Introduction

Despite reading a lot of manga, I won’t deny many series can escape my radar. That’s why when I heard about Masakuni Igarashi’s Detectives These Days Are Crazy!, I was surprised it’s been running for nearly 10 years! Luckily, One Peace Books are giving it a much-needed spotlight. One Peace Books even provided us at SunsetNerdVerse with an early digital copy of Volume 1—set to release later in April—and I was all in for a comedy with mystery elements. Is this detective the next Conan? And why is a high school girl obsessed with being his assistant? Here’s my review of Detectives These Days Are Crazy! Volume 1! Thanks again to One Peace Books for the early copy!

Art Style

Let’s be real—cool-looking protagonists grab attention. Our bum detective Keeichiro Nagumo fits the bill: trench coat, messy hair, stubble, and a cigarette. Visually, he screams old-school noir. But beyond the trope, the manga’s overall art is just plain fun. From dynamic expressions to hyper-detailed reactions (usually thanks to his assistant Mashiro Nakanishi), the visuals bounce between realism and wild exaggeration in the best way. It’s sharp, expressive, and just stylized enough to keep the comedy alive without losing visual clarity.

Story and Characters

Detective stories often swing between ultra-serious or hilariously absurd. This one? It balances both. Detectives These Days Are Crazy! Volume 1 leans comedic—with cases involving missing cats and small-time thugs—but there’s still intrigue. Why did Nagumo fall from grace? What drives Mashiro to become his assistant?

Volume 1 hints at answers, giving brief flashbacks and subtle emotional cues that leave you wanting more. The character dynamics are strong, with Mashiro’s obsessive determination clashing hilariously with Nagumo’s burnout energy. I’m definitely sticking around for Volume 2 to see how this relationship evolves.

Pacing

The pacing is solid, though it purposely holds back on diving into backstories. It’s clear that this volume is meant to set the tone, showcase the vibe, and introduce the key characters without overwhelming us. A slightly slower burn might’ve added some emotional weight early on, but overall it works for a comedic mystery series.

Panel Layout and Flow

Comedy manga often throws readers into a whirlwind of panels and punchlines, but Detectives These Days Are Crazy! handles its layout like a pro. Every panel flows seamlessly into the next, and comedic timing is nailed thanks to strong transitions. Even the most exaggerated moments never get confusing—a rare and welcome feat in the genre.

Themes and Tones

This first volume doesn’t dive deep into heavy themes, but it gives enough emotional breadcrumbs to keep things interesting. We know Nagumo was once a legend in his field, and Mashiro likely has a heartfelt reason for sticking with him. The manga blends absurdity with grounded backstory hints, creating a tone that’s both fun and potentially meaningful. Future volumes could easily dig deeper into real-world themes, all while keeping the tone light and absurd.

Conclusion

Detectives These Days Are Crazy! Volume 1 is a strong start with all the ingredients of a fantastic manga: sharp comedy, mystery intrigue, and two leads you can’t help but root for. With an anime adaptation on the horizon, I’ll definitely be reading and watching this story unfold. If you’re looking for a new series that blends slapstick humor with hidden heart, this one’s for you. And please, One Peace Books—I need Volume 2 now.

—Aaron