Interviews in 2011
|
Interviews by year (2006-present) |
|---|---|
This page lists interviews in 2011.
Contents
Otona Fami Interview #3
Date: April 20, 2011
Published in: Otona Fami (Adult Family), June issue
Raw:
青山剛昌インタビュー
四半世紀に亘り、少年漫画を描き続けてきた青山剛昌。’８６年の漫画家デビューから「マジック快斗」、「YAIBA」、そして「名探偵コナン」の今とこれからを語る。
１９６３年、鳥取県生まれ。’８６年、「ちょっとまってて」でデビュー。「YAIBA」,「名探偵コナン」はそれぞれ小学館漫画賞の？？部門と少年部門を受賞。
Q：先生は小さな頃、どんな少年だったのでしょうか？
A：少年探偵団みたいに友達と探偵遊びをよくしました。僕はコナンというより、光彦タイプ。調達や場所探しをするポジションで、実家の自動車整備工場の廃車置場を秘密基地にしていました。
Q：その頃から漫画は好きでしたか？
A：そうですね。ニャロメの絵ばかり描いてました。初めて買った漫画は、大好きなちばてつや先生の「おれは鉄平」(should be 鉄兵, seems that the magazine has a misprint)。鉄平が好きで剣道部に入りましたね。でも、親が「漫画なんて読んでも、ロクな人間にならない」という考えの厳しい人で、中学高校時代はこっそり隠れて読んでました。
Q：漫画家への道を歩み始めたのは？
A：親に反対されていたので、高校の頃には漫画家の夢は諦めかけていました。そのかわり、絵の先生になろうと思って日大芸術学部に入学したんです。するとそこには、田舎の高校にはなかった漫研が（笑）。そこのOBに漫画家の阿部ゆたかさん（「くまちゃんのクリスマス」、「名探偵コナン特別編」ほか）がいたんです。阿部さんの仕事場にアシスタントに行って、「お前本格的に漫画描いてみないか？」と言われたのがきっかけです。
Q：ちなみに大学の専攻は？
A：美術学科の絵描コースです。「コナン」の巻末の名探偵図鑑はタッチが違うでしょ？今でも描けるんですよ。当時は絵を描くバイトもしていました。フジテレビの「ポンキッキ」の背景や、東京ディズニーランドの、”カリブの海賊”の背景も描きました。海賊が町を荒らしているバックのレンガ。命縄をつけられて、一枚の写真を渡されてこのとうりに描けって。給料も良かったのでがんばりました（笑）。その絵はもうないですけど。教職も取りましたよ。地元の高校に、美術の教育実習に行って。親も僕は先生になると思っていたので、突然、漫画家になると言ったら案の定反対されましたね。親父からは「わしの友達には、今にも動き出しそうなカニを描けるやつがいる。でもそいつは全然食えてない。それでもお前は漫画家になるのか？」って（笑）。でも、「もう大人だから勝手にやる」と宣言して、出版社に作品を持ち込んでみたんです。
Q：最初は週刊少年マガジンに持ち込まれたんですよね。
A：はい、マガジンでは「さりげなくルパン」（「マジック快斗」の原型）で佳作を獲りました。でも、後にマガジンの編集長になった野内さんに「君の絵はマガジンに向いていない」と言われ、今度は週刊少年サンデーへ。そこで描いた投稿3作目の「ちょっとまってて」（SFラブコメ）が、’86年の小学館新人コミック大賞の入選を受賞。デビューへこぎ着けました。
Q：翌年には初連載作「まじっく快斗」がスタート。順調ですね。
A：大学の同級生や後輩にアシスタントをしてもらっているんですが、初めて原稿料をいただいたときにみんなで寿司屋に行ってお祝いしました。自分をプロとして実感できたのは単行本の1巻が出たとき。うれしくっておまけ漫画をつけたりして、めちゃめちゃ？りました。そんな初連載作が今も続いていますからね（笑）。もうライフワークです。また夏ごろに新作を描きますよ。快斗の母・怪盗淑女（ファントム・レディ）の話・・・になる予定。でも、最初は編集さんにけちょんけちょんに言われたんです。トリックやラブコメの部分が大人や女の子にはウケるけど、少年にはウケないと。「ニャロー！」と思って描いたのが、「YAIBA」。でも、今度は少年にしかウケなかった（笑）。
Q：「YAIBA」の思い出を是非。
A：当時は初めての週刊連載でなりふり構わずやってましたからね。無我夢中ですよ。刀の雷神剣の中にいろんな玉を入れて強くなっていくというのは、RPGのアイテムを集めて強くなるイメージで描いていたので、そこがウケてもらえて良かったです。でも、逆に子供っぽくしすぎちゃって失敗したとも思いますね。終盤のヤマタノオロチ編は気に入ってます。うまく描けたなと思うんですが、オロチ編はアニメになっていない（笑）。今のクオリティでアニメ化してほしいですね。
Q：「YAIBA」の次はついに「名探偵コナン」ですが、どんな雰囲気をイメージして作られたんでしょうか？
A：「三毛猫ホームズ」です。猫がわかるわけないのに、証拠品に触ったりして事件が解決していく。コナンも一緒。子供がわかるわけないのに、「あれれ～？」とか言って。コナンは三毛猫ホームズが喋っているイメージです。
Q：最初はどのくらい続く予定で？
A：こんなに長い連載になるとは思ってなかったですよ。最初の1巻で終わるかなと。コナンっていう名前も、編集長からアニメの「未来少年コナン」（宮崎駿監督作品）があるから、「名探偵ドイル」にしろって言われたんですが、「『未来少年』を超えてやるから！」って通しました。なのに新連載の告知記事のタイトルが「探偵少年コナン」になってて、いやいや、それはまずいだろうと（笑）。でも、10年くらい前にジブリの方に「今、コナンと言えば命探偵のほうですよね」と言われまして、「やった！」と思いましたね。
Q：「コナン」の好きなエピソードベスト5を教えてください。
A：一番は「揺れる警視庁1200万人の人質」（本記事＃28）です。読者人気も一番ですね。あとはなんだろう？アニメで2時間半スペシャルだった「黒の組織と真っ向勝負満月の夜の二元ミステリー」（本記事＃35）かな。平次が初登場する「外交官殺人事件」（本記事＃10）は、新一の「そいつはちがうな・・・」って言う見開きのシーンが、演出的にうまくいったかなと思います。「真実はいつも・・・たった一つしかねーんだからな・・・」って台詞もお気に入り。アニメの台詞で「真実はいつもひとつ！」ってあるじゃないですか。あれはアニメの脚本者が書いたんですが、僕が書いたのと同時期だったんです。偶然一緒で驚きました。「なぞめいた乗客」（本記事＃24）も好きかな。コナンの「逃げるなよ灰原・・・自分の運命から・・・逃げるんじゃねーぞ・・・」って台詞が印象に残ってます。新一は台詞に気を使いますね。あと、最初の「ホームズの黙示録」（本記事＃50）。コナンの憧れの地でしたから力が入りました。現場取材もして。
Q：’03年のインタビューでは、次はロンドン編と仰られていましたね。
A：そうか、だいぶ時間かかったね。描いてみてやっぱり英語に苦労しました。ウィンブルドンを舞台するのは最初から決めていて、ミネルバ・グラスはテニス選手のシュテフィ・グラスがモデルです。コナンが観客席からグラスに「ボクが助けてあげるよ！！」って言うシーンがありますが、あれは’96年のウィンブルドンのエピソードを基にしてます。グラフと伊達公子準決勝、流れを変えるためだかでファンが「シュテフィ！僕と結婚して！」って言ったんです。それに、グラフは「お金いくら持ってるの？」ってジョークで返したんですよ（笑）。
Q：ロンドン取材はいかがでしたか？
A：作中に登場する場所は取材に行って撮ったところばかりです。コナンが新一に戻った電話ボックスも、ビッグ・ベンの橋を渡った先にあります。”恐怖の谷”と漫画で描いた排水溝もちゃんとありますよ。泊まったホテルもそのまま。行けなかったところはグーグルマップで調べました。あ、じゃあ取材しなくても描けたかも？（笑）
