1 Introduction
Have you ever heard of “Sherlock Hound”?
It’s an anime based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes series, but it has its own unique charm.
The most unique point of this anime is that all the characters are in the form of dogs.
Yes, Holmes, Watson, and even Moriarty are all dogs!
This setting adds a sense of familiarity, making it a series that both adults and children can enjoy.
2 The Setting of the Work
The production period was from 1984 to 1985, and it was co-produced by Italy’s RAI (Radiotelevisione Italiana) and Japan’s Tokyo Movie Shinsha (now TMS Entertainment).
What’s interesting is that Hayao Miyazaki directed a few of the first episodes out of the 10. His brilliance really shines through, especially in episodes 3 and 4.
The story takes place in London at the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries.
Holmes and his partner Watson solve one case after another, but because the characters are animals, the whole thing has a more comedic tone compared to the original Sherlock Holmes, giving it a softer feel.
For example, while the original series focused on gruesome murder cases, the anime emphasizes more on adventure and puzzle-solving elements.
To explain a bit more about the characters, Sherlock Holmes, like in the original, possesses a sharp mind and great deductive skills, but because he’s depicted as a dog, he’s portrayed with a more approachable atmosphere.
Seeing him always holding a pipe while tackling cases is still really cool.
As for Watson, he supports Holmes’ deductions while embarking on adventures with him.
He also contributes to solving cases by using his medical knowledge, so he’s not just your typical sidekick, which is a nice touch.
Of course, Holmes’ rival, Professor Moriarty, also appears.
He’s a brilliant villain, but in this anime, he’s portrayed as a somewhat comedic villain, creating humorous moments alongside his assistants Smiley and Todd.
3 Story, Animation, and Music
The story includes many original cases, and while Holmes sometimes finds himself in tight spots, he always manages to find a solution thanks to his genius ideas.
Of course, Watson’s actions also play a key role at times.
So, it’s not just about Holmes—it’s the teamwork that’s also one of the anime’s charms.
Another thing to note is the beautifully depicted cityscape of London.
The animation is really well-done, perfectly recreating the 19th-century atmosphere, so you won’t get tired of watching.
We can’t forget about the music either.
The background music and theme song composed by Japanese composer Kentarō Haneda fit perfectly with the vibe of the series.
The opening theme is especially wonderful, with its bright, adventurous melody that fills viewers with excitement.
(Note: The opening theme, Story Spilled from the Sky, was written by Tokiko Miura, composed by Ken Sato, arranged by Takashi Fukui, and performed by Da Capo, not by Kentarō Haneda.)
4 Conclusion
In the end, Sherlock Hound maintains the charm of Sherlock Holmes while adding unique anime-style twists, making it a beloved work in many countries.
As one of Hayao Miyazaki’s early works, it’s also notable for its significant influence on the anime industry.
This series is recommended not only for mystery fans but also for those looking for something fun to watch with the whole family.
With plenty of character interactions and comedic episodes, it’s filled with lots of elements to keep viewers entertained.
That’s why Sherlock Hound continues to be loved by many fans even now.
The adventures spun by these dog-like characters will never lose their charm.
It’s truly a work that will go down in anime history.
(Note)
This text is based on a result from asking an AI.
Since the AI’s responses may not always be completely accurate, please be sure to double-check important information.
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Below are some links:
TMS Entertainment TMS provides entertainment such as the anime Anpanman, Detective Conan, Lupin the Third, and more. web.archive.org
Sherlock Hound Series In Japan, the original Sherlock Holmes is a dog! A masterpiece mystery directed in full Miyazaki style. www.youtube.com
Thank you very much!
