Product reviewsCase Closed Volume 12 by Gosho Aoyama (Paperback, 2006)

One Truth Prevails! A good, delectable mystery!

Being a big Sherlock Holmes fan, I was rather intrigued to learn about this manga/anime franchise. I learnt about how it's inspired by the classic "whodunit" mysteries, taking considerable atmosphere and inspiration from the Holmes stories, and it shows. Each volume contains an intricate mystery worthy of the genre. From the art-style to the writing itself, I can't give "Case Closed" enough praise. It was the one that resurrected my love of anime; a perfect blend of both classic mystery and manga. Without a doubt, one of the greatest manga ever.

It has a touch more science fiction than the usual mystery, with the main character in fact being a 17-year old Holmsian super-sleuth who is reduced to living in a child form after he was forcibly given a drug by a sinister organization (basically the franchise's equivalent of Moriarty); the fact that he's also armed with an array of high-tech gadgets that would put James Bond to shame (wrist-watch stun-gun, bow-tie voice emulator, super-kick sneakers that enhance the muscles in his feet, super-stretchy suspenders, a solar skate-board with the speed of a car... just to name a few) that help him solve the thoroughly engaging mysteries he tackles. But that doesn't affect the story in the least, rather it helps define it. There's also an Arsene Lupin-esque figure who makes regular appearances here and there to act as an extra recurring foil.

Throughout the manga, Conan (also known as Jimmy) tackles a wide variety of cases; such as a clever variation of the standard locked-room mystery, for one. There's something for every fan of a good mystery/thriller in "Case Closed". Kidnapping, Murder, Extortion, in this manga you'll experience the best of it all. In Case Closed, as the great Holmes would put it, "the game's afoot!"

On the subject of my particular order, I have nothing but good words here. It arrived in an excellent condition, as exactly described by the seller.

I've been building my collection of this manga for the past few years now, and while I've nearly caught up (I've only got a few volumes left to buy), I'm still far from finishing it as the manga has been going strong for 20 years now. It doesn't show any sign of slowing, nor would I want it to just yet. There's more to be told of these characters. Gosho Aoyama is an absolute master of his craft. With an utterly likable cast of characters, the best mysteries since... I don't know, he's crafted something truly magnificent that is sure to stand the test of time.

I urge you to at least check this manga out. You can't go wrong in any way, shape or form.

If you're looking for a good mystery, then take a seat, plan to stay there for the foreseeable future, snuggle up with your favorite drink and lose yourself in "Case Closed".Read full review...