Created by Gosho Aoyama in 1994, "Detective Conan" has captivated fans worldwide through its manga, anime series, and a long-running string of feature films. The upcoming movie, following recent successes like 2024's Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram, plunges Conan Edogawa and his friends into a new mystery at a motorcycle festival in Kanagawa.
The plot thickens when a mysterious black motorcycle speeds past the group on the highway, catching the attention of Chihaya Hagiwara, a determined Kanagawa road police officer known as the "Wind Goddess." Despite a fierce pursuit, she narrowly misses capturing the elusive rider. Later, at the festival, a state-of-the-art police motorcycle named "Angel" is unveiled, only for the mysterious black bike—now dubbed "Lucifer" due to its resemblance to "Angel"—to reappear in Tokyo, once again evading authorities. As the investigation deepens, Chihaya confronts memories of her missing brother Kenji Hagiwara and classmate Jinpei Matsuda, setting the stage for a high-speed showdown between the "Wind Goddess" and the "Fallen Angel."
At the heart of the franchise is Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant 17-year-old high school detective with an encyclopedic knowledge of Sherlock Holmes. After being poisoned by a mysterious criminal organization, he was transformed into a child. To protect his loved ones and investigate the organization, he adopted the alias Conan Edogawa, attending elementary school while secretly solving complex cases. Only a select few, like Professor Agasa, know his true identity.
The series draws heavily on classic detective fiction, with its character names and plot elements paying homage to literary giants. Conan's name is a direct nod to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, while Edogawa references Japanese mystery writer Ranpo Edogawa. Other inspirations include Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot, and Jules Maigret, whose influences are woven into the fabric of the story.
The enduring appeal of "Detective Conan" lies in its unique blend of elements. According to Pierre-William Fregonese, author of L’énigme Détective Conan, writing for the French entertainment site Allociné, the series is "an indescribable, surprising, and original choral work that has worked wonderfully for decades." He attributes its success to its "dozens of endearing and unique characters" and its ability to deliver "touching stories, bloody stories, funny stories" while offering a "true reflection on society, its excesses, and its unspoken aspects."
Fregonese highlights that unlike many detective classics, Aoyama delves into the psychology of criminals, exploring motives, their deconstruction, and the potential for repentance. "Redemption is always in suspense in this profoundly human work," he notes. This nuanced approach, combined with intricate plots and a compelling overarching narrative, has resonated deeply with audiences.
The franchise's global impact is undeniable. With over 230 million copies sold, the manga is the fifth best-selling worldwide. Its films consistently rank among Japan's annual top three at the box office, and "Detective Conan" movies appear eight times in the top 50 most profitable anime films globally, outperforming giants like One Piece and Dragon Ball. This widespread success underscores its status as a cultural touchstone, a "great family" that continues to entertain and intrigue generations of fans.