This is a a graphic story about one of Houdini's most famous escapes, jumping into an icecold river while restrained with handcuffs and leg-irons. It's really cool to see the behind-the-scenes of the trick, but, more importantly, Lutes and Bertozzi manage in these few pages to show us the true flavor of Houdini's personality as a showman and illustrate the issues he had, being Jewish in a time where anti-Semitism was fairly prevalent. Included is also a written biography on Houdini, which helps set the stage for the story. ( )

I confessed some weeks ago to a childhood adoration of the great Harry Houdini. Mr TQD remembered this when he was trawling through the graphic novel collection of the local library one day (without kids! without me!) and came across this graphic novel.

It's one for kids, and is a very straightforward retelling of Houdini's plunge into an icy river in Boston, handcuffed and shackled. And, of course, his escape from said handcuffs and shackles, in the nick of time. (Well, probably in plenty of time, but Houdini was nothing if not a showman who knew the meaning of timing.)

The historical detail (covered in some interesting notes at the end) was lovely, the black and white art was simple but effective, and it was a quick and easy read. ( )

Whether you are a fan of magic or not, this excellent biography of Harry Houdini in graphic novel format will grab your attention. The extensive introduction sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the time and the man himself. The book focuses on one specific act, but through this it draws a detailed portrait of Houdini the man, his personal and professional life, as well as his setting. The drawings are simple yet effective, the dialogue easy but descriptive, both strong factors in making this a great introduction to biographies. Plus, at the end, there is additional information about the time and how it relates to today's world. ( )

Summary:
This particular graphic novel about Houdini focuses on the events of a single day May 1, 1908. It tells the story about the time Houdini jumped into the near-frozen Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts wearing only a bathing suit and shackled at the wrists and ankles. Although this is a graphic novel, there are some real facts at the end of the book that accompanied the story.

A graphic novel about a May 3, 1908 performance of Houdini's trick of getting out of handcuffs underwater surrounded by lots of information about Houdini and the times in which he lived. The "panel discussions" at the end of the book talk about men's hats, advertising, antisemitism, Houdini's wife, and other topics. ( )