Moriarty the Patriot, Vol. 11

憂国のモリアーティ [Yūkoku no Moriarty] #11

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?

While there’s never a dull moment at 221B Baker Street, things are about to get a whole lot more lively. Or rather…lovey? And that’s because John has just announced to everyone that he is happily engaged to the lovely Mary Morstan. She has a very odd request for Sherlock, however—one that makes him question her true intentions. Or perhaps he’s just jealous that Watson is being taken from him!

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

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2020

About the author

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

Reviews

[Anna Quilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

You just know when John brings his surprise fiancee home...and Sherlock gives her that look ..things will not go smoothly.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s time for Sherlock the Patriot, or something, as the master detective investigates a mysterious case involving a sign. With four things on it. Look, we’re straight up retelling Conan Doyle’s The Sign of the Four for the entire volume, is what I’m saying.

It’s probably also saying something about me that this is one of the better volumes of this series and it has absolutely zero Moriarty in it outside of some fairly lame commentary omake (I literally just praised this exact thing over in Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, proving you should be careful what you wish for).

Having exactly no familiarity with this Holmes story meant I had to look it up and see how close it hews to the original and, I have to say, it handles it pretty well. It also, thankfully, drops some of the more problematic-sounding stuff. I’m all for keeping the original works intact, but an adaptation can definitely adjust itself for the era it’s written in.

As usual, Sherlock’s other greatest foe makes an appearance - his massive freaking ego - as he bristles at the idea that Watson might actually get married. Of course, he also hasn’t bothered to notice that this courtship has been ongoing for months, but that says as much as needs saying anyway.

I wouldn’t exactly call this a cracking good mystery, although it does get some call-outs to vintage Sherlockana such as Toby the Wonder Hound and the Irregulars. It’s hard to write a good mystery, and I think the legend of Conan Doyle tends to eclipse the actual writing anyway, but it holds together well as a fun tale (bonus points to Watson for identifying a poison - Agatha Christie would approve).

As a consequence, we have a case where the writing is clearly better, but the premise of the manga proper is more interesting. The adaptation goes down a more traditional route and is entirely more satisfying than the Baskerville adaptation, as an example, just because its fussy Victorianism means it can’t lurch into the overkill of the usual narrative.

Still, if you’re here for the usual plot, this does tie into it somewhat at the end, in a clever diversion from its source, but it’s mostly an excuse for Sherlock to do his thing (not that he does much of it) and for Inspector Gregson to look like an idiot, not that he needs much help (his first meeting with Sherlock over this case is incredibly funny).

Which, hey, this actually worked for me. I’m not going to say I would prefer this if it was a straight-up Holmes series instead, but I am broadly hinting that that might in fact be the case.

3.5 stars - and, yes, let’s just nudge it ahead to the higher level because it was quite a fun digression from the usual bromance. In favour of a different bromance, basically, but sometimes a change is as good as a rest.

[Adibah Atiqa (persephtiyareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this volume, it’s the arc of ‘The Sign of Mary’

Hm, well, I don’t dislike nor like this particular volume but the sudden introduction of Mary might be the factor— making me hard in rooting for this arc (after all, idk why in any version of Sherlock adaptation, I’m not a huge fan of Mary)

One thing I love about this volume is how Sherlock took charge on the chase of the treasure’s culprit. The way he predicted turnout event where he put in circumstances of the culprit decided to just gave up the treasure is brilliant.

Overall, the lingering suspicious Sherlock had over Mary that might as well affected this neutrality I have over her. But towards the end, how it the next volume unfold with Milverton, Moriarty and Holmes shall be interesting.

[Rory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bon alors un très bon tome. Mary est vraiment cool. Mais le mieux c’est Sherlock. Il est si stupide. Et puis cette fin et ce teaser pour le prochain tome. Pfiou chief kiss.
But where is Will and his family?
TW: Meurtre, Colonisation, Mort

[zara · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is probably one of the subplot that i find the most boring. and frankly, it's because i find mary insignificant and boring. sherlock still pulls through, as he always does

[Estíbaliz Montero Iniesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mis partes favoritas de este manga son aquellas en las que salen Sherlock y Watson (me gustan más que la banda de Moriarty) y he disfrutado de la adaptación de "El signo de los cuatro" que han hecho en este tomo.

[KrzysztofaleSłowacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[elif sinem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Detour is still detour, babes.

[neya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Książka sir Arthura trochę bardziej trzymała w napięciu, ale i tak genialnie odwzorowali znak czterech 🖤

[bunny. ۶ৎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so boring and pointless.

[✨Rebel Fairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like Mary.

But I did enjoy this arc. So, I am wondering - is there something else planned for Watson, or is she normal? And we have a slight idea about the King of Blackmail.

I cannot wait to return to Moriarty's side of the story. This volume still held some intrigue.

[Audrey Light And Smell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cette histoire de trésor, de trahison, de vengeance et de passé qui vient se rappeler aux vivants ne m’a pas déplu, d’autant qu’elle est auréolée d’une bonne dose de mystère. Elle m’a néanmoins donné l’impression d’une duperie de la part du mangaka qui tend un peu trop souvent à oublier que les lecteurs signent pour lire les histoires des Moriarty, pas celles de Sherlock. Ou alors aurait-il fallu renommer la série Sherlock et compagnie, histoire que chacun s’engage en connaissance de cause !

Avis complet sur le blog https://lightandsmell.wordpress.com/2...

