Detective Conan
Detective Conan, known internationally as Case Closed, is a long-running Japanese detective manga and anime franchise created by Gosho Aoyama. First serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday in January 1994, the series follows teen sleuth Shinichi Kudo—transformed into the childlike Conan Edogawa—solving intricate mysteries while pursuing the shadowy Black Organization. Over three decades, Detective Conan has grown into a multimedia phenomenon, spanning over 100 tankōbon volumes, an ongoing anime series, theatrical films, OVAs, TV specials, and even live-action adaptations.
With a blend of clever puzzles, charming characters, and an engaging overarching conspiracy, Detective Conan hooks readers and viewers from the first case to the latest installment. Whether you’re a newcomer seeking a concise overview or a longtime fan wanting to deep-dive into every medium, this encyclopedia-like guide covers everything: from the origins of the manga to the most recent 28th feature film released in April 2025.
Manga Origin and Serialization
Detective Conan began as a manga series by Gosho Aoyama, debuting in Weekly Shōnen Sunday on January 19, 1994.
Key Facts:
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Author & Illustrator: Gosho Aoyama
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Serialization: Weekly Shōnen Sunday (since January 1994)
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Collected Volumes: 107 tankōbon volumes (as of April 2025)
The manga follows Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective forced to adopt the alias Conan Edogawa after ingesting a poison that de‐ages him.
Major Story Arcs
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The Beginning: Shinichi’s transformation and first cases
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Black Organization Arc: Conan’s ongoing battle to regain his true form
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Character-Centric Arcs: Focused mysteries involving Ran Mōri, Heiji Hattori, and more
Anime Series and Episodes
The anime adaptation premiered on January 8, 1996, on Yomiuri TV and has broadcast continuously ever since.
At a Glance:
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Studio: TMS Entertainment & Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation
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First Air Date: January 8, 1996
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Episode Count: Surpassed 1,000 episodes on March 6, 2021
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Current Schedule: Weekly Saturday evening slot
▶ Episode List
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For a full episode list, see our Detective Conan Episode Guide.
Feature Films
Since 1997, a new Detective Conan film has premiered nearly every April. As of 2025, 28 feature films have been released.
List of Recent Films:
The Scarlet Bullet (2021)
The Million-Dollar Pentagram (2024)
One-Eyed Flashback (2025)
Each movie features an original mystery, high‐stakes action, and recurring characters, making them ideal stand-alone entries for newcomers.
OVAs and TV Specials
Beyond the main anime, fans can enjoy:
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OVAs: Approximately 12 direct-to-video episodes featuring side stories.
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TV Specials: Over 20 extended two-hour specials that delve into core plot points.
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TV Specials Highlight: Episode One retells Shinichi’s transformation in a feature-length format.
Live-Action Adaptations
Detective Conan’s popularity led to several live-action projects:
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TV Specials & Series: Four TV specials and one short‐run series aired as of 2012.
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2011 Drama: Challenge Letter to Shinichi Kudo starred Junpei Mizobata and explored pre-Conan events.
Characters and Voice Actors
Main Cast:
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Conan Edogawa: Minami Takayama
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Ran Mōri: Wakana Yamazaki
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Kogorō Mōri: Rikiya Koyama
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Ai Haibara: Megumi Hayashibara
Controversies and Trivia
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Name Change: Renamed Case Closed in English releases due to a trademark conflict with Conan O’Brien.
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Banned Episodes: A handful of episodes have been censored or removed in certain regions for sensitive content.
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Gosho Aoyama: Holds the record for most consecutive volumes published for a single franchise.
Did you know? Detective Conan has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series ever.
Detective Conan’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of intricate mysteries, memorable characters, and a rich multimedia universe—from manga and anime to films, OVAs, specials, and live-action dramas. Whether you’re starting with the very first volume or jumping into the latest film, there’s a perfect entry point for every fan. Dive into Detective Conan today and uncover the puzzles that have captivated audiences for over 30 years!
