Detective Conan is one of those rare series that doesn’t feel defined by its length, even after decades of publication. In this episode of Manga With Josh, I revisit Gosho Aoyama’s long-running mystery classic, a series that began in 1994 and has steadily grown into one of the most recognizable and enduring manga of all time. With more than a thousand chapters, over one hundred collected volumes, and hundreds of millions of copies sold worldwide, Detective Conan has become less of a trend and more of a constant presence.

At its core, the story follows Shinichi Kudo, a high school detective whose life is abruptly altered after an encounter with a secretive organization leaves him trapped in the body of a child. Living under the alias Conan Edogawa, he continues solving crimes while hiding his identity from those closest to him. What unfolds is a series that blends murder mysteries, humor, routine, and long-form storytelling in a way that feels both familiar and endlessly expandable.

This episode also looks at the anime adaptation, which began in 1996 and has since surpassed a thousand episodes, as well as the broader cultural impact of the franchise — including its crossover with Lupin the Third. Whether experienced through the manga or the anime (known as Case Closed in English), Detective Conan remains approachable, patient, and deeply rewatchable.

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What We Talk About

• When Detective Conan began and how long it has been running

• Manga chapter counts, volume totals, and sales milestones

• Shinichi Kudo’s transformation into Conan Edogawa

• Ran Mouri, Kogoro Mouri, and the “Sleeping Detective” dynamic

• Rival detective Heiji Hattori and the Osaka connection

• The long-running anime adaptation and its episode count

• The Lupin the Third crossover and why it works

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Why This Manga Stood Out

Detective Conan stands out because it never rushes. Its mysteries are self-contained, but its characters and relationships evolve slowly over time. It’s a series built on routine and consistency, allowing readers and viewers to step in and out without feeling lost. That steady pacing is part of why it has managed to grow alongside its audience rather than outgrow them.

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Final Thoughts

If you enjoy mysteries, long-running series, or stories that reward patience, Detective Conan is worth revisiting — or finally discovering. It’s a reminder that not every series needs to escalate endlessly to remain engaging. Sometimes, simply continuing with care is enough.

As always, this is Manga With Josh — where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.

In this episode of Manga With Josh, I talk about Did Someone Force You To Become The Heavenly Demon?, a newer Korean manhwa that approaches the Murim genre from an unexpected angle. Rather than following a protagonist driven by ambition or revenge, this story centers on someone who simply wanted to survive and live a normal life — and ends up becoming a disciple of the Heavenly Demon because there was no other choice.

The series blends martial arts, cultivation, and comedy, but what makes it stand out is its focus on consequences. Power here isn’t free, and every technique comes with a psychological cost that the story refuses to ignore.

What We Talk About

The Murim world and the divide between orthodox and unorthodox factions

Who the Heavenly Demon is and why that title carries so much weight

A reluctant protagonist forced into discipleship to survive

Martial arts styles that come with emotional and mental drawbacks

Disciples shaped by anger, detachment, obsession, and anxiety

Humor as a way to explore darker themes without losing balance

The early training arc and the transition into the academy storyline

Why This Manhwa Stood Out

What makes this series interesting isn’t just its premise, but how seriously it takes the idea that power changes people. Each discipline taught by the Heavenly Demon introduces a flaw alongside its strength, and the story explores what it means to live with those consequences instead of overcoming them instantly. The protagonist’s response isn’t dominance or rebellion, but structure — introducing routine, rules, and even therapy into a world that doesn’t normally make space for any of that.

It’s a Murim story that understands the genre well enough to play with it, using humor and character dynamics to say something a little quieter and more grounded.

Final Thoughts

With only a few dozen chapters released so far, Did Someone Force You To Become The Heavenly Demon? is easy to catch up on and clearly still finding its footing. It may never become a massive, animated franchise, but it doesn’t need to. There’s room here for steady growth, deeper character exploration, and a long-term arc that feels earned rather than rushed.

If you enjoy Murim stories that aren’t built around power fantasies, this is one worth keeping an eye on.

About the Show

Manga With Josh is a podcast where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.

As always, this is Manga With Josh — where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.

Episode 12 – Hajime no Ippo

Subtitle: The Boxing Manga That Refused to Fade

In this episode, I talk about Hajime no Ippo, a boxing manga that has been running quietly and consistently for decades. First serialized in 1989, it’s a series that existed long before many modern readers were paying attention, yet it continues to shape conversations around sports manga today.

Rather than chasing trends or rushing its story forward, Hajime no Ippo focuses on steady growth, discipline, and the reality of pursuing something difficult over a long period of time. It follows Makunouchi Ippo, a bullied high schooler who stumbles into boxing and slowly builds himself into a professional fighter through training, setbacks, and persistence.

What We Talk About

The origins of Hajime no Ippo and its long publication history

Makunouchi Ippo’s journey from outsider to professional boxer

Why the series’ slow pacing works in its favor

The realism of its boxing, training, and recovery arcs

The anime adaptations across three different eras

How character growth and rivalries drive the story forward

Why the series still matters after more than three decades

Why This Manga Stood Out

Hajime no Ippo doesn’t try to overwhelm the reader with constant spectacle. It allows time to pass naturally, giving space for training, injuries, relationships, and doubt. Fights feel earned because you see the work that leads up to them, and victories never come without consequence.

The series also treats boxing with respect. It emphasizes fundamentals, preparation, and mental endurance rather than exaggerated techniques, which gives the story a grounded tone that’s rare in long-running sports manga.

Final Thoughts

This episode isn’t about convincing everyone to start reading 1,500 chapters overnight. It’s about recognizing a series that has lasted as long as it has for a reason. Hajime no Ippo rewards patience, attention, and an appreciation for gradual growth.

If you enjoy stories that value discipline, character development, and realism — especially within sports — this is a manga that’s worth approaching at your own pace.

About the Show

Manga With Josh is a podcast where I explore manga — well-known and obscure — through first impressions, reflection, and honest discussion.

As always, this is Manga With Josh — where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.