11 Dec / Moriarty the Patriot (vol. 1) by Ryosuke Takeuchi, illustrated by Hikaru Miyoshi [in Booklist]
When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle died in 1930, his Sherlock Holmes legacy comprised four novels and 56 stories. Sherlock has since become an unstoppable literary institution, proliferating across mediums; although his archnemesis, Professor James Moriarty, only appeared in six of Doyle’s original works, his own afterlife prodigiously continues.
Here, popular Japanese manga creator Ryosuke Takeuchi indulges his own empathy for villains – “I think it’s fun to imagine … a villain’s motivations [that] aren’t explained in a story” – in a 13-volume (thus far) series, illustrated by Hikaru Miyoshi, who imbues every page with energetic flair.
This first volume of the English-translated version introduces the infamous professor as the older of two orphans, William and Louis, adopted by an aristocratic family. Despite a brilliant, gentle façade, William has already taught his fellow orphans, “KILL ALL EVIL NOBLES!” Mistreated in their posh new home, the brothers find a surprising ally in Lord Albert, the older son who recognizes his family, and the world, is “terribly corrupt… so dirty … and revolting.”
Albert’s disgust turns murderous, maneuvering the perfect rebirth of the Moriarty brothers – Count-apparent Albert, mathematics professor William James, and family caretaker Louis – who follow no laws but their own righteous determination to destroy abusive social hierarchies and champion the common man.
An addictive new homage begins.
Review: “Graphic Novels,” Booklist Online, December 4, 2020
Readers: Young Adult, Adult
Published: 2020 (United States)