Why this 1980s anime reimagined Sherlock Holmes as an anthropomorphic dog in steampunk London
In short: Sherlock Hound is a unique 26-episode anime collaboration between Japan and Italy that blends Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective with Jules Verne-inspired steampunk technology. Featuring anthropomorphic dogs as its cast, the series faced production delays due to legal issues with the Doyle estate before finally airing in 1984.
The series emerged from a joint project between Tokyo Movie Shinsha and Radiotelevisione italiana. Hayao Miyazaki directed six episodes in 1982, but production stalled following disputes with the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle. By the time these legal hurdles were cleared, Miyazaki had moved on, leaving Kyōsuke Mikuriya to direct the remainder of the series. Despite the rocky start, the show developed a distinct aesthetic, characterized by 19th-century science fiction elements and a world populated by canine versions of iconic characters.
The characterization of Sherlock Hound deviates from the source material in several ways. While he retains his genius intellect and logical deduction, he is depicted as a pipe-smoking bachelor who keeps a messy apartment and conducts hazardous chemical experiments. His landlady, Marie Hudson, is reimagined as a young, resourceful widow with aviation connections, whom Miyazaki originally intended to be the true mastermind of Baker Street. Meanwhile, Professor Moriarty serves as a recurring antagonist and master inventor, frequently constructing elaborate steam-powered vehicles to execute his complex, often outlandish schemes.
The show's release history is as eclectic as its premise. An English dub of one episode, "A Small Client," aired on HBO in November 1983, predating the Japanese broadcast. Several episodes were also edited into films and screened alongside major theatrical releases like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Laputa: Castle in the Sky. Over the decades, the series has seen various home video releases, culminating in a 2022 North American Blu-ray restoration that includes both the original Japanese and English dubs, as well as rare archival material.
The series remains a notable example of cross-cultural animation, with its international versions featuring a distinct musical score. While the Japanese release utilized themes performed by the duo Da Capo, international versions incorporated jazz-influenced instrumentals featuring saxophonist Joe Farrell and vibraphonist Milt Jackson. This blend of European literary roots, Japanese animation style, and American jazz highlights the unconventional nature of this cult classic.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sherlock Hound
- Also: Wikidata — Sherlock Hound · CC0
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