Gosho Aoyama: The Mastermind Behind the Phenomenon Known as Detective Conan

Early Life and Career of Gosho Aoyama

Gosho Aoyama was born on June 21, 1963, in Hokuei, Tottori, Japan. From an early age, he showed an interest in mystery and crime stories, devouring books and films on the subject. As a student, he was active in various clubs, including the mystery club, where he honed his skills as a detective and storyteller.

After graduation, Aoyama worked as a manga assistant for several years, learning the ins and outs of the industry and honing his craft. In 1986, he made his debut as a professional manga artist with the publication of Magic Kaito in Weekly Shōnen Sunday. This early work was well-received and set the stage for his later success.

Gosho Aoyama Works

Gosho Aoyama is not only known for his phenomenal creation, Detective Conan, but he has also created many other exciting manga works throughout his career. Let’s take a closer look at some of his other creations and the stories they tell.

Wait a Minute (Chotto Mattete?) (1987)

Gosho Aoyama’s first manga work was published in Shōnen Sunday. “Wait a Minute” is a thrilling story about a boy genius named Yutaka Takai and his adventures with a time machine jetpack. Takai’s love interest finds herself sent two years into the future, leaving Takai to race against time to bring her back.

Yaiba (1988-1993)

This one-volume manga tells the story of a mediocre baseball player named Shigeo Nagashima. One day, Nagashima buys a magical bat that allows him to hit every pitch, but there is a catch: he must pay the mysterious store for each pitch he hits. This work is a great example of Aoyama’s ability to tell a story that blends elements of fantasy and reality.

3rd Base 4th (Yonban Sādo?) (1993)

”Magic Kaito” is a four-volume manga series about the comical adventures of a gentleman thief named Kaitou Kid. Kid uses his skills in magic and disguise in every robbery he commits, making him a fan-favorite character. Although the manga series is currently on hold, Kaitou Kid still appears regularly in Detective Conan, Aoyama’s other famous manga series.

Gosho Aoyama's Collection of Short Stories

Throughout the years, Aoyama has written several short works, including “Play It Again,” “Excalibur,” “Santa Claus in the Summer,” “The Detective George’s Job,” “Wait a Minute,” and “The Wandering Red Butterfly.” These stories are a testament to Aoyama’s versatility and creativity as a manga artist.

Detective Conan or Case Closed (Meitantei Konan?) (1994-present)

In 1994, Gosho Aoyama created Detective Conan, which was initially serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday. The series quickly gained a following and was soon adapted into an anime, which has been broadcast on TV for more than two decades. Detective Conan has since become one of the most successful manga and anime franchises of all time, with millions of fans around the world.

So what makes Detective Conan so special? Aoyama’s unique style sets the series apart from other detective manga. Unlike other detective stories, which often focus on the logic and reasoning of the detective, Detective Conan puts the emphasis on the emotions and feelings of the characters. This approach has made the series a hit with fans of all ages, who can relate to the struggles and triumphs of the characters.

One of the key elements of Detective Conan’s success is Aoyama’s attention to detail in both the art and storytelling. The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations, and the plot is carefully crafted to keep readers engaged.

Aoyama’s art is also a standout feature of the series. The crisp lines and attention to detail in the drawings create a sense of realism, while the imaginative use of light and shadow adds to the overall atmosphere of the story. The series is also known for its memorable and suspenseful moments, which keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Detective Conan has had a profound impact on the world of manga and anime. The series has inspired countless other works, and its popularity has led to numerous adaptations and spin-off products. Aoyama’s creation has also become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of fans around the world.

Tell Me A Lie (Watashi ni Uso wo Tsuite?) (2007)

This one-shot manga is about a girl named Terumi Arai, who can read people’s minds by looking them in the eyes. The story follows Terumi as she navigates a world filled with secrets, lies, and surprises. This work showcases Aoyama’s ability to tell a captivating story with just one volume.

Private Life and Net Worth

Aoyama tied the knot with Minami Takayama on May 5th, 2005. Minami Takayama is best known for being the singer of Two-Mix as well as the voice actress behind the character of Conan in the anime adaptation of Detective Conan. However, the couple’s marital journey was short-lived and on December 10th, 2007, they decided to go their separate ways and got divorced.

With a net worth of $50 million, Aoyama is considered one of the most successful and wealthiest manga artists in Japan.

Awards and Next Projects

Throughout his career, Aoyama has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Shogakukan Manga Award in 2001 for Detective Conan and the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen in 1997 for Yaiba. In addition, Detective Conan has also received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen in 2001, the Shogakukan Manga Award for general manga in 2002, and the Shogakukan Manga Award for children’s manga in 2011.

In addition to these awards, Detective Conan has also been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the “Most volumes published for single manga series.” It was also voted the “Best manga of all time” by Japanese readers in a poll conducted by the Japanese website, Goo. Furthermore, in 2021, Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet, the 25th movie of the franchise was nominated for the “Best Animation Film” at the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia.

As for next projects, Aoyama has not announced any upcoming plans, but fans can be sure that he will continue to captivate audiences with his unique storytelling and engaging characters.

Conclusion

Gosho Aoyama is a masterful storyteller and character developer whose work on Detective Conan has captivated audiences for decades. His unique blend of mystery, suspense, and humor has made him one of the most beloved and respected manga creators of all time. With over 200 million copies sold worldwide, Detective Conan is a true phenomenon that shows