|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||
|
|
Reviewed by Lori Henderson In this final volume of Kamen Tantei, Haruka and Masato’s friendship is put to the test as the truth about the mysterious Taro Suzuki is finally revealed! While investigating a murder at a mountain lodge, an argument erupts between our two young detectives—one that proves to have alarming results when each calls to Suzuki for help. Later, it’s a time of change as Haruka prepares to start college, leaving Masato behind to run the Mystery Novels Club by himself. But with our duo separated, what future is in store for the Masked Detective? This is not your average mystery series. It isn’t just about solving the mystery and catching the culprit. It’s more about the conventions of mysteries, and what Haruka and Masato learn about writing them along the way. Haruka and Masato have had quite a few adventures in the past three volumes, and this is the one that ties up all the loose ends. Even though there’s never really a question as to who Taro Suzuki really is, it’s made very clear in this volume. But it doesn’t seem to be so for Haruka and Masato who must still learn the hard way. He is their creation. It is their works and thoughts that give him the strength and abilities to be a detective and solve the mystery. Without one, there is no Taro Suzuki. We first see this in the mystery at the mountain lodge and they split up to solve the mystery on their own. Each wait for Suzuki to come to their rescue when they get into trouble but it isn’t until they think of each other that Suzuki can make his appearance. Then, when Haruka graduates and leaves Masato, when they get into trouble, they are still rescued, but not by Suzuki. Others, that each believes will be Suzuki come instead. It is only after searching for Suzuki, and instead meet each other that they realize the truth; THEY are Taro Suzuki, and he needs them as much as they need him. Even Taro needs a good kick from his other fictional detective friends to realize it too. It’s a very satisfactory ending though, as we are given a glimpse into the future, and see that the more things change, the more they stay the same. I think Kamen Tantei was misunderstood when it first came out. With other mystery titles like Case Closed (Detective Conan) and Kindaichi, people may have been expecting another series like those this a writing team, and found themselves disappointed. But taken for what it is, a comedy that looks at the conventions of mystery novels and movies, then it’s really very good. Haruka and Masato are very much opposites that compliment each other and give a lot of good banter. Suzuki is there to lend a helping hand, play a little of the straight man, and take the credit for solving the case in the end. I highly recommend this series as it has a lot of Akino-sensei’s trademark humor. And of course, her art is just as beautiful as ever. The biggest disappointment about this series is the complete lack of bonus materials. An explanation of who Suzuki’s fellow detectives were would have been nice, but it doesn’t distract from the rest of the story too much. It’s still a really great read. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
|
||||
 |
| home | reviews | news | features | about us | advertise | privacy policy | contact us |
