TV-Series
Description
James Moriarty from the anime Undead Murder Farce is a character who embodies the archetype of the criminal mastermind, presented here as an elderly but formidable figure. He is the leader of a powerful criminal organization known as the Banquet of the Night, a role that establishes him as a primary source of antagonism within the supernatural-laden world of the story. Physically, he is distinguished by his reptilian, sunken eyes and typically appears dressed in a refined manner, often wearing a coat, gloves, suit, scarf, and top hat, which complements his identity as a gentleman of considerable ill repute. His age is apparent from his gray hair, which reaches his neck, and his overall demeanor of a calculating senior.
The background of this version of Moriarty is deeply rooted in classic literary lore but adapted to fit the series' unique historical-fantasy setting. He was once a mathematics professor who became infamous as the Napoleon of Crime, having ruled the criminal underworld of London. His legendary conflict with the detective Sherlock Holmes culminated in 1891 at the Reichenbach Falls, where, in his battle with Holmes, he fell into the waterfall. This event, which was believed to be his death, resulted in the loss of his right leg, but he managed to survive. Following his near-fatal defeat, Moriarty fled Europe and went into hiding in Asia, specifically within the Qing Dynasty. It was during this period of exile that he encountered Jack the Ripper, an event that directly led to the formation of his new criminal empire, the Banquet of the Night.
As a personality, Moriarty commands a strong presence as a calculating and strategic figure. He refers to himself as The Professor, a title that harkens back to his academic past and underscores his intellectual and methodical approach to crime. His motivations stem from a desire for power and control, operating from the shadows to orchestrate complex schemes. His role in the story is intrinsically tied to the protagonist Tsugaru Shinuchi, as Moriarty is the one responsible for transforming him into a half-human, half-demon being. This act creates a deep and personal connection between the villain and one of the main characters, making their conflict central to the narrative. Beyond this key relationship with Tsugaru, his primary established connection is his ongoing enmity with Sherlock Holmes, a rivalry that defines his past and continues to influence his actions. His development is marked by his physical and strategic evolution following his defeat at Reichenbach, adapting from a London-based crime lord to a powerful international conspirator leading a supernatural syndicate. In terms of abilities, while the series focuses on his genius-level intellect and strategic acumen as a crime lord, his survival of the fall at Reichenbach and his continued operation as a leader despite his physical injury attest to his immense willpower and resourcefulness.
The background of this version of Moriarty is deeply rooted in classic literary lore but adapted to fit the series' unique historical-fantasy setting. He was once a mathematics professor who became infamous as the Napoleon of Crime, having ruled the criminal underworld of London. His legendary conflict with the detective Sherlock Holmes culminated in 1891 at the Reichenbach Falls, where, in his battle with Holmes, he fell into the waterfall. This event, which was believed to be his death, resulted in the loss of his right leg, but he managed to survive. Following his near-fatal defeat, Moriarty fled Europe and went into hiding in Asia, specifically within the Qing Dynasty. It was during this period of exile that he encountered Jack the Ripper, an event that directly led to the formation of his new criminal empire, the Banquet of the Night.
As a personality, Moriarty commands a strong presence as a calculating and strategic figure. He refers to himself as The Professor, a title that harkens back to his academic past and underscores his intellectual and methodical approach to crime. His motivations stem from a desire for power and control, operating from the shadows to orchestrate complex schemes. His role in the story is intrinsically tied to the protagonist Tsugaru Shinuchi, as Moriarty is the one responsible for transforming him into a half-human, half-demon being. This act creates a deep and personal connection between the villain and one of the main characters, making their conflict central to the narrative. Beyond this key relationship with Tsugaru, his primary established connection is his ongoing enmity with Sherlock Holmes, a rivalry that defines his past and continues to influence his actions. His development is marked by his physical and strategic evolution following his defeat at Reichenbach, adapting from a London-based crime lord to a powerful international conspirator leading a supernatural syndicate. In terms of abilities, while the series focuses on his genius-level intellect and strategic acumen as a crime lord, his survival of the fall at Reichenbach and his continued operation as a leader despite his physical injury attest to his immense willpower and resourcefulness.