“There was certainly an element of comedy” [3GAR]
We find ourselves in conversation with veteran cartoonist and graphic artist Jeff Decker, BSI (“Dr. Grimesby Roylott”) as we discuss the hilarious Sherlock Holmes cartoons he’s drawn for decades, now brought together in a new collection from Wessex Press entitled “Is This a Joke, Mr. Holmes?”
You’ll hear about the unique way he happened to chose the first Sherlock Holmes story he ever read, and how he fell under the spell of the Great Detective while serving in the U.S. Navy, thanks to the ship's library. You’ll hear about his early experiences joining and leading scion societies, and how his cartoons became an eagerly anticipated feature of The Baker Street Journal and other Sherlockian publications.
We dive into his artistic roots, from his childhood copying of TV cartoons to art school, and his career as a successful graphic artist. We talk about the great animators and illustrators who shaped his style, from Chuck Jones and Tex Avery to the great Walt Kelly. And we wrap up with a look back at his first Baker Street Irregulars dinner, and the unusual story behind his investiture as “Dr. Grimesby Roylott.”
Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities rounding out the second half of November. Then, it’s the latest edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, with his review of the fourth and final season of the BBC’s Sherlock series. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of "Is This a Joke, Mr. Holmes?" for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock.com by October 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. All listeners are eligible to play.
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Links
- “Is This a Joke, Mr. Holmes?” (Wessex Press)
- The Baker Street Journal
- Other episodes mentioned on the show:
- Episode 153: The Rooms at 221B Baker Street (interview with Denny Dobry)
- Episode 148: Roger Johnson and Jean Upton
- I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store
Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock.
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