The Detective Is Already Dead Manga Volumes 1-4 Reviewed
A review of the first four manga volumes finds engaging character chemistry and mystery arcs undermined by random plot points and bland visuals.
The first four volumes of The Detective Is Already Dead manga present a supernatural mystery story with a solid core but significant execution flaws, according to a review from Anime News Network. The narrative follows Kimihiko, a self-described assistant dragged into a world of crime by the detective Siesta, who remains largely absent after the initial setup.
Character Dynamics and Dialogue
The review highlights the dialogue and chemistry between characters as a major strength. The comedy is described as on-point, with snarky characters constantly poking fun at each other. This leads to unexpected and funny punchlines. Kimihiko himself is noted as a likable, no-nonsense detective with good intuition and one-liners, despite his assistant title. The characters possess a degree of self-awareness, with a weary "been there done that" attitude stemming from pasts the story gradually reveals.
Arc Structure and Overarching Mystery
The story structure across these volumes is divided into arcs, each focusing on a different girl Kimihiko encounters or helps. While each girl has a unique problem, their resolutions tie back into the overarching mystery that began with Kimihiko and Siesta's initial meeting. The present incidents act as a catalyst to learn more about their past, which the review calls "the real meat of the story." This structure is seen as a classic mystery trope.
Narrative and Pacing Issues
The biggest drawback identified is the poor execution of random plot points. The first volume is relatively grounded, but from volume two onward, more fantastical elements are introduced seemingly at random. The review states that the story's skeleton is solid, but the actual events leading to resolutions are "spotty and uninspired." Characters may randomly shows unrevealed abilities, and Kimihiko sometimes pulls revelations "out of nowhere." This approach, the critic argues, removes tension because "the author could make anything up just to get to where they need to go." The review notes that volume four could have ended with a random meteor crash and it would fit the sporadic tone.
Visual Presentation and Medium Fit
Visually, the manga is criticized as "incredibly boring-looking." Character designs are called flat and generic, with panel layouts described as basic. The review suggests the story might work better as a light novel, stating it "is begging to overexplain itself." It argues the storytelling is antithetical to an engaging mystery, lacking buildup, foreshadowing, and tension despite rising stakes. Information is withheld until the story decides the reader is ready, which the reviewer says is "never a fun feeling." Combined with the bland art, the overall package is deemed a story that "fails to meet the threshold for engaging storytelling."