Q：エピソードのラスト（72巻収録6月発売予定）には新一と蘭の念願のシーンがありましたね。
A：あれは反撃？が大きかったですね。恋愛に苦手なホームズに絡めようと思ったり、「厄介な難事件」ってう台詞も前から決めていて。計算通りです。
Q：ラブコメと組織の戦い、それぞれのエピソードを描くタイミングには、ルールや周期があるのでしょうか？
A：そろそろかなって言う勘ですね（笑）。ファンレターが結構影響あるかもしれない。「新一と蘭の子供時代が読みたいです！」、「そろそろ組織編描いてください！」とか。組織は読者からの期待も高いです。ただ、普通のフィールドとちがって、ハードボイルドに描かなければならないのでなかなか大変。でもハードボイルドは好きです。
Q：描いて楽しいキャラは？
A：灰原かな。初登場時から人気もありますね。自分が思ったとおりのことをやってくれて、言いたいことを代弁してくれるキャラです。公式HPの”コナン通信社”で僕のコメントを灰原に言わせてるのも、そんな理由です。
Q：読者人気の高いキャラは？
A：今は最近登場した世良真純。どうやらぶっちぎりらしいです。名前もまあ、わかる人にはわかっちゃうんだけどね。こんなに「ガンダム」でいいのかなって（笑）。ある大物キャラの妹のかも・・・（笑）。アニメの声優さんも今から楽しみです。
Q：高木刑事と佐藤刑事の恋愛も、今後の動向が気になります。
A：高木と佐藤は結婚式も描く予定です。本当は去年の映画のときに怪盗キッドと絡めて結婚しきしてやろうと思ってたんですが、映画でやっちゃうと、原作でできなくなるのでとめました。
Q：「コナン」は学年読の漫画・アニメ・映画・実写ドラマと、メディアミックスも幅広く展開されています。どんな形でプロデュースを？
A：主に映画の脚本と原画に携わっています。ほかのメディアはだいたいお任せにしてますね。
Q：最新映画「名探偵コナン沈黙の15分（クォーター）」には、どう関わられたんでしょうか？
A：15という数字をテーマにしたことに関しては、映画15周年ということで僕とスタッフの総意です。舞台の雪山は僕から提案しました。雪崩に埋まって、助かるまでのリミットが15分だったのでちょうどいいかなと。
Q：今作の見どころは？
A：最初のトンネルのスケボーシーンですね。あれかっこよかったでしょ？あと、僕が原画を描いた「言葉は刃物。使い方を間違えると、凶器になる。」ってコナンが言うシーン。原作でも一回使った台詞で気に入ってます。雪崩に飲み込まれるシーンの、コナンと蘭がすれ違うときに現れる新一の願も僕が原画を担当しました。
Q：歴代の映画版で先生のオススメは？
A：5作目の「天国へのカウントダウン」ですね。いろんなことがうまく歯み合った自信作です。僕の弟もこれが一番好きだといっていました。弟は医者でアニメオタクなんですよ（笑）。よく相談に乗ってもらっています。死亡推定時期とか、死亡要因とかね。まさに生きる医学書、超便利！声優にも詳しいので、「灰原役の声優さんは林原さんがいいぞ！」って電話が来たり。「あれじゃ人気にあぐらかいてる」なんてダメだしされたりもします（笑）。
Q：「コナン」は連載開始から17年、既刊71巻の長編となりましたが、長期連載を続けるコツはありますか？
A：ないですね。逆に、新しい事件を描くときはいつもこれが最後という気持ちでかかります。でも進んでるうちに次の話が始まるという。
Q：長期連載で辛いと感じたことは？
A：昔書いた伏線を忘れてしまうところ（笑）。ベルモットの伏線を明かした時はすごく大変でした（本記事＃35）。あれもこれも入れなきゃみたいな感じで。前に複線をすべてメモした紙をアニメのスタッフに渡したんだけど、返してほしい（笑）。それを見れば、”あの方”の正体がわかるかも？
Q：’08年の本誌インタビューで、次の山場はバーボンと仰っていましたね。
A：バーボン編はまだ続きますよ。それとは別の山場に世良と灰原の対決を考えてあります。これは見事ですよ。どちらも”オオカミ”ですからね（笑）。
Q：楽しみです！内容は決まっていると仰っていた最後回はいつごろに？
A：それはわからないですね。でも「こち亀」の巻数は越えないと思います（笑）。台詞はもう決まってます。ラストはハッピーエンドですよ。だって僕の作品なんだからね。
Q：20年以上週刊連載をされていますが、1週間どんなサイクルで描かれていらっしゃるのでしょうか？
A：ネームに2日半～3日、画に4日～4日半くらい。1週間使い切ってる（笑）。トリック考える時間ないですよ。だから、どんどんずれていっちゃって。たまに休載させていただいてるんですが、全然休んでいないんです。だって、原作に加え映画の打ち合わせして原画も描いてるんだもん（笑）。だから、締め切りギリギリになっても、誰も文句言わないんです。原稿落としたことは1回もないですよ。1回落とすと、ずっと落としちゃいそうで。
Q：休暇が取れたらやりたいことは？
A：ねる。ひたすら寝る。ちょっと起きて、映画見て、また寝る（笑）。それが夢の生活ですね。あとはホテル住まいをしてみたいなぁ・・・。
Q：ご実家に帰られることは？
A：毎年正月だけ帰ってます。色紙を持って、サインしてくれってファンがきてくれるから。さらに、親が1年間溜めたサイン色紙を持ってきます（笑）。コピーしたやつを200枚と普通の色紙が20枚くらい。でもまあ、田舎に帰ると何もないから、絵が描きたくなってきます。
Q：やはりお仕事がお好きなんですね。
A：そうなのかな？そういえば観るドラマも刑事者とかばかりですね。最近はテレビの新番組を全部録画して、ミステリーや刑事もの以外は全部削除しています。下書き中に流しています。会話劇なら、作業中でも内容がわかりますからね。最近では「SPEC」を観ました。超能力者が出てくるのに、ちゃんとミステリーを成立させている。終盤で、当麻（戸田恵梨香）が一（神木隆之介）との頭脳戦に勝って「あたしの勝ちだ！」って言ったところがかっこよかった！戸田さんが10代だったら、実写「コナン」の蘭役をやってもらいたかったですね（笑）。
Q：今年の元旦には「泥棒」に鑑識役で出演されましたね。
A：水谷豊さんとも相談させていただいて、念願叶いました。すごくいい人で、右京さんそのものでした。
Q：ドラマの脚本などに興味は？
A：隠居したらやってもいいかも。でも、僕は絵を描かなくちゃだめっていわれるんじゃない？（笑）
Q：先生が漫画を描く上で大事なさっていることは？
A：男の子はかっこよく、女の子は可愛くですね。最近は蘭や世良などの女の子もかっこよくなってきちゃいましたけどね（笑）。
Q：今年で画業25周年を迎えられましたが、どんな四半世紀でしたか？
A：半分くらい「コナン」ですからね。人生返せって感じですよ（笑）。始めたときは29歳だったのに。あっという間でした。自分の中では4年くらいしか経っていない感覚です。
Q：何歳まで現役でいたいですか？
A：まあできる限り。阿笠博士の年（53歳）までには隠居したいな、とも思いますけど、隠居したらまた漫画描きたくなるんじゃないかって。最初からずっと一緒にやってるアシスタントたちも年を取ってますから大変です。でもチャップリンみたいに「代表作は次回作」って言っときます！
Q：次回作といえば、’08年の本誌インタビューで仰られていた「西遊記」はいかがでしょうか？
A：「西遊記」は描きたい！悟空のキャラデザインはできていて、読みきりをサンデーに乗せる予定はあったんですが、昔の中国の背景を描くのが大変だからもう無理かな。たぶん描かないから言いますけど、超面白いですよ（笑）。
Q：描いてください！！では、読者に向けてメッセージをお願いします。
A：長い間、青山剛昌ワールドに付き合ってくれてありがとうございます。そしてこれからもよろしく。「さぁ、次の事件です」ってね（笑）。
Translated by: justwananaccount
