Houdini: The Handcuff King: 07/27/15

Houdini: The Handcuff King by Jason Lutes is a graphic novel that follows the events of one of Houdini's escapes. Rather than being a biography with a lengthy timeline, this book takes apart the set up for one of his big escapes.

For this escape, Houdini is planning to jump off a bridge, his arms bound and his body chained. He does this with the support of the local police and in front of a throng of fans.

The success of the trip relies on physical strength, lung capacity, showmanship, timing and an innocent looking co-conspirator.

Through his back and forth cutting between Houdini and his wife, Lutes plays up the importance of timing to dramatic effect. His wife has the key he needs to get out of his handcuffs. The trick is to slip to him in her good luck kiss. This time, though, she's stuck in traffic and the police don't believe she's the real Mrs. Houdini. Can she get through in time before he has to either admit the trick or drown?

Five stars

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