Detective Conan Remaster Part 2 – Rivals of the Great Detective [Season 2 Episodes 12-19]

Alright, let’s dive into Detective Conan Remaster Part 2 – Rivals of the Great Detective (Season 2, Episodes 12-19). First off, if you’re a fan of the original Detective Conan (or Case Closed for those in the West), this remastered set is like revisiting an old friend with a fresh coat of paint. The crisp visuals and updated audio make those classic mysteries pop, but does it hold up for today’s teens? Let’s break it down.

The Vibe: This batch of episodes sticks to the core formula: Conan (aka Shinichi Kudo, trapped in a kid’s body) solving crimes with his deductive genius, while keeping his true identity a secret from his friends and the police. The cases here are a mix of murder mysteries, thefts, and even a few lighthearted moments—perfect for binge-watching when you want something engaging but not too heavy.

What Fans Are Saying: From the forums, it’s clear viewers love the nostalgia. One user on MyAnimeList gushed, “The remaster makes the 90s animation feel modern without losing its charm!” Another pointed out, “Conan’s interactions with Heiji Hattori (his rival detective) are still the highlight—their banter is as sharp as ever.” However, some noted that the pacing can feel slow by today’s standards, with one commenter admitting, “I had to pause a few times during the longer investigation scenes, but the payoff was worth it.”

The Cases: Episodes 12-19 feature standalone mysteries, which is great if you don’t want to commit to a long arc. Standouts include a murder at a ski resort (Episode 14) where the clue is hidden in a snowman, and a jewel heist involving a fake painting (Episode 17) that had fans guessing until the end. The writing is clever, with red herrings that keep you on your toes—though if you’re a seasoned detective anime fan, you might spot the culprit early.

Characters: Conan remains the star, but his supporting cast shines too. Ran Mouri (his childhood friend) gets more screen time here, showing off her karate skills in a few action sequences. Heiji Hattori, the Osaka detective, brings humor and competition, often challenging Conan to solve cases faster. Even the bumbling Detective Kogoro Mouri (Ran’s dad) has his moments—though his “deductions” are still mostly Conan’s doing, hidden behind a voice changer.

Visuals & Sound: The remaster does wonders for the animation. The original hand-drawn art is cleaned up, with brighter colors and smoother movements. The opening and ending themes are updated with remastered versions of the classic songs, which will have long-time fans singing along. The voice acting is consistent with the original cast, so no jarring changes there.

Criticisms: Some fans felt the remaster didn’t add enough new content. “It’s just the old episodes with better quality—no new scenes or bonus material,” one user lamented. Others mentioned that the character designs feel dated compared to modern anime, but that’s part of the charm for many.

Final Verdict: If you’re new to Detective Conan, this remaster is a great starting point—it’s accessible, fun, and introduces you to the series’ iconic characters. For veterans, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane that reminds you why you fell in love with the show in the first place. Just don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling; it’s classic Conan through and through.

Rating: 7.5/10. Solid, entertaining, and perfect for a lazy weekend. Whether you’re solving crimes with Conan or just enjoying the ride, Rivals of the Great Detective won’t disappoint.

P.S. Keep an eye out for the cameo by Kaito Kid (the phantom thief) in Episode 19—his appearance always adds a touch of magic! 🕵️♂️✨