Reader’s Question:
I have a question about the latest Conan movie. I remember that the submarine movie from a year ago was hard to understand if you weren’t familiar with Conan. Is the current Conan movie enjoyable even for those who don’t know much about the character?

Can You Enjoy the Latest
Conan Movie Without Knowing the Series?

So, I recently found myself sitting in a darkened theater, popcorn in hand, eagerly awaiting the latest installment of the beloved Detective Conan franchise. Now, I get it. Not everyone is a die-hard fan of this long-running series, and the question on many casual viewers’ minds is, “Is this movie approachable for someone who’s not intimately familiar with the characters and lore?” Having grown up in both California and Osaka, I’ve been exposed to a mix of cultures and storytelling styles. Comedy, especially the clever banter of manzai, has always captured my heart—much like how Conan’s intricate plots have captivated so many fans over the years. But here’s the kicker: this latest movie seemed to echo a sentiment I had from the submarine film released last year, which raised my eyebrows and led me to ponder if newcomers would grasp the full impact of what was happening on screen.

What’s the Deal with the New Conan Movie?

Let’s dive right into it. The new Conan movie is a continuation of earlier story arcs from the manga and anime series. For those who aren’t familiar with the backstory or the characters, that’s where things start to get a little tricky. Imagine watching a sequel to a movie without having seen the first one. You’d be like, “Wait, who’s that guy? And why are they referencing events I have no clue about?” In this particular movie, the narrative heavily relies on past events and character relationships that seasoned fans recognize instantly. There’s a lot of nostalgic dialogue, sprinkled with references to prior cases. “Remember when A happened?” or “B was always like that!” If you’re not already in the loop, it’s easy to feel lost in translation—like trying to jump into a conversation among old friends where inside jokes abound, and you’re just standing there scratching your head.

My Experience as a Parent and a Viewer

As a dad, I often find myself balancing my interests with those of my kid. I tend to seek out shows and movies that we can enjoy together, and I was hoping Conan would fit the bill. I thought, “Well, it’s animated, so my child might enjoy the visuals, right?” And while there were indeed some vibrant scenes and amusing moments, I found myself constantly navigating the storyline’s deep waters alone. I remember the moment I leaned over to my kid and said, “So, do you understand what’s happening?” The wide-eyed look on their face told me everything I needed to know. The movie had all the intensity and drama that fans love, but if you’re not on the ride from the beginning, you might just feel like you’re peeking in through the window rather than sitting at the table.

Comparing to Other Popular Series

I can’t help but draw parallels to other franchises. For example, it’s a bit like diving into a “Star Wars” movie without knowing anything about the Force or the Skywalker saga. You might enjoy the special effects and action sequences, but the emotional depth and character arcs? Good luck! And it’s similar with Conan. It’s almost like watching “踊る大捜査線” (Odoru Daisousasen) without knowing the backstory or the characters—like jumping straight into “室井慎次 敗れざる者” (Muroi Shinji: The Undefeated) without any context. You’re left with a muddled experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, to answer the original question: if you’re someone who’s just curious about the latest Conan movie but hasn’t followed the series, I’d say you might want to have a little background knowledge before diving in. It’s not impossible to enjoy, but you may find yourself wishing you’d done a little homework first. For die-hard fans, though, this movie is likely a treasure trove of nostalgia, packed with familiar faces and callbacks that remind them of why they fell in love with the series in the first place. As for me, I left the theater feeling a bit conflicted. I loved the action, the animation, and the cleverness that Conan brings to the table, but I also felt a pang of disappointment knowing that my kid was lost in the plot. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right? Sometimes, it’s about the shared experiences, the laughter over the confusion, and the stories we gather even if we don’t catch every detail. I guess we’ll be watching some earlier episodes together soon so that we can revisit the world of Conan—this time, with a little more context. So, if you’re contemplating whether to jump into the latest Conan movie, just make sure you’re ready for a wild ride, and maybe brush up on the backstory. Whether you’re a parent trying to connect with your kids through the medium of anime or just a curious viewer, it’s always worth it to dive into the deep end—after all, it’s all about the journey, right?