What is Trickster?#
Set in the 2030s, Trickster (also known as Trickster: Edogawa Rampo ‘Shōnen Tantei-dan’ Yori) is a mystery series that blends detective work with supernatural elements. The story follows the Boy Detectives Club, a group led by the enigmatic detective Kogorō Akechi. Together, they utilize their unique skill sets to solve various cases.
The plot takes a turn when club member Kensuke Hanazaki encounters Yoshio Kobayashi, a boy who cannot die due to the effects of a mysterious phenomenon known as the “Unidentifiable Mist.” As Hanazaki brings Kobayashi into the fold of the Boy Detectives Club, their journey becomes entwined with the overarching conflict between Kogorō Akechi and the most notorious villain of the era: the Fiend With Twenty Faces.
If you’re looking to dive into this futuristic mystery, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Finished?#
When evaluating if Trickster is “finished,” it is important to note that the anime project was structured into distinct parts, including a second half with new theme songs. While the anime provides a detailed look at the conflict between Akechi and the Fiend With Twenty Faces, viewers who want to explore the world further or ensure they have every detail of the narrative may wish to buy the manga or light novel to see if the source material offers additional resolution.
Audience and Appeal#
Trickster is best suited for fans of the mystery genre who enjoy a mix of traditional detective tropes and speculative sci-fi/supernatural elements. The appeal lies in the chemistry of the Boy Detectives Club and the high-stakes tension created by the presence of the Fiend With Twenty Faces.
Beyond the screen, the franchise has expanded into other media, including a stage play that debuted in April 2017. The series is also known for its musical contributions, featuring theme songs by Gackt and Azusa Tadokoro.
If you’re a fan of the series’ aesthetic and characters, you might want to buy some Trickster merchandise to complete your collection.
Recommended Watch Order#
Navigating the Trickster releases is straightforward, but there are two primary ways to approach the series. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page for a visual guide to these entries.
Release Order#
For those who want to experience the series as it was originally aired, follow the release dates:
- Trickster (Released October 3, 2016)
- Trickster Prequel (Released December 22, 2016)
Chronological / Completionist Order#
For those who prefer to see events unfold in the order they happened within the story’s timeline, we recommend starting with the prequel before moving to the main series:
- Trickster Prequel
- Trickster (Main Series)
Whether you are a completionist or someone who prefers starting with the main narrative before diving into the backstory, both paths provide a full look at the Boy Detectives Club’s adventures.
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Trickster • anime • 2016-10-03
└─(prequel)→ Trickster • anime • 2016-12-22
