Moriarty the Patriot, Vol. 10

憂国のモリアーティ [Yūkoku no Moriarty] #10

by Ryōsuke Takeuchi, Hikaru Miyoshi (Illustrator), Arthur Conan Doyle (Draft Writer)

Before he was Sherlock’s rival, Moriarty fought against the unfair class caste system in London by making sure corrupt nobility got their comeuppance. But even the most well-intentioned plans can spin out of control—will Moriarty’s dream of a more just and equal world turn him into a hero…or a monster?

Adam Whiteley, member of the House of Commons, is willing to put his life on the line to fight for equality for the common people of Great Britain. William Moriarty pegs him as a potential ally and gives Whiteley a powerful bargaining chip he can use against the House of Lords—evidence of their wrongdoings. Faced with threats on his life, Whiteley must decide how to use this information. Will his ideals lead him down the path of an angel…or a devil?!

Genres: Manga, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Crime, Graphic Novels, Fiction

First published November 1, 2019

About the author

Ryōsuke TAKEUCHI (竹内良輔, Chinese: 竹內良輔) is a Japanese author.

Reviews

[zara · Rating 4 out of 5]

i can feel the imminent decline to my mental state. it is starting.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

[CW: violence against children]

Electoral reform comes up against the mundane nature of pure evil, with Mr. Whiteley caught in the middle. When he’s pushed to his limits, will he prove himself to be a better man, or is this a test even the Moriarty clan may not be able to pass?

Some darn good plotting comes up against the excesses that I tend to ascribe to this series when it’s being particularly cruel, which makes for an overall good volume, but one with particular caveats. Not exactly unusual for this title, really.

This volume eschews humour for a story of a good man who is tempted by both power and evil, maybe not at the same time. It’s very obviously starting off with the ‘the way to test the measure of a man is to give him power’ but it goes to some interesting places. Ish.

I really like that my grumbling about how these obvious assassination attempts were possibly a plot of Whiteley’s and their obviousness in general was rolled into the plot. The grand plan isn’t terrible and the way it ends up forcing the hands of our leads is a welcome wrinkle.

Part of the problem is Whiteley’s whole reason for doing some of the things he does. They’re believable in the familial sense, but feel so progressive for the time as to be a bit ridiculous. It was fine with Irene Adler’s change, for example, because the story was still being a fun bit of fluff with serious bits, but when the rubber hits the road like in this story it sticks out like a sore thumb.

And the pivot for this whole story involves an act of child violence that’s pretty hardcore for a series where James Bonde is running around plus has the brewing bromance between Sherlock and Moriarty. And that’s not a big shock here either.

Rather, it’s typical of a series that often hasn’t known when to exercise much restraint towards its more violent side and that’s definitely in full effect here. Yeah, they don’t show much, but you really don’t need to in a situation like that. There’s a middle ground between pulling your punches and going for the jugular that this story just can’t seem to find.

Even if the whole thing feels a little too reminiscent of Se7en in its denouement (no boxes, thankfully), I do like the way it all falls out, even if it then decides to toss in a little Batman for good measure. Up to and including this version of Milverton.

That Batman schtick is part of the problem with Milverton as an adversary, as his ‘watch the world burn’ mentality makes him good as a foil, but doesn’t give much by way of motivation. Which is certainly the case sometimes, but I like my literature a bit more compelling. He’s still more interesting than most of the series’ one-and-dones, at least.

Then again, keeping him in that position of power for now means we’re probably looking at another Sherlock/Moriarty team-up. So it’s complicated - the story giveth and taketh away in somewhat unequal measures. But the general sea change to the status quo looks very promising.

I keep going back and forth on how much I like Moriarty the Patriot, but my point there is that I do like it. It’s woefully uneven for my liking and can’t nail down its tone to save its life, but I really wouldn’t still be reading this if it wasn’t enjoyable.

3.5 stars - it’s a pretty good story, even with the trappings, and it makes a better case than usual for why things are playing out as they are. I’d round up, but, geeze, this series never knows when to quit sometimes.

[Chelsea Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars: ‘Moriarty the Patriot (Vol.9)’ by Ryōsuke Takeuchi.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction.
→ Book Type: Manga.