[T/N: I'm guessing at the pronounciation of some names, so it might not be entirely accurate. ^^; Also, some characters were so fuzzy that I couldn't make it out – in that case I left a ? in the Japanese text and got the translation from the Chinese translation. As before, let me know if I've mistranslated or I've taken too much liberty in the English or something.]
Aoyama Gosho Interview
Aoyama Gosho has continued drawing shounen manga for a quarter of a century. Debuted as a manga artist in '86, he will discuss Magic Kaito, YAIBA, Detective Conan, and future plans.
Profile
Born in Tottori prefecture in 1963. Debuted in '86 with Wait a Minute. YAIBA and Detective Conan won Shougakukan Manga Award in Youth (I got this from the Chinese translation, I can't read the Japanese 'cause it's so fuzzy) and Shounen Divisions, respectively.
Q: What kind of boy was sensei like during childhood?
A:Like the Detective Boys, I played detective with friends. I was more of a Mitsuhiko-type than a Conan-type. I was in a position to search provisions and places, with my family's car maintenance factory's scrap yard as the secret base.
Q: Did you like manga from that time?
A: Yes. I kept drawing pictures of Nyarome. The first manga I bought was my favorite artist, Chiba Tetsuya sensei's I am Teppei. I entered the kendo club because I liked Teppei so much. But, my parents held harsh beliefs like “Those who read manga don't become a worthy human being,” so I read secretly during my middle and high school years.
Q: When did you start walking down the path of a manga artist?
A: I was opposed by my parents, so I almost gave up my dream of becoming a manga artist during high school. Instead, I entered Nihon University College of Art to become an art teacher. There, manga research (?) existed, which didn't exist in my countryside high school (laughs). An alumni manga artist, Abu Yukata-san (Bear-chan's Christmas, Detective Conan Special Edition, etc.) was there. I went to be an assistant at Abu-san's work place, and he said, “Do you want to draw manga for real”? That's where it started.
Q: Just wondering, what was your major at your university?
A: The Fine Arts Department's artist course. The touch in Conan's end-of-the-volume Illustrated Guide to Famous Detective is different, isn't it? I can still draw. I also used to draw for part time jobs. I drew the background for Fuji TV's Ponkikki, and for Tokyo Disneyland's Pirates of the Carribean*. I drew on the brick wall behind the town that the pirates are vandalizing (I think . . . I'm not completely sure). I was put on a life line, and they gave me a picture and told me to draw just like it. The pay was good, so I did my best (laughs). That picture doesn't exist anymore, though. I also took up a teaching job. At my hometown's high school, I even went to art education training. My parents thought I was going to become a teacher, so when I suddenly said I was going to be a manga artist, they stubbornly opposed me like I expected. My old man said, “I had a friend who can draw a crab that looks like it's about to start moving. But that person can't eat, at all. Do you still want to be a manga artist?” (laughs) Still, [he? I?] declared “[I'm? You're?] an adult already, do whatever [I? you?] like,” and I brought in a work to a publisher.
[T/N: I know the timeline doesn't make sense, but I typed in カリブの海賊 into Google and that's what I got. :\ ]
Q: You first submitted to Weekly Shonen Magazine, right?
