Zombie Mayhem Unleashed: A Stellar Collaboration of Literary Legends
Undead Murder Farce: A spellbinding literary masterpiece that expertly blends mystery and humor, captivating classic literature enthusiasts worldwide Prepare to be entranced by The Phantom Thief's cunning schemes and The Impregnable Fortress's thrilling intrigue
Highlights
Undead Murder Farce is a literary thriller that incorporates a multitude of fictional icons into its new mystery, creating an enticing premise.
In Episode 5, the series brings to life iconic literary protagonists such as Arsene Lupin, Erik (the Phantom of the Opera), Phileas Fogg, and Sherlock Holmes. This inclusion holds the potential to enrich the story if executed skillfully. Despite concerns regarding catering to fans, the episode establishes an enticing foundation for the upcoming episodes.
Warning: The following contains potential spoilers for Episode 5, titled "The Immortal of London," of Undead Murder Farce, available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
When it comes to fusing classic literature with the supernatural, many anime enthusiasts often highlight Bungo Stray Dogs. However, this season, Studio Bones' literary thriller faces formidable competition. Undead Murder Farce goes beyond being a captivating and intricately crafted mystery by incorporating numerous fictional icons for its latest enigma.
In the past three episodes, Rindo, Shinuchi, and Shizuku delved into the investigation surrounding the murder of Hannah Goddard, the mother of the formidable Goddard family of vampires. After an intense pursuit of the truth, they finally unveiled the identity of the culprit – Hannah's son, Raoul. As the case reached its conclusion, Rindo received unexpected information from Lord Goddard himself. She learned that a mysterious man, identified by the unmistakable "M" engraving on his cane – the very same man she and Shinuchi had been relentlessly searching for – was seen not long before the tragic murder took place.
The Phantom Thief Strikes Again
Initially captivating with its blend of fantastical creatures, this alternate history narrative swiftly transforms into a mesmerizing convergence of renowned literary figures. In Episode 5, Arsene Lupin abducts Erik, famously known as the Phantom of the Opera, extending an enticing offer. The phantom thief proposes an audacious plan to pilfer the Penultimate Night from Phileas Fogg's opulent London estate.
Erik considers the mission to be absolutely crazy, particularly with the presence of Sherlock Holmes in the city. However, disregarding that, he agrees to take on the task, and together, they embark on an extraordinary journey. Remarkably, within the first two minutes of the episode, even before the opening credits commence, four renowned literary heroes are introduced as actual individuals in this series.
The introduction of these characters was not unexpected. In Episode 3, Rindo even mentioned Holmes by name, jokingly referring to him as a "weirdo." However, this new storyline goes a step further, introducing numerous prominent figures. These well-known icons alone create an intriguing concept that may cause one to overlook the fact that there are actually three main characters driving the story.
Rindo and her two companions arrive in London not only to prevent the theft but also to locate the enigmatic individual responsible for their current situation. Those familiar with Sherlock Holmes can anticipate that the primary antagonist will likely be James Moriarty. This suspicion is difficult to dismiss, especially when their initial clue leads them to Holmes, Moriarty's arch-enemy.
Following a misunderstanding, the cast is unexpectedly confined in the rear of a police wagon, where Rindo and Holmes impressively demonstrate their deductive abilities while observing two criminals accompanying them. Engaging in an enjoyable exchange, this episode effectively establishes them as intellectual equals. Given Sherlock Holmes' immense popularity, there are certain expectations regarding how the character is portrayed. However, it is a relief that he does not overshadow the other characters.
The Impregnable Fortress
Concerns arose prior to the latter half of this new episode regarding the potential negative impact of including numerous characters on the storyline. While their presence is undoubtedly exciting, there is a possibility of sacrificing complexity for the sake of pleasing fans. Fortunately, this initial chapter of the new story plays it safe and establishes an intriguing foundation.
Upon reaching the Fogg mansion, a general description of the building and the number of individuals present is provided. However, the true highlight lies in the underground vault that houses the highly sought-after diamond. Unlike the previous narrative, which revolved around solving a murder mystery, this story focuses on preventing a crime, necessitating an attentive observation of the surroundings.
The intricate procedure of accessing the chamber door and the various possible entry points that a thief could exploit are crucial aspects to take into account, yet they do not provide the sole indications. As anticipated within this series, the direction follows a highly meticulous approach. Notably, the characters' responses to subtle and seemingly insignificant gestures are consistently and frequently emphasized.
Undead Murder Farce has successfully built upon its initial mysteries, delving into a series of captivating episodes. This time, the show cleverly incorporates the revered names of literary icons, leaving viewers wondering if it's merely a nod to fans or something deeper. As long as the direction remains strong, the narrative can confidently explore moments of delightful self-indulgence.
