Case Closed
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Shinichi Kudou, a high school student of astounding talent in detective work, is well known for having solved several challenging cases. One day, when Shinichi spots two suspicious men and decides to follow them, he inadvertently becomes witness to a disturbing illegal activity. Unfortunately, he is caught in the act, so the men dose him with an experimental drug formulated by their criminal organization, leaving him to his death. However, to his own astonishment, Shinichi lives to see another day, but now in the body of a seven-year-old child. Perfectly preserving his original intelligence, he hides his real identity from everyone, including his childhood friend Ran Mouri and her father, private detective Kogorou Mouri. To this end, he takes on the alias of Conan Edogawa, inspired by the mystery writers Arthur Conan Doyle and Ranpo Edogawa. Shinichi, as Conan, starts secretly solving the senior Mouri's cases from behind the scenes with his still exceptional sleuthing skills, while covertly investigating the organization responsible for his current state, hoping to reverse the drug's effects someday.
Audience Consensus
Meitantei Conan is widely praised for its brilliant mysteries, extensive cast, and engaging overarching plot, making it a beloved series for fans of the detective genre. However, the anime is heavily criticized for its extremely slow plot progression, excessive filler, and repetitive case structure, which significantly detract from the overall experience for many viewers.
Strengths
- Brilliant and intricate mystery cases with clever solutions that engage the viewer's intellect.
- Well-developed and diverse cast of characters with distinct personalities.
- Engaging overarching plot with the 'Black Organization' that provides a compelling long-term narrative.
- Educational aspects, incorporating Japanese culture, traditions, and other real-world knowledge.
- Strong voice acting performances that perfectly capture the characters.
- Captivating and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the detective drama feel.
Weaknesses
- Extremely slow plot progression, particularly concerning the main 'Black Organization' arc, with minimal advancement over hundreds of episodes.
- Excessive padding and filler content, leading to prolonged episodes and drawn-out investigations.
- Repetitive formulaic structure in individual cases, which can become predictable over time.
- Inconsistent animation quality, especially in earlier episodes, though it improves significantly later.
- The 'Black Organization' members often escape capture too easily, straining suspension of disbelief.
- Romance subplot is criticized for its lack of progress and perceived futility given the series' length and unchanging premise.
- Later episodes (post-800s) are noted for decreased creativity, increased filler, and potential censorship of blood.