A: Yes, I performed well with Nonchalantly Lupin (Magic Kaito's prototype) at Magazine. However, Nouchi-san, who later became Magazine's head editor, told me, “Your art doesn't suit Magazine,” so I headed for Weekly Shonen Sunday next. There, I won Shougakukan Newcomer Comic Award with my third contributed work Wait a Minute (SF love comedy) in '86. I finally managed to debut.
Q: Magic Kaito, your first serial work, started the following year. Things are going favorably.
A: Though my university classmates and lowerclassmen were assisting me, when contribution fees were paid for the first time, we all went to a sushi restaurant to celebrate. I felt like a pro when the first volume came out. I was so happy, I added extra manga. That first serial work still continues, even now (laughs). It's a life work now. I'm going to put out a new work in the summer. It'll be about Kaito's mother, Phantom Lady . . . or it's planned to be. Although, editor[s] really complained to me at first. The parts about tricks and love comedy is popular with adults and girls, but not with boys, [they/he/she] said. With Yaiba, I thought “you” while drawing it. But this time, only boys liked it (laughs).
Q: Please, tell us memories of YAIBA.
A: At the time, it was the first weekly series so I did stuff without care. I was completely absorbed in it. The idea of putting in jewels into the sword Raijinken (Sword of Thunder God) to make it stronger came from RPG, with the image of collecting items to become stronger – I'm glad that part was received well. Although, I think I failed because the work became too childish, in contrast [to Magic Kaito]. I like the final stage, the Yamatanoorochi (a Japanese mythical monster with eight heads and eight tails) arc. I thought I drew well, but the arc hasn't been animated (laughs). I wish that it will be animated, with current quality.
Q: After YAIBA is finally Detective Conan, what atmosphere did you imagine to make it?
A: Calico Cat Holmes. Though a cat shouldn't understand, it touches around evidence and such and the case gets solved. Same thing with Conan. Though a child shouldn't understand, he says things like “arere~?” I imagine Conan to be Calico Cat Holmes talking.
Q: How long did you plan on continuing it at first?
A: I never thought the serialization would be so long. I thought it would end with the first volume. The head editor said that since there is the anime, Future Boy Conan (directed by Miyazaki Hayao), I should change the title to “Detective Doyle,” but I persuaded him/her by saying, “I'll surpass Future Boy Conan!” But the new serialization notification article listed the title as “Detective Boy Conan”, and I thought, that's not good (laughs). However, about ten years ago, a person from Studio Ghibli told me, “Conan means the detective now, doesn't it?” and I thought, “Yes!”
Q: Tell me your Top 5 episodes.
A: #1 would be “Shaken Police Headquarters: 12 Million Hostages” (FILE 369-373). What else? I guess “Head to Head with the Black Organization: Full Moon Night's Dual Mystery” (FILE 429-434), which ran as a two-and-a-half-hour special in the anime. Ïn “The Case of the Murdered Diplomat” (FILE 92-96), where Heiji first makes an appearance, I liked Shinichi's eye-opening scene, where he said, “That's not right . . .” - I thought it went well, performance-wise. I also like the line, “There is . . . only one truth . . . don't you see?” In the anime, they say, “One truth remains!”, right? The anime's writer came up with this line, but I also came up with this line at the same time. I was surprised by the coincidence. “The Mysterious Passenger” (FILE 287-289) is a favorite, too. Conan's “Don't run away, Haibara . . . Don't run away . . . from your own destiny . . .” remains impressed in my memory. Shinichi picks his lines carefully, doesn't he? I'd also like to add “Following Holmes” (FILE 743-752). Since it was Conan's admired place, I put in some effort. I did some site research for it, too.
Q: You said that the next arc would be the London arc in the '03 interview, didn't you?
A: Wow, some time has passed since then, hasn't it? I tried drawing it, and I definitely struggled with the English. I decided from the beginning to feature Wimbledon, and I modeled Minerva Glass with the tennis player, Steffi Graf. The scene where conan says “I'll help you out!!” to Glass from the audience is based on an episode in Wimbledon in '96. During the semifinal between Graf and Date Kimiko, a fan said “Steffi, will you marry me?”, maybe to change the flow [of the game]. Then, Graf replied jokingly, “How much money do you have?” (laughs)
Q: How was the research in London?
A: The places that show up in the manga mostly consist of places I took pictures of during the research. The telephone box where Conan turned back to Shinichi really was at the end of crossing the Big Ben bridge. The gutter with “Valley of Fear” written across the top in the manga exists, too. I drew the hotel I stayed at as it was. For places I couldn't go, I investigated with Google Map. Maybe I could have drawn without the site research? (laughs)
Q: The end of that arc (Volume 72 planned to be sold in June) contained the much-awaited-for scene between Shinichi and Ran, didn't it?
A: The reaction was huge for that scene. I thought about tying in the fact that Holmes is weak in romance, and the “A bothersome, difficult case” line was decided before. Things went as planned.
Q: Is there a rule or a cycle behind deciding the timing for love-comedy and Black Organization episodes?
A: I decide when I feel it's time (laughs). Maybe fan letters have a pretty significant influence. I get stuff like “I want to read about Shinichi and Ran's childhood!” or “Please draw the BO arc soon!” The readers expectations for the BO arc is high. It's just, unlike normal fields, I have to draw hard core so it's quite a lot of work. But I like hard core things.
Q: Which character is fun to draw?
A: Haibara, perhaps. She's popular since her appearance, isn't she? She does exactly what I want her to do, and I can say what I want to say though her. This is pretty much the reason why I have Haibara say my comments at the official homepage, Conan News Agency.
Q: Which character is popular among the readers?
A: Sera Masumi, the new character. It seems that she's winning by an landslide. The name seems to be understood by people who understands. Is it good to have so much Gundam? (laughs) Maybe she's the sister of a major character . . . (laughs). I'm excited to see who the voice actor will be.
Q: I also wonder about the direction of Detective Takagi and Detective Satou's romance.
A: I plan on drawing Takagi and Satou's marriage ceremony. The thing is, during last year's movie, I thought about getting them married with a Kid plot involved, but if it's done in a movie, then I can't do it in the manga, so I decided against the idea.
Q: Conan has expanded broadly into student-read manga, anime, movies, live action drama, and media franchise. How do you produce them?
A: I'm mainly involved in the movie script and the original pictures. I entrust the other media in others.
Q: How were you involved in the newest movie, Detective Conan: Quarter of Silence?
A: About making the number '15' the theme, this was a consensus among the staff and myself to celebrate the 15th year of films. Having the stage be set on a snowy mountain was my idea. I thought that getting buried in an avalanche with a rescue time limit of 15 minutes would be just right.