Favourite Quote: ‘Why? That’s elementary. Because we are the Lord of Crime.’

In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★★★
→ Character Development: ★★★
→ Setting: ★★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★★★
→ Writing: ★★★
→ Art (If Applicable): ★★★★★

General Comments: Moriarty the Patriot is translated by Viz Media; created by Ryōsuke Takeuchi, illustrated by Hikaru Miyoshi, and is based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This is Volume 10. Reviewing Manga is complicated; commenting on each volume - individually - does not reflect the overall enjoyment of the series. As such, the star-rating should be utilised as a guideline only. If anything, you should pick-up Moriarty the Patriot. It is a classic ‘cat and mouse’ between Moriarty and the infamous Holmes, what more could be said for this duo?

Time Read: Two Days.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -

Trigger Warnings:
→ Assassination.
→ Blackmail.
→ Gore (Blood).
→ Murder.
→ Graphic Violence.

[Phantomº · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having watched the anime first, the developments did not shock me but goodness, this is graphic.
(P.S. this is the 69th book for my reading challenge and I am cultured so no more books for 2021)

[Noctua Nival · Rating 3 out of 5]

Del capítulo 36 al 38 vemos el arco de "El caballero de Londres", es inevitable notar las similitudes entre esta historia y la de "Batman: The Dark Knight", pero ejecutada de forma rápida y conveniente, Whiteley es un chivo expiatorio, tanto de Milverton y de los Moriarty como del autor. Se nota que solo fue creado para que la trama avance.
William no hace nada relevante hasta el final, aunque sabe que Milverton es peligroso y lo está investigando y que han tratado de matar a Whiteley, otro raro caso en que el anime mejoro al manga. Por lo menos allí William si trata de ayudar.

El capítulo 39 es entretenido y tiene su punto de comedia, me gusta ver la interacción de los hermanos Holmes, pero es un recurso muy flojo que de la nada Sherlock asegure saber quién es el Señor del Crimen cuando en ningún momento anterior se nos muestra que pueda llegar a esa conclusión y lo último que supimos de él antes de este tomo es que tenía teorías.

Por el anime sé que a partir del próximo tomo empieza el punto álgido de la trama, tengo curiosidad por como lo ejecutaran.

[human · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5/5)

[Tabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad now

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

William and his brothers take a big step in their grand crime lord plan as Milverton manages to drive Whiteley to do something that cannot be undone and could undermine everything he's been fighting for.

The focus is largely in Whiteley actually, and while it's a good story and of course marks an important point in "Moriarty plan", I would've wanted more panel time for the main characters. I like how the characters are entwined in the plot and affecting others by proxy (Whiteley) and trying to outwit each other. And I'm curious to see how "crime lord" will act now when "he" took direct action instead of remaining in the shadows and how Moriarty & co. will advance now.

The last chapter teases the next confrontation of Moriarty and Sherlock as Sherlock is getting closer and closer figuring it all out... And the cliffhanger? I guessed this thing would be used at some point and usually I'm not fan of it (even in the originals) but because this time Sherlock and John aren't the main focus, I might tolerate it, hahah. And Takeuchi and Miyoshi might do something interesting with it, let's see.

[Ray Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

The current villain basically drives Mr. Whitley (a noble man who wanted to do better for the people and who was key to Moriarty & Co’s plan) to do something which will forever stain his career and will make him lose his “White Knight” persona.

Fortunately, William claims his life since he doesn’t have anything left and kinda remains as a man who fought for the people, mostly his younger brother –I mean the guy even built a park where wheelchair users could be around without having to care about stairs.

To me it was an entertaining volume but not too shocking. At least Sherlock already knows who the Lord of Crime is, which can be fun eventually.

PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
Volume 1 | Volume 2 | Volume 3 | Volume 4 | Volume 5 | Volume 6 | Volume 7 | Volume 8 | Volume 9

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este estuvo bueno. Aunque me dolió el desenlace, creo que el ministro habría sido un gran elemento para William, pero aquí aplicaron la misma que Lelouch y ahora el Lord del Crimen es el enemigo del pueblo y de la clase alta.
Por otro lado, el villano cuyo nombre nunca recuerdo parece que ya va a desenmascarar a William, urge que Sherlock salga más.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich liebe Frau Hudson

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ rien à dire ou presque ! le dénouement avec Whiteley, mmmh… Je sais pas quoi en penser, hâte de lire la suite pour me faire un vrai avis. Ce manga m’avait manqué !

[elif sinem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this... a... sense of escalation? In my fujoshi manga?

[jasmine :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[ala☔️]

getting closer to the big scene🫣🫣

[Kaitlyn (ktxx22) Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still really good and very intriguing, chugging right along, but this volume was not nearly as exciting as the last although this one does have some interesting plot developments.

[Hajar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor man..

[Casey Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the White Knight story start to finish, it might be one of my favorites from the series. I'm also excited that Mary was introduced!

[Shann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you sherlock holmes (also the bonus stories are my favourite thing ever)

[suvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH in my opinion this is probably the best volume of the series so far, I am unwell and also I cannot stop reading

[Alex Lupin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
ahhh plot twists in plural

[Johann · Rating 4 out of 5]

- 4 stars !

As the story progressed, we the audience witness another just person who thrives to see the world be cleansed of sins. Adam Whiteley, a British Parliament catching the attention of both Charles Augustus Milverton and William James Moriarty as both sides tries to contradict each other's intentions. With a great step for William's "plan" to be revealed as The Lord Of Crimes and Adam the "White Knight Of London", William's scheme finally takes a big progress towards the finishing line, nearing to the Great Act of the masked villain.

I don't really think I can review this just as long as the other volumes since I have no words to describe my reading journey on volume 10 but overall, the story was interesting and enjoyable, a deserving solid 4 stars. I was feeling a bit sad on the fact that Whiteley's household had to suffer such tragic deaths, Milverton still ignites a pure rage within me but he's still good looking otherwise. I may or may not have become a simp but we'll see.

[Safiyye Gürler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we are really coming to the end of the anime and I am so excited!!! Can’t wait to read further!

[yona!! · Rating 3 out of 5]

La couverture qui brille : j’approuve
L’affaire du député Whiteley : affreuse
En fait c’est incroyable mais ça met tellement mal que...

[Jaye Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so the Lord of Crime is out of the shadows and the Moriarty plan advances!!!

The main focus of this volume is really the politician Whitley as he is being forced into a horrible situation by Milverton that ruins his entire life. It's so funny how evil Milverton is like omg go off. He's so menacing goddamn. (And also hot!!!) It's funny to me because his character is how I imagined Moriarty would be but nah lol Moriarty fights for the weak, this guy is evil just for evil sake. His main form of fun being turning heroes into murderers like damn I guess everyone needs a hobby??

It's so wild to see William test Whitley as Milverton pulls the strings from the shadows and ruins their plan. It doesn't seem like it's very often when William wasn't already a step ahead but he still takes the situation and turns it around in his favor and that's why I love my little genius supervillain. That cloak he was wearing when he was being super dramatic, oh man I'm down bad crying at the gym.

The last chapter involves Sherlock and Mycroft and I gotta say, I love their dynamic so much. 🤌 The contrast in style and personality between Sherlock and Mycroft goes hard. The art is gorgeous and I particularly love how Sherlock and Mycroft look so RELATED. It's the same for William and Louis but it slaps so hard how similar the brothers look but then also like their own person, not just the same face copy & pasted. Also hot. I've never seen hotter cartoon men in my entire life.

ALSO !!! Threw me for an absolute loop when Sherlock was just casually like, oh btw I know William is the Lord of Crime. Like hello??? Sir??? You gonna elaborate on how you got that??

[Dustyloup · Rating 4 out of 5]

This manga series is definitely a comfort read despite the dark elements. Ooh how i hate milverton. He's like a cancer on the world. But his character is a good reminder that "fake news" has been around for a long time. My only complaint about this volume is the apparent inaction of William in the chapters leading up to the "lord of crime" moment. He seems not to be as clever as usual/not to have anticipated the events as well as usual. Would've also liked to have more Sherlock in this volume too.

