HomeComics/MangaMANGA REVIEW | "Moriarty the Patriot" - Volume Seventeen

MANGA REVIEW | "Moriarty the Patriot" - Volume Seventeen

MANGA REVIEW | "Moriarty the Patriot" - Volume Seventeen

Is it me, or does most of Moriarty the Patriot’s seventeenth volume feel like an epilogue? I know the series is still ongoing, but the way the tone of this volume feels, it looks like it’s trying to wrap up this narrative. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, mind you, as there’s very little more Sherlock Holmes material left to chip at in the mines of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. But after the adaptation of “The Final Problem” in Volume Fourteen, the question now is, “Why continue?”

Perhaps it’s because it’s just nice seeing these characters chatting it up. And maybe it’s unique to see the barrier between friend and enemy lifted, with everyone now acting chummy. But with London now being in a better place thanks to Moriarty’s work and MI6’s quest to make life better, there really isn’t much of a reason to keep this charade going. In fact, for most of this volume, Moriarty the Patriot gives off a wrap-up party vibe.

But no, there’s still work to be done. London’s problems may now be minuscule, but it’s across the ocean where trouble is brewing. That’s right: this manga’s now going the Elementary route, with Sherlock Holmes and William James Moriarty now in New York City! And there’s a third in their crew: Billy the Kid! (Hey, if they can mix in the world of James Bond successfully, why not add some of history’s most infamous gunslingers!)

Where MI6 helped clean up London in secret, such is the same with Billy’s organization: Pinkerton. It’s cool to see Moriarty the Patriot showcase some of the true history of what would be the precursor to the Secret Service. But as one quickly sees, it’s not just about protecting the higher-ups in government; it’s keeping the American people in line. Sometimes that can be a bad thing, especially when it comes to union bashing and intimidating workers. However, Billy is aiming to do the right thing with Pinkerton, and he needs the aid of both Sherlock and Moriarty to get it done.

For the most part, this volume sets up what could be the next case for Sherlock to solve. Adding Moriarty to the mix, this time as a hero, could make for an interesting tale. With that being said, this volume really takes a lot of time to get to the juicy parts of the story. Yes, it’s fun to see these characters act all friendly, and seeing Watson marvel at Von Herder’s musical invention gave me a good laugh. Yet I can’t help but feel like precious time was being wasted.

Was Volume Seventeen entertaining? Sure. Did it add substance to the plot? Not really. Hopefully with a new case to be solved, this time in America, Moriarty the Patriot can get back on track. But this volume left me peckish, and it’s not only because that pie Moriarty baked looked scrumptious.

FINAL GRADE:

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.

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The J-POP king of America, Evan has been bringing the hottest sounds of the Land of the Rising Sun to the English-speaking public since his college radio days. He's also an expert in the gaming, anime, & manga realms, never afraid to get critical when the times call for it. Born & bred in Boston, he achieved his biggest dream yet by making the big move to Tokyo, Japan in Summer 2023! For personal inquiries, contact Evan at evan@b3crew.com. For press/band inquiries, write to us at thebastards@bostonbastardbrigade.com. (Drawing by AFLM of Wicked Anime)