For any thief, lying, stealing, and taking every opportunity is part of their job. What about for a guy like Kaito? He seizes every opportunity and takes granted by the decisions he makes. The end result is usually something desirable in his favor. You know what they say about magic right? It’s like a fantasy wonder and Kaito makes it his own reality. Magic Kaito is like magic because it will leave you in a state of awe for seizing every opportunity to shine with its presentation.
For starters, the series has some loosely connection with Detective Conan (Case Disclosed), another series by Gosho Aoyama. However, this only starts and stops at cameos from certain characters between the shows. In essence, Magic Kaito operates on his own set of principles with its unique story. And as for this story, we have a young man who takes on a double persona. His name is Kaito Kuroba, who occasionally goes by his infamous alter ego, Kaito Kid. The series also depict a bit about his father, a man that Kaito looks up to. But unfortunately, his father was killed eight years prior to the events of the story. In present time, Magic Kaito 1412 focuses on Kaito with his double life and in a story of magic and mystery origins.
To call this series a mystery might be an overstatement for some though. At taking a closer glance, it’s immediately obvious who Kaito’s alter ego is. Even with the masterfully disguised transformations, the series takes on a more lighthearted atmosphere with the phantom thief trope. The other side of the story also shows Kaito’s normal life where he lives with a normal family and hanging out with his normal childhood friends, Aoko. So how does this show manage to succeed? Simple. Like a thief, the series seizes every opportunity to show what the franchise is capable of. It captures a well-meaning sense of events as well as sending the right message. Staying honest with its premise, the series adapts events relating to Kaito and his mischievous adventures. It can even feel complex at times when Kaito gets into more trouble than he should be when getting involved with authority figures. But hey, that’s what makes this show stand out so well. It shows a multidimensional portrayal of Kaito’s character that connects with the story. And like any story, the series also adapts a promising cast of characters.
Although Kaito is the main star of the show, the other cast members aren’t neglected. Most prominently, we see Kaito’s childhood friend Aoko who he has known since they were kids. The series makes some obvious suggestions that the two are mutually attracted to another but often plays it off with teasing. However, it creates a charming atmosphere when any opportunity comes and goes. There’s chemistry between Kaito and Aoko that extends more than just childhood friends. The events they become a part of manages to beautifully articulate and craft their roles. It also creates a variety of emotions when we see the outcome of these events. There’s also relevance when it comes to every episode when the characters become part of the problem or solution. Because like I mentioned before, all the main cast gets some spotlight whether it’d be Kaito’s rival Saguru, the mischievous witch Akako, or the hotheaded investigator Ginzo Nakamori. Even Kaito’s father has his own set of background episodes despite not being actually being present in the series. This is important because it’s what motivates Kaito to become the person he is during the present storyline. And while he isn’t actually present in the events of the present, the show manages to create a great belief with the man. In retrospect, it’s inspirational and accomplishes what it’s trying to do – seizing the opportunity with a platform of gadgets it has to work with. On the downside, the show’s subtle romance isn’t exactly strong in its standards as the main focus is usually on the phantom thief himself.
Despite titled ‘Magic Kaito 1412’, you won’t be getting cheesy magical battles between characters. Rather, many of the episodes features a cat-and-mouse like game. Some parts of the story will feel repetitive and predictable while others can have unexpected results. Take it as a grain of salt but the series does have some episodes that will be a hit or miss when it comes to expectations. Still, one thing I always give credit for this show is the charming comedy. It doesn’t rely on shock value such as fan service or cliché romance angles. Instead it delivers by its remarkable performance between the characters that connects with the story. Easily understandable yet compelling. Silly at times yet relevant. Simple yet intelligent. This show is like a love child from the great Harry Houdini himself.
A-1 Pictures adapts this series and although not impressive with some of their shounen adaptations, this show is one to admire. Every setting has its props that works well whether it’s the handy gadgets Kaito uses or what he steals. Character designs are also very convincing especially with Kaito and his noticeable outfit. That white tall hat complete with a pair of long cape and eyeglass makes him stand out as the poster boy of the show. Other characters are also fitting with their design such as Akako’s mysterious beauty as her role of the witch and the frustrating yet amusing expressions of inspector Ginzo. However, one feature of the character designs I have to bring up would be the characters’ noses. It shouldn’t be hard to spot but some of the noses are a bit over exaggerated than it should be. While it does not ruin the characters, the design there can be distracting.
For more or less, music and soundtrack does play some key roles in this show. Starting with the OP and ED songs, the series appeals to its lyrics and highlights moments of Kaito’s mysterious career in short yet catchy scenarios. Every episode’s soundtrack also has this consistency to adapt its various tropes to the point. Without the OST or soundtrack, some scenes may be left without its texture and feelings. But when coordinated like the way it did, the show comes to life thanks to its skillful effort at this adaptation. Finally, voice mannerisms has great expression. I give praise to Kaito and Akako’s VA for portraying their double life characters. It’s not always easy to play a character that portrays different personalities but Kappei Yamaguchi and Eri Kitamura did wonderfully.
This series may feel a bit underrated at times but overall is a fun take for a shounen adventure. Rather than battling against monsters or saving the world, we have Kaito fighting with his own motivations. The characters that he gets acquainted with all has some connection with the overall tone of the story. And despite some episodes being predictable, it’s overall riveting as it reminds us how fun sometimes life can be. And as a side bonus, some of your favorite characters from Detective Conan may surprise you in this series. So let this show unfold and tell you a story about a man who became the phantom thief.
