Comics News
Tripwire Announces The Debut Collection Of Awardwinning Sherlock Holmes Graphic Novel series Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders The Gene Genie
The First Empire Builders Tale In One Volume
After two graphic novels from Tripwire Comics Presents, telling the story of the world’s greatest detective as never seen before, in spring 2026, Tripwire is releasing a collection that brings both acclaimed parts together in one volume for the first time…
Writer/ co-creator Joel Meadows and artist/ co-creator Andy Bennett have garnered a following of some of the cream of the comics and genre world. Holmes and the Empire Builders has attracted fans that include Jeph Loeb (Batman: The Last Halloween, Batman: Hush), Oscar winning director Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, The Shape of Water, Frankenstein, Fantasy legend Michael Moorcock (Elric, Jerry Cornelius) and million selling Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin (Rebus). For this very special collection, Eisner award winner Laurence Campbell (BPRD, The Sword of Hyperborea) has created a brand new wraparound cover and Moonshadow and Spiderman: Kraven’s Last Hunt writer JM DeMatteis has written a brand new introduction. The book also includes the unique pin-ups that appeared in the two individual volumes from the likes of George Pratt (Enemy Ace: War Idyll, Batman: Harvest Breed), Shawn Martinbrough (Thief Of Thieves, Detective Comics), John K Snyder III (Doctor Midnite), Dan Panosian (Batman, Conan) and Frazer Irving (2000AD, Batman).
“After publishing these in two separate volumes, Tripwire is pleased to offer them as a single volume,”Empire Builder’s writer and co-creator Joel Meadows said.
Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders The Gene Genie is a two-part graphic novel adventure starring the world’s greatest detective as you’ve never seen him before.
Here’s what a few of the most respected figures in the worlds of comics, genre, TV, film and crime have had to say about the series:
“A darn good yarn”–Guillermo Del Toro, Oscar winning director
“Classic Sherlock Holmes! You can smell the chimney-smoke and feel the clatter of hooves. Here’s the character we all know and love, given a fresh polish for the 21st century!” – Ian Rankin, best-selling author (Rebus)
“Joel Meadows and Andy Bennett deliver an original detective story where murder and conspiracies collide in a fresh take in the legendary world of Sherlock Holmes. Highly recommended for fans of crime and mystery!” – Michael Avon Oeming, Powers co-creator
“Meadows and Bennett have done the impossible: they’ve found a rich, dark, brilliant new solution to the mystery of Sherlock Holmes, that ties him to the darkest secret histories of the 20th century.”– Lev Grossman, writer, The Magicians, The Bright Sword
“As a lifelong Sherlock Holmes devotee I’m very happy to add this to my collection of the master of 221 B Baker streets adventures! Meadows and Bennet have accomplished a small (but important!) miracle in capturing the spirit and mystery of Conan Doyle’s Holmes in their great imagining in this new story with the eccentric and brilliant private consulting detective. Meadows has written a tale full of mystery and he draws you in with his mastery of the detective tale. Bennett’s art is just wonderful as it has all the atmosphere a Holmes tale would require and yet has a fresh approach and graphic charm that makes this an instant classic. If you love Holmes you will love this, if you are new to Sherlock Holmes you could have no better introduction.”– Kelley Jones, artist, Batman, Dracula
“The game is indeed afoot! It’s no small takes to take on the works of Conan Doyle, and yet Joel and Andy have done a neat job of it. Holmes feels quite like the Sherlock we know and love — except he’s found himself out of his element. Meanwhile, like every great heroic story, there’s a villain who… well, you’ll just have to read it for yourself. Gorgeous artwork by Andy that captures the mood and the spirit of Joel’s page turner. Enjoy it all!”– Jeph Loeb, writer, Batman: The Long Halloween, Batman: The Last Halloween, producer Daredevil TV show, producer Jessica Jones
“Joel Meadows and Andy Bennett have delivered a rare treat for fans of Sherlock Holmes – tantalising new stories that stay true to the tone and aesthetic of the canon.”– Frank Quitely, Batman, All-Star Superman
“If you thought nothing new could be done with the Great Detective, check out Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders, a labour of love by Joel Meadows and Andy Bennett.” – Bryan Talbot, writer/artist Grandville, Luther Arkwright
Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders: The Gene Genie The Complete Collection by Joel Meadows and Andy Bennett, cover by Laurence Campbell, introduction by JM DeMatteis is available to order now through Simon & Schuster, publication date 21 April 2026.
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