The comedic fantasy murder mystery series, Undead Murder Farce, may have a confusing title, but it successfully captures the essence of a classical mystery story while maintaining its humor.
Undead Murder Farce is based on Yugo Aosaki's Undead Girl Murder Farce book series, which consists of three books, with the latest installment released in 2021. The plot follows Tsugaru Shinuchi, a half-oni who survives by battling the remaining mythical monsters after the Great Purge. One day, a peculiar maid approaches Tsugaru with a talking head enclosed in a bird cage. The head belongs to Aya Rindo, an immortal whose body has been stolen by a mysterious foreigner. Aya implores Tsugaru to either help her retrieve her body or end her existence. This encounter marks the beginning of a thrilling journey as Tsugaru and Aya form a dynamic reminiscent of Watson and Holmes, solving supernatural mysteries in a European setting at the turn of the century.
Undead Murder Farce is a Great Mystery with Solid Comedy and Action
The series has a visually appealing and modern style that contrasts well with its semi-historical setting. Tsugaru is an intriguing character who effortlessly blends a relaxed demeanor with formidable fighting skills. He constantly cracks jokes in an attempt to elicit laughter from Aya, while she shines as a cunning and observant detective. Their dynamic banter adds to the overall charm of the series. Additionally, Aya's maid, Shizuku, has limited dialogue but strongly dislikes Tsugaru. To add excitement to the story, there are exciting fight scenes where Tsugaru's oni powers are showcased.
It's important for fans to note that the first episode deviates from the rest of the series. Serving as more of a prologue, it primarily focuses on providing backstory for the characters rather than featuring typical mystery-solving elements. Furthermore, the initial Japanese setting is soon replaced by a European one. As a fantasy, "Undead Murder Farce" explores a wide range of possibilities, incorporating fictional characters from different eras and well-known mythical beings like vampires.
The series is a thrilling and enjoyable experience that will captivate fans from various genres. The mystery aspect is expertly crafted and keeps a perfect balance of suspense and intrigue, reminiscent of classic locked-room mysteries. Those interested in checking out the series can tune into Crunchyroll on Wednesday, July 5th for the debut of the first episode of Undead Murder Farce, followed by weekly releases of new episodes.