors.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short has a complete and compelling storyline, with a satisfying conclusion and more than enough weirdness to keep me happy. However, it also inspired me to read more because Dirk's personal story left plenty of questions on the table, and I would love to explore his exploits more. This graphic novel offers the right balance of answers and leaving readers wanting more without leaving them feeling cheated.
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