Issue 3 of The Dark Detective has been doing well in the newsagents but the work never stops. Issue 4 is underway and it is a bit different to the previous three.

To give our fantastic regular artist Phil Cornell a rest, for this issue we decided to invite other artists to contribute their interpretations of Holmes' world.

For this special, Chris has penned three original short stories, all linked by connection to the RIP, Mycroft Holmes' mysterious government office.

The first, Blackmoore of the Boneyard, is an original story created by Chris and Dave and drawn by the inimitable W. Chewie Chan. Centered around Bernard Blackmoore, a London detective and his otherworldly offsider Lilith, it's a closed door mystery where the closed door leads straight to Hades.

The second story, Harker of the Central Press Syndicate, stars Harry Harker, a journalist of ill-repute whose loose association with the truth leads him perilously close to one of the true monsters of London's past. With a script by Chris and drawn by Tim McEwen, it's a journey into the less savory side of Holmes' world, where a man's allegiance to his fellow man can be purchased cheaply. The images on this page come from Tim's inked pages.

The last story, Mycroft Holmes: The Lodge of Bellerophon Affair, is a sequel of sorts to the Claws of the Chimera story arc. In this story, Mycroft Holmes is confronted by one Dr Nikola, a man of means and not one to be trifled with. Keen readers will recognise Dr Nikola as the creation of Australian author Guy Boothby, a contemporary of Arthur Conan Doyle. Keep an eye on the website for future news of the good doctor. This story was written by Chris and drawn by Phil, who just could not pass up the opportunity to draw a story featuring Dr Nikola.

From issue 5 Holmes and Watson will return, as will the Marquis de Frankenstein (who can be seen here in the free preview). Until then this diversion into the darker side of Mycroft's world will, I have no doubt, keep all of our readers more than happy.

Can I take this opportunity too to wish all of our readers a wonderful Christmas. The last twelve months have been great for us here and Black House Comics and we are looking forward to the next year and all that it brings. 

Baden