The Lord of Crime: An Overview#
Moriarty the Patriot (also known as Yūkoku no Moriarty) tells the story of James Moriarty, an orphan who becomes William James Moriarty. Together with his younger brother, he navigates the strict and often oppressive class system of England, seeking to remove the systemic ills and inequalities that plague the society.
If you are looking for a gripping tale of intellectual battles and social revolution, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
Whether the anime is “finished” depends on what you are looking for. The anime adaptation consists of a series of releases starting in 2020 and continuing through 2022. While these provide a significant narrative arc, the story originates from a manga that began serialization in Jump SQ in August 2016.
For those who want the complete story and a fully satisfying conclusion, the source material is essential. Recent news indicates that the manga continues to be a focal point for the franchise, with reports of the manga returning with a “Part 2” in December 2024. Furthermore, the spinoff manga Yūkoku no Moriarty: The Remains concluded its run in July 2024. To ensure you get the full picture and every detail of William’s plan, we highly recommend buying the manga.
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Audience and Appeal#
Moriarty the Patriot is best suited for viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers, historical settings, and stories centered on social justice and systemic change. The appeal lies in the inversion of the classic Sherlock Holmes dynamic, focusing on the brilliance and motivations of the “villain” to create a fairer world. Its themes of class struggle and the moral ambiguity of using crime to achieve a greater good make it a compelling watch for mature audiences.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Navigating the releases of this series can be tricky, but the relationship tree on our site provides a clear visual map to help you stay on track. Here are our recommendations based on your goals:
The Release and Recommended Order#
For most viewers, following the release date is the most natural way to experience the story:
- Moriarty the Patriot (2020)
- Moriarty the Patriot (2021)
- Moriarty the Patriot (2022)
The Completionist Order#
If you want every single piece of content, follow the anime sequence listed above and then dive into the written works. Start with the main manga and then read the spinoff, Yūkoku no Moriarty: The Remains. Check the relationship tree for the exact connection between these works.
The Source-Material Path#
For those who prefer to read the original vision before seeing the adaptation, start with the manga (2016) and then watch the anime series in release order.
Beyond the Screen and Page#
The world of Moriarty the Patriot extends beyond just anime and manga. Fans of the series should be aware that the franchise has a strong stage presence, with new stage musicals slated for May and June 2025, and another announced for June-July 2026.
If you want to bring a piece of this Victorian-era conspiracy home, you can buy Moriarty the Patriot merchandise here.
Moriarty the Patriot • manga • 2016-08 (serialized in Jump SQ.)
└─(adaptation)→ Moriarty the Patriot • anime • 2020-10-11
└─(sequel)→ Moriarty the Patriot • anime • 2021-04-04
└─(related)→ Moriarty the Patriot • anime • 2022-04-27
└─(spinoff)→ Yūkoku no Moriarty: The Remains • manga • 2023-03-03 to 2024-07-04 (Jump Square, Apr 2023 - Aug 2024)