Q: What are the scenes to watch for in this film?
A: The skateboard in a tunnel scene at the beginning. Wasn't it cool? Also, the scene where Conan says, “Words are knives. When used wrong, they become weapons.” (I drew the original picture for this). I also used this line in the manga once, I like it. I also was in charge of the original picture of the scene where Shinichi's prayer(?) appears when Conan and Ran miss each other in the avalanche.
Q: What is your recommended film so far?
A: The fifth film, Countdown to Heaven. Many things fit just right in that work, I'm proud of it. My little brother says he also likes this film the best. My little brother is a medical doctor who's also an anime otaku (laughs). I often consults with him. About the estimated time of death, the cause of death and such. A living medical book, super convenient! He's also knows about voice actors very well, so he calls and says things like, “Hayashibara-san would be great as Haibara's voice actor!” He also points out my faults, like “You're getting conceited with popularity” (laughs).
Q: Conan has become a long series that has continued for 17 years since the beginning of serialization, with 71 volumes published – any tips on continuing a long serialization?
A: No tips. On the contrary, when I draw a new case, I always draw with the feeling that this will be the last. Though when advancing forward the next story begins.
Q: What felt tough from the long serialization?
A: When I forget about the foreshadows I wrote a long time ago (laughs). It was a lot of work when I clarified Vermouth's foreshadows. I felt like I needed to include everything. I noted down all the foreshadows on a paper before and I handed it to the anime staff – I wish they'd return it (laughs). Maybe anokata's identity will be understood if the paper is seen?
Q: In the '08 interview with this magazine, you said that the next arc will be about Bourbon.
A: The Bourbon arc is still continuing. Aside from that arc, I've thought about a confrontation between Sera and Haibara. This will be spectacular. Both of them are “wolves,” after all (laughs).
Q: I'm excited to see it! When do you think you can write the last episode that you said you decided the contents of?
A: I don't know. But I don't think I'll exceed KochiKame in volume number (laughs). I've already decided the lines. The ending will be a happy one. This is my work, after all.
Q: You've done weekly serializations for 20 years, what does the one week cycle look like?
A: Two and a half to three days on the pre-manuscript, four to four and a half days on the drawing. The week is used up (laughs). I don't have the time to think of tricks. That's why things keep getting off. They let me take a break from time to time, but I don't rest at all. Because, on top of the manga, I have to make arrangements with the movie staff to draw the original pictures (laughs). That's why, when I turn in things at the last minute, no one complains. I've never failed to turn in my work, not once. I feel like I'll stop turning in work if I fail once.
Q: What do you want to do if you managed to take a break?
A: Sleep. Do nothing but sleep. Wake up a little, watch a movie, sleep again ( laughs). That would be my ideal life. Hotel living sounds nice, too . . .
Q: Do you return home?
A: Just on New Years every year. Since there are fans who bring shikishi's (in Japan, fans get signatures on papers called shikishi) and ask for signatures. On top of that, my parents save up one year's worth of shikishi's (laughs). Two hundred of them are copies, about twenty are the normal shikishi's. Still, when I return to the country nothing happens, so I start wanting to draw pictures.
Q: As I thought, you like to work, don't you?
A: You think? Now that I think about it, the dramas that I watch are all about police detectives. These days, all the new shows are recorded, and shows that aren't mysteries or about police detectives are eliminated. I play them when drafting. With dramas, you can understand the contents even while working. Recently, I've watched SPEC. Even though ESP people appear, the mystery is set up properly. In the last episode, I thought that when Touma (Toda Erika) said “I won!” (when she won the intellect battle against Ninomae (Kamiki Ryuunosuke)), she was really cool. If Toda-san was in her teens, I would have liked her to play Ran in the live action Conan drama (laughs).
Q: You've played the role of a police crime lab staff in Thief during this year's New Years.
A: I was also kindly allowed to consult with Mizutani Yutaka-san, my wish came true. He was a truly good person, he was just like Ukyou-san!
Q: Do you have an interest in scripts for dramas?
A: After I retire, maybe. But I think I'll be told that I should draw instead (laughs).
Q: When sensei draws manga, what do you value?
A: To draw cool boys and cute girls. Though Ran and Sera and such girls are becoming cooler these days (laughs).
Q: This year marks the 25th anniversary of your job; how would you describe this past quarter century?
A: Half of it was Conan. I feel like I want to demand my life back (laughs). I was 29 when I started. Time passed by, really fast. I feel like it's only been four years.
Q: Until what age do you want to stay active?
A: As long as I can. I want to retire when I reach Agasa's age (53), I think, but once I retire I think I'll start wanting to draw manga again. The assistants who've been with me since the beginning are aging, too – there's a lot of trouble. But, just like Chaplin, I'll keep saying “My best work is my next work”!
Q: Speaking of your next work, what about the Journey to the West that you mentioned in your interview with this mazagine in '08?
A: I want to draw Journey to the West! I've finished the character design for Goku, and there was a plan to publish a one-shot on Sunday, but drawing ancient Chinese backgrounds is quite troublesome so maybe not. I'll say this since I don't think I'll keep drawing, but it's quite interesting (laughs).
Q: Please do draw! Finally, please leave a message for the readers.
