Manga Review: Case Closed Vol. 42 by Gosho Aoyama
Y’know, I’m not even going to bother with the recap this time. If this is your first time hearing about this series (known as Detective Conan in fan circles because it’s closer to the original Japanese title), check some of my earlier reviews.
The first story in the volume is the finisher to a mystery started in the previous volume, and involves people’s toilet habits (but no toilet humor.)
Then, Miss Jodie, the American exchange teacher, is about to leave, but when Ran Mouri (Rachel Moore in the dub) and Sonoko Suzuki (Serena Sebastian) go to the convenience store with her for party supplies, they learn that their friend Aya is about to be fired for theft!
In order to save Aya’s job, Ran must figure out which customer is stealing so much stuff, and without the help of Conan or his true identity of Shinichi Kudou (Jimmy Kudo.) This case has a happier ending than most, but it appears Miss Jodie has a secret….
Then there’s a complex story in which Black Organization agent Vermouth lures Conan away to a murder case on board a ship of monsters, while Ai Habara (Anita) must face her past with the syndicate. There’s plenty of twists and turns, and a lot of secrets from the running subplots get revealed. Is anyone who they appear to be?
In the aftermath, Conan and the Detective Kids start a mystery about a man in a concealing raincoat who likes slashing people. The slasher has a peculiar symbol associated with him–that suddenly appears on Genta’s (George’s) pants!
This volume is a vital one for fans who care about the myth arc of the manga, so pick this one up if you see it.
