While an approved Shonen Hero, I believe that he holds potential to be a Shonen Rival as well.
Note: My Proposal of Sherlock is partially taken from his Shonen and Seinen Hero proposals. However, I have personally created those posts so it doesn't go against the code of honor here.
What's the Work?[]
Moriarty the Patriot is a Japanese mystery anime/manga created by Ryosuke Takeuchi which focuses on Sherlock's nemesis, William James Moriarty, and portrays him in a more heroic light.
Who is He?[]
Sherlock Holmes is a deuteragonist of the manga who serves as an opposing rival and nemesis to the protagonist, William James Moriarty.
What Makes Him a Shonen Rival?[]
- Anti-Heroic: Sherlock has exposed the crimes and atrocities of the corrupt English nobility, took down Charles Augustus Milverton and served as a catalyst for the redemption of William, the Lord of Crime but normally commits these heroics as a way to find an enticing mystery to solve and uses questionable methods to do so.
- Honorable: Sherlock displayed genuine respect to William, seeing him as a genuine friend and a worthy opponent.
- Intelligent: Sherlock is a detective who is incredibly capable of figuring out intentions and methods based on even the smallest of clues.
- Jerkish: Sherlock tends to act rude to many of his associates such as Miss Hudson and the Baker Street Irregulars, whom he called grimy.
- Pursues a Big-End Goal: Sherlock was aiming to try and investigate and expose the Lord of Crime who was an enigmatic and dangerous foe.
- Cynical: Sherlock mistrusted the intentions of John Watson's fiance when he believed she acted suspiciously and kept an eye on her.
- Is A Serious Threat: While not evil at all, Sherlock's deductive skills have taken down numerous corrupt nobles, including Charles Augustus Milverton.
- Unnatural Hair Color: Sherlock possesses blue hair which is only shared with his brother, Mycroft Holmes.
Verdict[]
Yes. While a Shonen Hero, I do think he has enough characteristics of the rival archetype to count. Despite the work having another Shonen Rival who himself is a rival to Sherlock, I think Sherlock is just separate enough from traditional heroism to count as a Shonen Rival and doesn't fail the qualifications to William.