A: Thank you kindly for putting up with Aoyama Gosho's world for a long time. And I hope we'll get along in the future. “Let's get to the next case!” (laughs)
Mystery Magazine Interview
Date: April 25, 2011
Published in: Mystery Magazine, June issue
Source: https://conan-4869.net/post-5413
Raw:
Nihon Uiversity College of Art Lecture Interview
Date: 26 June, 2011
various collected posts by: justwantanaccount at the bottom of the
DCW interview list forum post : link (see bottom of first post)
I can give a source - and it's from 2chan( https://www.logsoku.com/r/2ch.net/ymag/1307192217/ ), essentially. ^^; This is my original post( https://www.detectiveconanworld.com/forum/topic/523-boss-of-the-black-organization/page-30#entry111958 ) - and as I mentioned in that post, it's up to you to believe this spoiler or not. I can translate the entire post where I got that spoiler from, if you'd like:
445 : 作者の都合により名無しです : 2011/06/25(土) 15:28:12.02 ID:rjCoLlGx0 [1回発言] 昨日大学でやったらしい青山トークショーのネタバレすごいんだけど そこまでぶっちゃけるのって感じ おとなファミよりすごい
445: Anonymous: 2011/06/25 (Sat) 15:28:12.02 ID:rjCoLlGx0 [Commented 1 time] The spoilers from a talk show Gosho reportedly did yesterday at a university is crazy Like, you're gonna spoil that much? It was crazier than [the interview in] OtonaFami
(Note: すごい can mean 'great, terrific, horrible', etc, but for this context I chose 'crazy')
(446-450 pretty much ask 445 to spill the details, then)
451 : 作者の都合により名無しです : 2011/06/25(土) 17:11:43.51 ID:nflQXEXH0 [1回発言] もったいぶるバカはほおっておけよ 俺が代わりにネタバレしてやる
博士は黒幕ではない
確定
451: Anonymous: 2011/06/25 (Sat) 17:11:43.51 ID:nflQXEXH0 [Commented 1 time] Ignore the idiot putting on airs I'll give the spoilers instead
Professor [Agasa] isn't BO boss (Note: 黒幕 literally means 'black curtain' or 'political fixer', but I'm pretty sure it means BO boss here)
Settled
453 : 作者の都合により名無しです : 2011/06/25(土) 18:39:03.56 ID:WCtBexQ10 [1回発言] 今後の展開において28巻を読み直しておくと おーとなるというレポがあった
453: Anonymous: 2011/06/25 (Sat) 18:39:03.56 ID:WCtBexQ10 [Commented 1 time] There was a 'Whoa!'-inducing report that said On future developments, [Gosho said that he'll] re-read Volume 28
457 : 作者の都合により名無しです : 2011/06/25(土) 21:48:18.35 ID:ava55YlP0 [1回発言] とりあえず検索して出てきた物
来場者との質疑応答があって 博士は黒組織のボス？って質問があって 「阿笠博士は黒の組織のボスじゃありません」って答える
バーローは何故バーローなの？ タッチかなんかあだち充作品の主人公がバーローって言ってたから
世良真純の人気が凄いと講演会で話す
あの花（あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。）を楽しみに見ていた 最終回も見て楽しんでから講演会に来た 花咲くいろはも楽しみに見てるよ
457: Anonymous : 2011/06/25 (Sat) 21:48:18.35 ID:ava55YlP0 [Commented 1 time] Anyways, here's what [I found] through searching
There was a Q&A session with the attendants, and [Gosho] answered, "Professor Agasa isn't the BO boss"
Why 'バーロー (bah-loh)'? (Note: You usually say 'baka', but Gosho likes to say 'bah-loh') Because Touch and other works by Adachi Mitsuru said 'bah-loh'
Talks about how popular Sera Masumi is during lecture
Was enjoying あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。( https://www.anohana.jp/ ) (We still don't know the name of the flower we saw that day) Enjoyed the last episode then came to lecture [He] looks forward to watching 花咲くいろは ( https://www.hanasakuiroha.jp/ ) (Blossoming Iroha) ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iroha )
Hmm, you're right, I need better sources - *googles, since apparently that's what the 2chan guy did to get all this info*
It seems true that Gosho really did give a lecture at his former university (Nihon University College of Art) (Original link redirects to homepage: http://www.art.nihon-u.ac.jp/ ), according to the university's website. This page talks about the Nichigei Award for Excellence, which Gosho apparently received this year - the website mentions that the award ceremony was moved from March 11th to April 8th due to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, so the ceremony happened this year. This website also mentions that the university plans on having the two winners (one of whom is Gosho) give a lecture later. (授賞式は、3月11日の東日本大震災から間もない4月8日、芸術学部新入生歓迎式プログラムとして江古田キャンパスの大ホールで行われ、ご出席いただいた林真理子氏からは、壇上から受賞の喜びとともに励ましの言葉が述べられました。また、仕事の都合で残念ながら欠席された青山剛昌氏は、ビデオで心あたたまるメッセージを届けてくださいました。お二人には後日、学内で講演を行っていただく予定です。)
Then this fan website ( https://www.koware.net/cgi/conan_jyouhou/scheduler.cgi?mode=view&no=796 ) says that the lecture commemorating the Nichigei Award for Excellence is held on June 24th 2011 from 2pm at Nihon University College of Art Ekoda Hall. Apparently only university students could attend. (学部所属の学生さんのみ参加可能 ... 2011/06/24の14時から、日本大学芸術学部の江古田大ホールで日藝賞記念講演会として、青山先生の講演が行われます。)
One more evidence for the lecture! The university's blog (Original link redirects to 404: http://blog.ocn.ne.jp/close.html ) mentions that Gosho's lecture is on June 24th 2011. Here's the poster from that blog:
jpg_8.jpg
Okay, the fact that the lecture happened on June 24th 2011 at Gosho's alma mater seems legit . . . BRB googling more.
EDIT: Also, you have to admit that, while 2chan may not be 100% accurate, they do turn out to be mostly right most of the times. ^^; I mean, I learned about OtonaFami from there, and I always go to the 2chan Shonen Sunday Spoilers board to check for the latest spoilers on the latest Conan file, which has turned out to be pretty accurate so far. I'm also impressed that the lecture turned out to be true, as well.
EDIT2: Found one evidence for claim that "Gosho said Agasa isn't BO boss" via Twitter! This 青木敬士 (Aoki Keishi) person is, according to his profile, the Associate Professor at Nihon University of Art, Literary Arts(Creative Writing), and apparently organized the lecture that Gosho gave on June 24th (this tweet says that, since he is organizing the lecture, his classes are cancelled for those days) ( https://twitter.com/AOKI_KC/status/84051732849639426 ). He also lent his pen to Aoyama when Aoyama was signing signatures, and he got excited and jokingly tweeted that maybe he should take care not to wipe off Gosho's fingerprints (lol). ( https://twitter.com/AOKI_KC/status/84173256361394176 )
This tweet ( https://twitter.com/AOKI_KC/status/84179949887569920 ) is the main evidence:
青山剛昌先生、講演会の質疑応答で「阿笠博士は黒の組織のボスじゃありません」って明言しちゃってたけど(汗) ……もしかしたら叙述トリックかもしれないよ(笑)
Aoyama Gosho-sensei declared definitively during the lecture's Q&A that "Professor Agasa isn't the Black Organization's boss," ha ha *sweats* . . . maybe this is a narrative trick? (laughs)
This tweet ( https://twitter.com/AOKI_KC/status/84175955802865664 ) corroborates with what the 2chan board said about Gosho's favorite shows - maybe this is that one 2chan guy's source? I dunno.
