Moriarty the Patriot was one of the most anticipated anime adaptations of 2021. It stands out as a rare gem in the crime and mystery genre, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream categories like romantic comedy and isekai. The series reimagines the world of Sherlock Holmes from a unique perspective. Based on Ryōsuke Takeuchi’s manga, published since 2016, the anime is licensed by Funimation. Renowned studio Production I.G, known for hits like Haikyuu!! and Cells at Work!, handles the animation under the direction of Kazuya Nomura. The anime’s first season was divided into two parts. The initial 11 episodes aired between October 11, 2020, and December 20, 2020. The second half continued on April 4, 2021, culminating in a 24-episode season finale on June 27, 2021. This comprehensive season left fans eagerly anticipating confirmation of a second season.
What is Moriarty the Patriot about?
Moriarty the Patriot offers a unique lens on the well-known Sherlock Holmes universe. Instead of following Sherlock’s adventures, this anime shifts focus to his infamous archenemy, Professor William James Moriarty, presenting the story from his perspective. Moriarty, a brilliant crime consultant, believes that the world will be better if certain “bad” people are removed, and he embarks on a campaign to eliminate those he deems unworthy of their power.
Set in late 19th-century Britain, a time of intense class segregation, Moriarty’s philosophy is controversial yet thought-provoking. He believes that by committing crimes to eliminate other crimes, he can bring about a better society. To accomplish this, he often manipulates others, including those who are desperate and seeking revenge, using them as instruments in his grand plan.
His worldview leads to compelling moral dilemmas. He poses the question: if the evidence of a crime is erased, can it truly be considered a crime? Moriarty challenges Sherlock’s famous principle that “there is no perfect crime,” countering with his belief that a perfect crime is not only possible, but necessary. As he meticulously crafts his schemes, the story takes an exciting turn when he crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes, setting the stage for an intellectual and moral battle.
Will there be a third season of Moriarty the Patriot?
The second part of Moriarty the Patriot aired between April 4, 2021, and June 27, 2021. Often referred to as the “second season” by some platforms, it is more accurately a continuation of the first season, with minimal time between the two parts. As a result, fans didn’t have to wait long for the series to resume. However, since this is not a full-fledged new season, the actual second season is expected to take more time to materialize.
As of December 5, 2024, there has been no official confirmation from Production I.G., Shueisha, or other involved companies regarding the renewal of the series for a true second season. The release of new seasons is influenced by factors such as the anime’s reception, sales, and the availability of new source material. While there has been no official announcement yet, the possibility of a new season remains a subject of much speculation. Key aspects, such as production decisions and continued fan interest, will play a significant role in determining whether Moriarty the Patriot returns for another season. Let’s go through these key factors together.
Manga status of the anime
The Moriarty the Patriot manga, written by Ryōsuke Takeuchi and illustrated by Hikaru Miyoshi, has been serialized by Shueisha since 2016 and is also available in English through Viz Media. The manga is ongoing, with the 19th volume released in February 2023. This means there is plenty of source material still available for future adaptations. While the anime has covered approximately 8 volumes of the manga, it has not yet reached the most recent volumes.
In addition to the main manga series, there is also a side manga titled Moriarty the Patriot: The Remains. This spin-off series explores side stories and deeper aspects of the characters, offering more content for fans of the original work. The presence of both the main manga and the side series indicates there is more than enough material for future seasons, though the adaptation process might take time to catch up.
Despite this, the anime has been progressing quickly compared to the manga’s pace, leaving some manga fans disappointed as several significant chapters were skipped. Currently, the English release of the manga by Viz Media is up to volume 17, further highlighting that the anime has a lot of material to cover before reaching the latest volumes.
Popularity and Disc Sales
The likelihood of a second season of Moriarty the Patriot depends heavily on its popularity and disc sales. While there has been a decline in disc sales across the industry due to the growing preference for online streaming, these sales still serve as an important indicator of the anime’s financial performance. For the first 11 episodes of Moriarty the Patriot, approximately 1,370 copies were sold, averaging about 4 volumes per unit. The second part performed slightly better, with an average of 1,771 units sold. In comparison, major anime like Princess Connect! Re:Dive (31,259 units) and Jujutsu Kaisen (28,410 units) had much stronger sales figures during the same period.
Despite the relatively modest disc sales, Moriarty the Patriot has maintained a strong presence on social media. The series has garnered a dedicated following, with around 98,000 followers on X. While this is still a solid indication of interest, there is a decline from its peak, likely due to the time passed since the last season aired. Search volume for a second season has also decreased compared to earlier years, reflecting this reduced interest. However, the series remains comparable to well-regarded shows like Kekkai Sensen and Noragami. Overall, while there has been a drop in activity, Moriarty the Patriot continues to show potential for a future season, depending on factors such as production decisions and fan demand in the future.
When is the Second Season of the Anime?
We previously speculated about Moriarty the Patriot Season 2. While there is enough source material from the manga to create a new season, fans will likely have to wait a bit longer. Despite underwhelming disc sales, the anime’s above-average popularity still leaves room for optimism about a renewal. Based on current trends, we estimate a 40% chance of a new season. The typical production time for anime is about a year, but considering the status of the manga and the ongoing production process, it’s likely we will see a longer wait for a renewal. Therefore, a new season of the anime could potentially air in 2026 rather than 2025. Until then, fans of similar genres can check out other recommended series like ID: Invaded or Banana Fish to fill the gap.