The excitement surrounding the latest installment of the beloved anime franchise, Detective Conan, is palpable as fans eagerly await the release of Detective Conan: The Phantom of the One-Eyed (隻眼の残像). Set to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, the 28th film marks another major addition to the long-standing series, known for its compelling storytelling and complex characters.
This new film features prominent locations including the breathtaking snowy mountains of Nagano Prefecture, serving as the backdrop for a tale involving police officer Yamato Kanketsu and the well-known detective Kogoro Mori. The storyline is driven by themes of unfulfilled promises and the enigmatic wounds of the past, encapsulated neatly by its catchphrase: “The memories slumbering within awake.”
With its roots tracing back to 1994 when it first appeared as a serialized manga, the Detective Conan franchise quickly burgeoned, leading to its adaptation as both an animated television series and film – first hitting theaters in 1997. This extensive history has cemented its place as one of Japan’s most beloved stories, appealing to audiences of all ages.
The plot begins with Kanketsu, who is unexpectedly drawn back to the snowy terrain of the Yatsugatake mountains, where he is faced with the mysteries surrounding his left eye, which has been left wounded after an encounter with a mysterious assailant. Ten months after surviving this harrowing snowstorm, he is called to investigate the assault on facility researchers at the National Astronomical Observatory at Nobeyama. During this investigation, clues stir memories from the past, bringing Kanketsu’s unresolved traumas back to the surface.
When Kogoro Mori receives a call from one of his old friends, nicknamed “Wani,” who is now investigating the avalanche incident linked to Kanketsu, it sets off a chain of events filled with suspense and peril. Corresponding plotlines from previous films echo throughout this installment, particularly with the haunting return of familiar characters, such as Edogawa Conan, who follows Kogoro to their rendezvous—a meeting which is abruptly interrupted by gunfire, raising the stakes immediately.
The storytelling of Detective Conan has garnered attention not only for its engaging mysteries but also its emotional depth, evident through the notable scenes teased in recent promotional material. For example, the film’s trailers have depicted significant moments, including Kogoro shedding tears, demonstrating the series' skill at weaving emotion through its narrative.
April 2024 saw the release of Detective Conan: One Million Dollar Stratosphere, which broke box office records, grossing over 15.71 billion yen and ranking as the 14th highest-grossing film of all time domestically. The anticipation for this upcoming film rides on the momentum built from this success, with expectations high as the last film was well-received by both critics and fans. The franchise continues to expand its reach, incorporating elements from popular culture and even integrating with attractions such as the Detective Conan World at Universal Studios Japan.
Collaborations with corporate sponsors also highlight the film's significance; Mitsubishi Electric, responsible for the movie's pivotal observatory scenes, has expressed both excitement and trepidation considering the on-screen portrayal of their observatory equipment.
Looking at its track record, it is clear the Detective Conan franchise has mastered the blend of mystery, adventure, and emotional storytelling, with each installment not only building on the previous narratives but also introducing fresh elements to keep audiences engaged. Detective Conan: The Phantom of the One-Eyed looks poised to continue this legacy.
With its storied history and enduring popularity, Detective Conan has transcended generations within the anime industry, earning its place as a cultural phenomenon. Fans around the world await the newest chapter, excited to see what memories will awaken and just how deep the snow-covered mysteries will go.