Sherlock Holmes Canon in To Be Hero X?

I’m the Kind of Anime Fan Who Notices the Small Stuff

Hey, I’m Riku Sakamoto — founder of AnimeLaw, and yes, I’m the kind of guy who pauses mid-episode when a character drops a single line that could change the entire canon. That’s exactly what happened when I heard the words “Elementary, my dear Johnny” in episode 17 of To Be Hero X. so is there any next Sherlock Holmes Canon in To Be Hero X?

If you’ve been watching this insane, hyper-meta anime, you already know it doesn’t play by the rules. But this moment? It might have done something bigger than usual. It might have made Sherlock Holmes canon.

Let’s unpack that — because if it’s true, it opens up one of the most bizarre and fascinating crossover implications I’ve seen in years.

“Elementary, My Dear Johnny” – A One-Liner With Massive Implications

In episode 17, the character Loli looks at Johnny and casually drops a line that sounds harmless to anyone unfamiliar with pop culture history:

“Elementary, my dear Johnny.”

Now, to be clear, this line is loaded. “Elementary, my dear Watson” is one of the most iconic (and misquoted) catchphrases in literary history. Even though Sir Arthur Conan Doyle never actually wrote it in that exact form in the original Sherlock Holmes stories, the phrase has become universally associated with Holmes thanks to movies, TV, and adaptations.

So when a character in To Be Hero X says this? It’s not just a reference. It’s a potential declaration. It’s the writers saying, “Yes, Holmes exists in this universe — or at least, he once did.”

So… Does This Make Sherlock Holmes Canon in To Be Hero X?

Let’s think about how canonicity works in a show like To Be Hero X.

This anime isn’t your typical linear, grounded narrative. It plays with time, space, dimensions, and tropes. It’s chaotic, self-aware, and built on a multiverse structure that actively welcomes weirdness. That means even something that starts as a joke can become part of the lore.

And that’s exactly what this might be.

Now, is Sherlock Holmes literally walking around this anime world solving mysteries? Probably not. At least, not yet. But by referencing the phrase in such a direct, serious tone, the show is telling us that Holmes exists — either as:

• A real historical figure in that universe
• A cultural icon known to the characters (like how we reference Superman or Gandhi)
• Or as a fictional character with real multiversal influence, the kind this anime loves to exaggerate

If this were a grounded slice-of-life show, I’d shrug it off. But in a multiverse-driven series like To Be Hero X? You have to ask: what if that line wasn’t just a throwaway?

Anime and Sherlock Holmes: A Not-So-Strange Relationship

Believe it or not, Sherlock Holmes has already been all over anime. This isn’t new territory — but what is new is how To Be Hero X folds him into its absurdist multiverse.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Sherlock’s anime presence so far:

• Detective Conan: This one’s obvious. The entire character of Shinichi Kudo is built around Holmes’ legacy. The name “Conan” itself is a tribute to Doyle. Conan is constantly referencing Holmes’ logic and deductive skills.
• Sherlock Hound: Miyazaki fans know this one. This was literally Sherlock Holmes reimagined as a dog, in a full-on steampunk mystery anime. It was more faithful than you’d expect — and still charming as hell.
• Moriarty the Patriot: This show focused on Holmes’ nemesis and portrayed Holmes himself in a supporting role, as sharp and British as ever.

What I’m saying is: Sherlock Holmes is anime canon already — just across separate titles.

What To Be Hero X might have done, though, is bring that idea into a multiverse with entirely different logic and tone. That’s new. That’s potentially wild.

Why This Scene Might Be More Than Just a Reference

Let’s go deeper into this moment and ask: what’s the point of referencing Holmes in this show?

To Be Hero X thrives on meta storytelling. It’s full of anime parodies, self-aware characters, alternate realities, and satirical twists on hero tropes. So referencing Sherlock Holmes — the original pop culture detective — is like name-dropping the source code of deduction fiction.

It adds an interesting layer:

• Is Johnny a Watson-type character?
• Is Loli playing the Holmes role in that moment?
• Does this mean there are timelines or universes where famous literary characters exist as real forces?

It wouldn’t be the first time. Remember, this is a show where aliens, secret organizations, dimension-hopping, and world-ending threats exist… so a legendary detective dropping in? Honestly, pretty tame by comparison.

Could This Set Up a Future Crossover?

Alright, now we’re getting speculative — but hey, this is AnimeLaw. I live for speculation.

If To Be Hero X ever wanted to lean even harder into its multiverse chaos, introducing a Holmes-type character (or even a dimension called “221B”) wouldn’t be that out of line. We’ve already seen it happen in other genre-bending anime like:

• Re:Creators — where fictional characters enter the real world
• Gintama — where historical and fictional characters mix freely
• Fate/stay night — where legends, myths, and real history get summoned into battle

To Be Hero X could absolutely introduce a Sherlock-adjacent detective character who mocks anime mystery clichés, or even plays it straight and becomes a fan-favorite side character.

A Sherlock Cameo Would Actually Fit the Vibe

Let’s not forget the tone of this show: chaotic, satirical, smart when it wants to be, and completely unhinged the rest of the time. It makes fun of anime conventions, builds real emotion under the jokes, and constantly surprises viewers.

Adding Sherlock Holmes — or at least a Sherlock-like persona — wouldn’t break the world. It would just make it weirder, funnier, and even more memeable.

Personally? I’d love it. Imagine a Sherlock character fighting with logic while everyone else throws dimension-piercing punches. Pure gold.

So… Did They Really Make Sherlock Canon?

Here’s where I land on it: yes, To Be Hero X absolutely opened the door for Sherlock Holmes to exist within its multiverse. Whether he’s real, fictional, or symbolic within that world doesn’t matter — the reference was clear, deliberate, and loaded with meaning.

And knowing this show? They don’t do anything by accident.

So yeah — Holmes is probably out there somewhere in the To Be Hero X multiverse, sipping tea and analyzing battle strategies while chaos erupts around him. And I, for one, hope he shows up.

Final Thoughts from a Guy Who Overthinks Anime

This is what I love about anime like To Be Hero X. It’s unpredictable, layered, and weird enough to let something like a single phrase spark full-on canon debates.

I’ve watched hundreds of anime, but only a few give me that feeling of “wait, did they just do that?” This show thrives on those moments. And whether or not we ever see Holmes himself, the fact that we’re even talking about it? That means the writers did their job.

Sherlock Holmes may not have pulled out a pipe in this episode, but the aura was there. And for a guy who loves both anime and old-school literature? That’s enough to make me smile like Luffy before a brawl.

If you’re loving the wild meta moments and unpredictable energy of To Be Hero X, you’ll definitely want to check out my list of 10 must-watch anime that deliver the same mix of action, satire, and social commentary. It’s packed with series that hit that same chaotic sweet spot.

FAQ

Q: Did Sherlock Holmes ever say “Elementary, my dear Watson” in the books?
A: No, not exactly. That exact phrase came from early film adaptations and became iconic over time.

Q: Is the line in To Be Hero X a confirmed Sherlock reference?
A: While there’s no official confirmation from creators, the phrase is so specific and culturally tied to Holmes that it’s widely understood as a direct reference.

Q: Has Sherlock appeared in other anime?
A: Yes! Detective Conan, Sherlock Hound, and Moriarty the Patriot all include or revolve around Holmes in different forms.

Q: Will we see Sherlock in To Be Hero X again?
A: It’s possible. The show thrives on surprise appearances and cross-universe chaos. A detective-type character would fit perfectly into the madness.