In truth, I’d never read any Sherlock Holmes stories before, instead playing adventure games based on his legend. Therefore, it was curious to read it now (after encountering many other characters inspired in some part by him) and finding myself amused how while he’s the man of stature, the entire tale is told from the perspective of Watson.

Looking at it, it’s probably because, as Watson points out, his way of thinking about art, or presentation, is very different. It would not be fitting for him to reveal his full deck of cards, and I’m pretty sure I would find his mind dreadfully dull. He as a character struck me much the same as Superman (there are even allusions to how handsome and athletic he is, on top of his reputation as a detective)—a man who has it all, and in whom I have very little interest because of it. His flaws are only superficial.

Watson, instead, is a more interesting character—largely because he is unsure of himself. I imagine when he and Holmes are at home, peaceful and quiet, he is a one-man odd couple. At least that’s how my mind pictures it.

I am now even more curious to reread the Neil Gaiman short story in which he writes about Holmes uncovering a Lovecraftian horror.