I haven’t seen anyone discuss this in English yet, so now that my copy of the first print volume has arrived I shall attempt to break the ice! Shounen Kaitou Le Bread is an ongoing online spin-off based on Asamiya Kia’s 1990′s manga series, Kaiketsu Jouki Tanteidan (aka: Steam Detectives). Although the basic scenario takes its lead from Asamiya’s original work, Shounen Kaitou Le Bread is written and illustrated by Pixiv artist, Kanamura Ren.
What is Kaiketsu Jouki Tanteidan?
Set in Steam City, where technology is steam-powered and the city streets are constantly shrouded in mist, boy detective Narutaki, his nurse assistant Ling Ling, and the megamaton Goriki do battle with all manner of nefarious villains who wish to rob or maim the city’s residents.
The original manga ran for 13 volumes (over two series) and had a 26-episode anime adaptation in 1998-99. The anime also has an objectively great opening theme that I will fight you about.
Also written as Le Bled, this youthful masked thief is Narutaki’s nemesis and with his own nurse assistant, Lang Lang, seeks to make off with valuables and challenge Narutaki’s detective skills at every turn.
Le Bread lives a lavish lifestyle and is worldly beyond his years. When it comes to crime he’s arrogant and determined, always seeking to be one step ahead of Narutaki.
What is Shounen Kaitou Le Bread?
This spin-off series focuses on the phantom thief’s escapades rather than those of Narutaki. In this series, Le Bread (also known as Alain) works with Lang Lang and his pal Theo to just generally steal shit and make life difficult for Chief Inspector Yagami and Detective Onigawara. The bulk of the story in the first volume focuses on a forged painting and the introduction of some new complications for Le Bread & the regular cops in the form of NSS agents, Steve and Patrick.
Do I Need to Read Steam Detectives to Understand Shounen Kaitou Le Bread?
Nope, it’s all very straightforward -- you’ll obviously enjoy a few of the easter eggs in the spin-off more if you’re familiar with the original series, but it’s otherwise non-essential reading.
If you like a fun little phantom thief romp or you’re bored between Detective Conan volumes, Shounen Kaitou Le Bread might just be what you’re looking for (the mangaka is also a fan of Conan which may be more than a little obvious when you check out this book). It’s all fairly light reading (the original series was a monthly Jump title, so y’know) and Kanamura’s art is a breath of fresh air for the universe (Asamiya’s art could never capture Le Bread’s sickly, beautiful face). One of the major downsides is that thus far there’s little in the way of mecha or steam action -- I’m not sure if Kanamura can draw the quirky megamatons or even some of the scenery/action on the same level Asamiya could (though her character art is undeniably leagues better).
On the plus side, there’s a lot of great character interaction between the main trio, not to mention Patrick & Steve’s motorbike scenes are fucking amazing (seriously, Patrick launching from the bike and putting his high-heel through a windscreen = lkdfgkjdlgkdg).
Given this is an online comic, with relatively easy to access chapters it’s a bit sad that nobody outside of Japan seems to be talking about it! If a scanlation group was so inclined I’m sure a lot of English readers would love to get in on these fun adventures (particularly given the cast of handsome guys).
If you can read Japanese then you should absolutely pick up the first volume and support the mangaka. It’s available at CD Japan and Amazon Japan for international delivery. I eagerly anticipate future volumes~.