講演会来場者との質疑応答のなかにあったんですが、青山剛昌先生も「あの花」の最終回は楽しみにして観ていらしたそうですよ！ あと「花咲くいろは」も
This was included in the Q&A with the attendants - reportedly, Aoyama Gosho-sensi also enjoyed watching "Anohana"'s last episode! "Blossoming Iroha", too
This tweet is the main evidence:
青山剛昌先生、講演会の質疑応答で「阿笠博士は黒の組織のボスじゃありません」って明言しちゃってたけど(汗) ……もしかしたら叙述トリックかもしれないよ(笑)
Aoyama Gosho-sensei declared definitively during the lecture's Q&A that "Professor Agasa isn't the Black Organization's boss," ha ha *sweats* . . . maybe this is a narrative trick? (laughs)
This tweet corroborates with what the 2chan board said about Gosho's favorite shows - maybe this is that one 2chan guy's source? I dunno.
講演会来場者との質疑応答のなかにあったんですが、青山剛昌先生も「あの花」の最終回は楽しみにして観ていらしたそうですよ！ あと「花咲くいろは」も
This was included in the Q&A with the attendants - reportedly, Aoyama Gosho-sensi also enjoyed watching "Anohana"'s last episode! "Blossoming Iroha", too
Oh! I found Nihon University's profile on Aoki Keishi. ( http://kenkyu-web.cin.nihon-u.ac.jp/Profiles/37/0003669/profile.html )
Club Sunday Interview
Date: October 28, 2011
Source: https://conan-4869.net/post-5847
Raw:
まず、最初の「いつかコナン君たちを登場させてみたい!!という場所はどこですか？？」という質問には
「『名探偵コナン』の世界観には合わないけど…過去とか（笑）」
というお答えでした！！
江戸時代に同心として活躍するコナン君とか見てみたいですね！！
次の「様々な殺人事件が起こっている『名探偵コナン』ですが、自分が殺されるならこれが一番マシ…という殺され方はなんですか？」
という質問には
「眠っているうちに、眠るように…でも殺さないでね（笑）」
というお答えでした!!
……そりゃそうですね（笑）
そして、漫画家を目指している方必見！！「先生が一番影響を受けた作品はなんですか？」という質問には、
「ちばてつや先生、モンキーパンチ先生、あだち充先生、黒澤明監督の作品です。」
というお答えを頂きました！！
そして、そして！！
最後にどーーーーーーーしても気になることを質問させて頂きました！！
ズバリ、「黒ずくめの組織のボスは誰ですか！？」
衝撃のその答えは……！！
…………
「阿笠博士じゃないよ（笑）」
…残念!! 皆さん、本誌で正体が明かされるのを待ちましょう！！Magic Kaitou Treasured Editions: Playback Episode Interviews
Published in: Magic Kaitou Treasured Editions released throughout 2011
Raw:
https://imgur.com/a/uWjqNIq
Translated by : Cocoa moth / Cocoa (from German)
Volume 1
Hello, it's me, Aoyama.
In the course of the republication of Magic Kaito I take the liberty to show my memories of this time straightforwardly. (grin)
The Revived Phantom Thief
The memorable first chapter! Actually I became a Mangaka because I wanted to write about a high school phantom (grin) and so I drew it under great tension! Well and back then I was short of money which is the reason why his hatband around his tophat isn't shaded with screen tone...
The Police Are Everywhere
The original title „Keikan ga ippai” referred to a movie... „Taiyou ga ippai”, a movie with Alain Delon („Purple Noon”). Detective Doron is an allusion, too, because „Delon” is written as „Doron” in Japan. (grin) By the way! The words „When you bend them, they...” Kaito announces the light-emitting diode were literally written on the package of one of those things I purchased on a public festival as a kid. (grin) Appearantly they're actually known as „glow stick”.
The Clockwork Heart
A science-fiction-thriller! A rarity for Kaito (grin). I recall that I perceived it as really exhausting to draw all the parts of the robot and that I had no computer, so that I had to write Kaito's farewell letter by hand (Haha!). By the way! In the panel the robot says „I'm Kuroba Kaito... Haha!!” Kaito's pupils look kinda strange (?). There I mimicked Akemi Matsunae of which I was a big fan back then. (grin)
Kaitou Kid's Busy Day Off
Back then, the 3D movie „Captain EO” starring Michael Jackson was being played in cinemas and has been satirized in this chapter, although I never thought 3D movies could have been revived because of „Avatar”... (grin) By the way! When I read the closing scene today I think that the phrase „But, ice cream... still tastes great!” is my most embarrassing quote ever (grin).
The Pirate Ship Unsurfaced
A sea adventure with Kaito? This is a rarity, too! (grin) I can't remember at all why I wanted to draw this story, but maybe I wanted a confrontation between a thief from the mainland and a thief of the seas...? (Ha!) Well, and so Kaito brought his costume of Kaitou Kid even to this place...?! (grin)
The Scarlet Temptress
There she is! Mistress Akako! To be honest, she, as practitioner of black magic, is the reason who drove me into the corner the most during Kaitos appearances in Conan. Well, you just have to accept these works as parallel universes. (grin) By the way, Kaito Kuroba is written on the handkerchief, this probably was a prank done by his mom (Chikage)... (grin)
Aoyama Kid ♥
Volume 2
Stay Away From Him
Although it's more of a romantic tale than a thief story I really like this one ♥ Especially the panel with „Well, excuse me for being an idiot...“ is a real gem, because of how often I had to redraw it! (laughs) Additionally, Superman and Top Gun appear... which is according to my taste! It's also revealed in this story that Aoko is flat-chested. (laughs)
Japan's Most Irresponsible Prime Minister
A story I used one of my then-favourite actors Hitoshi Ueki, who has passed away in the meantime, as model! I also dared to use the Japanese prime minister - this was probably really audacious... And then characters appear who look like the past leaders of the USSR and the USA, Gorbachev and Reagan... (sweating). By the way, did anyone notice the „Akako balloon“ in the night sky? (laughs)
I Am the Master!
This story was purely written because I felt like it! Anyway, I really wanted to draw how Kaitou Kid makes a balls to the wall ride down the facade of a building... (laughs). I would be nice if they one day made an Anime out of it ♫ Oh well, even if Cleopatra's Vanity case should really exist, two thousand years later one probably couldn't use it anymore... (laughs)
Would You Grow Up
If I remember correctly, the hang-glider associated with Kaitou Kid lifted the first time in this story. Well, one could also say that Kaitou Kid could have fled from the get-go with it, instead of stretching a rope to the Tokyo Tower first (laughs). I'd really like to bring the motorized roller skates again.