I'm a bit outraged that the French version has such a lame cover, they removed Mrs Hudson and put another image of William. I have a feeling they were worried it wouldn't appeal to the target market or something (that people would think it was a girly manga) but we're on volume 10! The readers are gonna read it! In addition, the extra story at the end makes no sense because it doesn't match the cover/the explanation of which characters go on even/odd covers!

[Ryofire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This arc is kind of boring, but the Sherlock bits are fun.

[KarolBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dlaczego kusi ludzi do czynienia zła?

Whiteley walczy o równość w parlamencie stając się nowym rycerzem Londynu, nie każdemu się to podoba. Polityk ma mocnych sojuszników ale jeszcze mocniejszy wrogów. Czy uda mu się stworzyć wizję idealnego świata?

Z przykrością stwierdzam że nie podobał mi się ten ark, nie wiem czy to było spowodowane samym rozwinięciem czy decyzjami podjętymi przez poszczególnych bohaterów. Historia jak już wspomniałam zaczęła nabierać coraz mroczniejszego charakteru a Milverton jest osobliwością, która wydaje mi się, że staje się coraz niebezpieczna.

3.5⭐️

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of yall are about to be real mad at me, but it must be said: William's "plan" is the stupidest fucking thing to ever be stupid and I will never understand how someone so clever and intelligent can be such an idiot.
Still love the volume tho lmao (3.5 stars)

[Luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo decimo volume segna una svolta decisiva per tutta la vicenda legata alla figura del signore del crimine, visto che William e i fratelli prendono una decisione che trasformerà il "Lord of Crime" nel nemico giurato di tutta la nazione.
In questo volume si conclude la parabola dell'onorevole Adam Whiteley, un uomo onesto in un mondo di corrotti, che diventerà la pedina nel gioco perverso di Milverton - l'uomo che si definisce "il male incarnato" e direi che ha ragione: non ha alcun interesse di tipo sociale o politico, il suo diletto maggiore è quello di spingere persone per bene a commettere atti di malvagità. Dopotutto lui è il re del ricatto, non si fa problemi a sporcarsi le mani (almeno in maniera indiretta) e a sacrificare vite innocenti. Anche perché, per lui, la vita altrui non ha alcun valore. E quindi Whiteley viene portato al limite dell'esasperazione e spinto a commettere un omicidio - una notizia che, se diffusa, distruggerebbe la carriera politica dell'onorevole e tutte i suoi progetti di riforma, con somma soddisfazione della camera dei lord (che, un po' come accade oggi, ha bisogno del popolo bue per continuare a governare e a fare i propri comodi). Per impedire che questo accada, William, nella figura del Signore del Crimine, si prenderà la responsabilità di tutti gli omicidi, compreso quello dell'onorevole, che morirà così da eroe, da paladino dell'uguaglianza, suscitando anche l'ira del popolo. Il nemico numero uno di nobili e poveri, la figura che, attirando l'odio di entrambe le parti, potrebbe spingerle a collaborare per il bene del paese.
E Sherlock? Beh, come gli fa notare Mycroft, il tempo stringe: se vuole essere lui a catturare il Signore del Crimine, deve fare presto. Anche perché ormai ha capito qual è la vera identità del suo avversario, ora non gli resta che fare la sua mossa...

Come già menzionato nella recensione del volume precedente, gli episodi dell'anime relativi a questo arco narrativo mi avevano sconvolto parecchio. In particolare la figura di Milverton, un tizio che non ha una missione particolare, ma che semplicemente si diverte a rovinare la vita altrui, a corrompere l'animo delle sue vittime. Gli importa meno di zero del futuro del paese, dello sviluppo, del potere dei nobili e altre amenità: gli importa solo di se stesso, del fatto che la posizione, i mezzi e il potere per fare quello che vuole e rimanere impunito, gustandosi così il suo "spettacolo" preferito senza preoccupazioni visto che non esistono prove a suo carico. Zero rimorso. Zero senso di colpa. Zero umanità. Ma, purtroppo per lui, si è inamicato le persone sbagliate.