Summary
Fromgrim and gothic aestheticsto the trail of clues and red herrings, detective narratives have a certain appeal that has viewers intrigued from the very beginning. Detective storylines are engaging enough on their own, though by adding the element of being isekai’d to another world, these anime and manga have upped the ante with their fantasy-like crime-solving settings.
Detective fiction has its roots in the late Victorian era, yet these mystery-laden narratives have made their way to the modern-day anime landscape. However, taking on therole of a detectiveafter being transmigrated to a new world is a twist that not even Sherlock Holmes could have foreseen. Be it lightweight crime-solving or grim murder mysteries, these isekai anime and manga check all the boxes for a mysterious yet compelling narrative.
13
Author
Reiji Kaitou
Shinigami Tantei Elria no Kaifollows the traditional isekai blueprint ofa lightweight reincarnation premise. The manga revolves around a protagonist who is reincarnated in the world of his favorite detective comic, where he ends up becoming an assistant to a famous detective named Elria. With Elria as his mentor, the main character eventually takes on the role of a detective.
While the manga centers around detective work and crime-solving, the narrative itself isn’t quite grave. Still,Shinigami Tantei Elria no Kaifeatures a compelling story that’s enough to hook fans of both isekai and crime.
15+
Japanese Title
Isekai no Meitantei
True to its namesake,Great Detective From Another Worldis an isekai manga about a crime enthusiast’s second go at life in a fantasy world. After beingstabbed by a criminalin an alleyway, a police detective gets reincarnated in a new world where he takes the place of a boy named Van. Despite being a mere commoner, Van’s exceptional magical prowess and detective skills land him at the helm of decoding a mysterious murder.
Great Detective From Another Worldis similar to old-school detective fiction from the early 1900s but with the addition of magic and sorcery as an aid to the crime-solving action. With a fantasy setting, this detective isekai is perfect for avid murder mystery fans looking for a novel take on the genre.
4
Studio
Asread
Based on the hit horror video gameCorpse Party,Corpse Party: Tortured Soulsfeaturesa short four-episode anime adaptationfilled with nothing but pure, unadulterated isekai horror mystery. The story revolves around nine students who gather at their school to bid a friend goodbye. To ensure they stay friends forever, the group performs the “Sachiko Ever After” friendship ritual.
Little do they know that the ritual connects anyone performing the incantation to the Heavenly Host Academy, a school that served as a setting for a string of gruesome murders. Now, trapped in an alternate dimension, the group must find the clues to return home, all while fighting vengeful ghosts out to kill them.
16+
Yutaka Nakajima
Isekai Kenja no Mazoku Hanzai Chousafollows a lax detective who can’t seem to get it together, but after a critical injury that leaves him at death’s door, he receives a second chance at life thanks to a sage from another world. Obsessed with criminal mysteries, the sage grants Akutsu a new life, but on the condition that the two embark on a crime-solving journey.
Detective fiction is known for its dark, gothic aesthetic, butIsekai Kenja no Mazoku Hanzai Chousatakes a slightly lighter approach. Still, this isekai detective manga shouldn’t be mistaken for a fluff story, asthe crime-solving aspectsremain at the forefront of the narrative.
11+
Fukurou Kougyoku
Chiyodaku Oukoku Judgement: Ane to Ore to de Isekai Saikou Saibansho
The Trials of Chiyodakutakes on the usual isekai tropes but with the setting of a murder mystery trial. Akuto and Tsukasa are a regular brother-sister duo, but their lives are upended after being summoned to another world known as Chiyodaku. The princess of this new world brands the two as judges in her court, and their first case is a hero on trial for murder.
With Akuto guiding his sister through the intricacies of the fantasy world, the two set off on their magical courtroom adventure. They may not be acquainted with the peculiarities of this strange world, yet the brother-sister duo will surely find the truth, no matter the cost.The Trials of Chiyodakufeatures the summoning trope found in manyisekai manga and anime, but the crime-solving elements and courtroom antics deem this manga adaptation leagues above the rest.
Ichi Sayo
Otome isekai mangatend to revolve around the usual villainess trope, butDeka to Hannin no Otome Game Tensei: Hoshi wa Kouryaku Taishou no Nakapresents a unique premise within the otome space. Arisa Gifuji was a detective in her previous life, but a serial killer claiming to be her fan cuts her life short.
She receives a second chance at life, only to be trapped inside a dating sim with nothing but handsome men in sight. There’s a twist, however, as the very same serial killer that ended her life could be hiding among these potential love interests. This manga meshes the isekai otome subgenre with a thriller intrigue — a first within the isekai landscape.