The Boy Who Bet on the Ball
It has also been really daring to take real professional baseball player as a model... (laughs). I think the story was created after I talked with my editor in charge about how thrilling it would be if Kaitou Kid appeared on a pole in Tokyo Dome. Well, the Yomiuri Giants are working together with Conan in several ways anyway, so I hope they can turn a blind eye to this... (fierce laughter)
Ghost Game
If I remember correctly, I was frantically busy because I had to draw „Tantei George no Minimini Daisa-kusen“ („Detective George's Mini-Mini Big Strategy“) three weeks in a row for the Sunday magazine, so I finished this chapter in a very short time... (laughs). Directly afterwards my series „Yaiba“ started, because of which „Magic Kaito“ had to pause for a while. Hard to believe that the series is continued until today...! (laughs)
Hustler vs. Magician
Originally this was the true second chapter of „Magic Kaito“! But... it was rejected! Since my debut in „Sunday“ there was never a story before or after it that was rejected. It's real luck that it made it into this volume! (laughs)
Omake
„Magic Kaito“ was the first Manga I was allowed to publish as a Mangaka, which could be the reason I drew this story with zest and high motivation... Oh well, this probably was my youthful enthusiasm... (laughs)
Aoyama Kid ♥
Volume 3
Star Wars
The first „Magic Kaito“ story I drew in the Heisei era (since 1989 -editor's note). There are several stories in which someone tries to gain profit from using a false Kid, but this is the shining first one! At the crime scene Kid announced a lot of Kid fans have assembled and shout "Kid! Kid!". Pretty clever idea, huh? Because this has developed to a classical element until today.
The Great Detective Appears!!
Entrance of Saguru Hakuba! No, not only that, the chief inspector also shows his face...! Perhaps the junior was just worried because the top policeman never appears at the crime scene? (grin)
By the way, Kid is so bad at ice skating because I'm so lousy in it myself.
Kaitou Under Scrutiny
The skirt of Aoko's school uniform is so long and Kid's television is so big! From this you can tell the time! (Haha!) Apropos, the newspaper appearing on the last page is called „Oshima Daily Paper“ in the original version. Most of the newspapers shown in „Magic Kaito“ were named after my then editors. I beg your pardon. (grin)
Akako's Delivery Service
Kaitou Kids measurements, 1.74 m (~ 5'9") and 58 kg (~ 128 lbs), naturally are my measurements from back then! The same goes for his blood type! (grin) Back then I thought it's really cool that it's possible to figure out skin colour and age of a person just by a single hair, but today, with DNA analysis you can figure out the whole identity of the person the hair belongs to. The progress of science is frightening... (Haha!)
(Extra Chapter) Yaiba vs. Kaito!
I was told to draw a short, self-contained story and this dream sequence is the result. Back when I was a kid I already loved collaborations like „Mazinger Z vs. Devilman“, so I wanted to draw something like this. This is also the reason Kaitou Kid appears in Conan... (grin)
Blue Birthday
The first time the gem Kaitou is after is the name origin for the title! Because this was the first „Magic Kaito“ after a very long time I debuted Kaitou Kid's arch-enemy and I can remember how much this motivated me... but it's also a story about a nightly firework in the midst of the city which must have made a lot of trouble in the surroundings... (grin)
Green Dream
Oh well, this story is nothing special, but to be honest, it's this story which grew dear to my heart. (grin) What should I say about it? The rhythm is felicitous. This story was the first time I drew Kid's „signature“ we've grown so accustomed to. You can also tell from the name of one of the persons appearing that I really loved „Furuhata Ninzaburō“ back then - a japanese police detective drama.
Aoyama Kid ♥
Volume 4
Hello, it's me, Aoyama.
Since Magic Kaito is being republished I allow myself to show my memories about the past without further delay. (grin)
Crystal Mother
This is the Kaito-train story I always wanted to draw! Including some allusions to "Lupin III" or "Sherlock Holmes" it became a story during which I could live it up... (grin) Snake, who got severely hurt in the tunnel returns in the following chapter completely unharmed. That's what I call "tough“! (Ha, ha!)
Red Tear
Back when this story was published the first time, the thre first pages were in color! In fact, this created a mystery: „The gem on page 1 is blue, but the one on the cover page is red... Why oh why?“ Great that we can revive this mystery in all its glory! (grin) By the way, the closing scene in which all the photos containing the fondest memories are projected against the wall is an homage to the closing scene of the movie „Cinema Paradiso“. ♪ I used this highlight again in „Detective Conan – The Last Wizard of the Century“. (grin)
Black Star
The first confrontation with the one and only Shinichi Kudo! In this story, Kaito says: „The inspector couldn't catch him even if he used a satellite system!“ But really, it's kind of surprising that he hasn't caught him before, isn't it?! (grin) Shinichi is firing a pistol? Akako wants to use magic to get rid of Shinichi? Little Kaito is flirting with Aoko? What a crazy story! (grin) Well, the scene in which Akako uses her magic powers was cut from TV syndication, but it was restored for the DVD, so everyone who wants to watch it, can do so now. ♥ Oh yeah, the title „Black Star“! I believe there are some readers who ask themselves why this gemstone served as the namesake of the story even though it's just mentioned in passing at the end. That's because Kaitou Kid himself is the "Black Star" after all ★ – hence the title! ♪
Golden Eye
The first duel of the phantoms! (... maybe.) Catherine Zeta-Jones was the model for the character Ruby Jones. ♥ Well, they don't look very much alike... (Ha, ha!) In this story it's made clear that Kaito was born in June and Aoko in September! Exactly... Kaitou Kid may be a thief, but he is also a magician, so it really delighted me to slip in the name of the grandiose real-life magician Harry Houdini. (grin) There are a lot of tricky moments that show how much Detective Conan "poisoned" this story... (Ha, ha!)
Dark Knights
The mask Nightmare is wearing is based on one I bought during a vacation in Spain, because I really liked it. It now hangs at the wall of my living room. (Ha, ha!) Again, in this story is a lot to analyze and moreover, it ends in a thought-provoking, grim mood, which isn't very typical for „Magic Kaito“. On the other hand, this isn't bad either, isn't it? Superintendent Chaki, an old acquaintance from Detective Conan, had his origin in this story. Further on, Hakuba's nanny „Baaya“ has her very first appearance in here! Actually, it's said that there is another nanny for him who has a more docile personality, but that's a different story altogether... (He, he...)
Phantom Lady (Preannouncement)
This story revolves around how the original Kaitou Kid obtained a wonderfully beautiful jewel for the first time. ♥ It will be the first in Volume 5... I wonder when it will be released? (grin)