[Chelsea Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars: ‘Moriarty the Patriot (Vol.11)’ by Ryōsuke Takeuchi.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction.
→ Book Type: Manga.

Favourite Quote: ‘Let me introduce you to Toby, the best sniffing dog you’ll find. He’s solved more cases than most bobbies.’

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 11. 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? See Volume 1 for a more personal review.

Time Read: One Day.
→ Audiobook: No
→ Audiobook Narrator: -

Trigger Warnings:
→ Murder.
→ Death.
→ Violence (Physical and Gun).
→ Blackmail.
→ Classism.

[Ray Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

This new female character called Mary is engaged to no other than the young and bright John Watson. Yet, when she meets Sherlock, he is not entirely buying her story. She seems suspicious and though she means well, we cannot deny the woman acts a bit weird.

This whole volume focuses on Sherlock solving the mysterious case presented and it turns out the mischievous man who’s also chasing William, is the one responsible for the blackmail.

Now, I know I say this way too often but this story has its ups and downs. This volume, however, was kinda in the middle: not boring, not interesting enough IMO.

I do prefer the banter between William and Sherlock tbh.

PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
Volume 1 | Volume 2 | Volume 3 | Volume 4 | Volume 5 | Volume 6 | Volume 7 | Volume 8 | Volume 9 | Volume 10

[Haede-San · Rating 3 out of 5]

onestamente questo volume non mi è piaciuto, semplicemente perché non mi è interessato il modo in cui si è arrivato al finale.
spero che il prossimo sia più intrigante dato che anche Sherlock sta avendo a che fare con una certa persona

[Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ Une enquête comme je les aime ! ❤️

[Petra J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reinterpretation of "The Sign of Four" was nice, but skipped a few bits.

[Ananya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supreme cover that's all I'm saying

[Casey Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't say this volume is filler, because it does drive the plot forward, especially with Milverton. I liked Mary, too - I see that isn't a very popular opinion in these reviews?? Sure, she did lie, but it was never meant maliciously. She did what she felt she had to, and I really respect that about her. However, during some of the case deductions, I found myself skimming (especially when it came to rehashing information we had just been told).

[Shann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sign of the four is one of my favourite cases so whats not to love 🙂‍↕️

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[suvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

whoever put the library sticker directly on the face.... I just wanna talk ok

and for this volume, I did enjoy it and I do not in any way hate Mary.... I just found her a but boring? as I do Sherlock too which is kinda weird considering this whole series is based on him but I just do ok, I'm sorry guys

[Alicia Sandoval Poveda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Como adaptación es una genialidad cómo une el signo de los cuatro con los chantajes de Milverton. Disfruto mucho cómo se usa el canon para hilar las historias en el manga.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.75

*Enter: Mary Morstan (John's fiancée 🙉)
*I keep waiting for the crash because I don't trust Mary but it turns out Milverton is somehow involved.

[Phantomº · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume: Toby the dog
This volume: Cover supremacy

P.S.: Yeah, not one of my favourites, skimmed a lot (have watched the anime anyway) and Mary is not someone I really care about.

[Lepicentrecult · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
Mais quel fin, mais quel fin. J'ai qu'une hâte c'est de lire le tome 12.
Ça fait plaisir d'avoir un tome avec John, et Sherlock. Mary est toute mims et puis sa rivalité avec Sherlock est vraiment bien construite.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 11 is dedicated entirely to this series' The Sign of Four story, The Sign of Mary. This is very straightforward adaptation though, it's basically just an retelling of the original story with these characters. Mary is given a bit more of a role however, and in the very end there's a twist that ties this story to the bigger picture.

In a way, this is then least interesting stuff this series has because it does very little to mix in with its own things. There's nothing wrong with the story, it's a good mystery, as it was originally, but indeed, nothing new.
Mary is somewhat troublesome character, she's either not liked or is shuffled aside after this story (as ACD did himself...) and so far, I have no opinion this version of Mary. She's just there, pretty bland. She's very much a client here even though she's already met Watson and they've decided to marry, unlike in the original which happens after the case. Let's see what'll be her faith this time.

Missed Moriarty & co., but in the next volume they are back on stage, as Albert said in after-chapter commentary. :D Looking forward to it!

Oh, gotta give a special shout-out to the cover picture of chapter 42, it's William in tux, on bed of roses, posing oh-so-sexy. ;)

[Jaye Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this and seeing this entire volume was about Mary I was like ugh, that's gonna be so boring but this actually turned out pretty good. I loved the mystery and I loved how it turned out. Mary is also very cute, Princess Peach looking ass.

This is dealing with the Sign of the Four story and I thought it was really fun how well it did it. It's all about Sherlock on this case to help Mary, with no Moriartys unfortunately. It's so funny how sus Sherlock is of Mary the entire time and then not really wanting to help her until they get in too deep to back out. Sherlock anticipating the killer's behavior to go exactly how he wanted it to go was so good. Also the dog was very cute. <3

Me in every review: damn this guy is hot as shit. Sherlock's design keeps me up at night because what was the reason for all of that.😭 The way he just thinks of William and wanting this case over so he can go back to dealing with him lmao he's just like me fr.

[Pash⁷ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[nur'aini tri wahyuni · Rating 5 out of 5]

karena ini buku Moriarty jadi ketika tokoh utama ga muncul agak sebel juga, tapi karena ujungnya bakal ada hubungan dengan Moriarty's plan jadi harus diterima.

p.s. Sherlock is my all time favourite but in this series we life for William James Moriarty supremacy!