After 32 Years, the End Is Finally in Sight
For over three decades, Detective Conan (also known as Case Closed) has been one of the most enduring and beloved manga series in the world. Since its debut in Weekly Shonen Sunday in January 1994, fans have followed Shinichi Kudo’s transformation into Conan Edogawa through over 1,100 chapters, 108 volumes, 29 theatrical films, and more than 1,100 anime episodes. And now, creator Gosho Aoyama has dropped a bombshell that has sent shockwaves through the anime community: he has already drafted the final chapter.
In an appearance on the pre-broadcast program 24-Hour Television Latest Information SP, Aoyama was interviewed at his workspace by musician Chanmina and SixTONES member Taiga Kyomoto — both longtime fans of the series. When asked whether he thinks about the end of his career and Detective Conan, Aoyama casually revealed that the storyboard for the final chapter is already complete. He even jokingly offered to show it to them, adding that the ending is “interesting.”
What Aoyama Actually Said
The revelation came during a lighthearted segment where Aoyama discussed his creative process. When pressed about the series’ conclusion, the 63-year-old mangaka admitted:
“I’ve already drawn a draft for the final chapter. Do you want to see it?”
He then teased that the ending would be “interesting” — a word that has sent fans into a frenzy of speculation. Does “interesting” mean a shocking twist? A happy ending? Or something darker? Knowing Aoyama’s history of intricate plotting and multi-layered mysteries, it could mean all of the above and more.
During the same interview, Aoyama admitted he never expected Detective Conan to become the global phenomenon it is today. He originally believed the series would end quickly after its debut. It was only after the release of the first theatrical film that he realized just how massive the franchise had become.
The Conan x One Piece Connection
Aoyama also revealed a fascinating conversation with Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece. The two legendary mangaka discussed the surreal experience of seeing their manga adapted into weekly TV anime — a unique privilege that few creators ever experience. Both series have been running for over 25 years, and both are now approaching their respective conclusions.
This parallel between Detective Conan and One Piece is hard to ignore. Two of the longest-running manga in history, both nearing their final chapters, both having shaped the childhoods of millions of readers worldwide. The era of the “Big Three” legacy titles is truly coming to an end.
What We Still Don’t Know
Despite this huge revelation, Aoyama remained tight-lipped about the specifics. He did not disclose:
- When the final chapter will be published
- Any plot details about the ending
- How many chapters remain before the conclusion
- Whether the anime will end alongside the manga
This leaves the door wide open for speculation. Detective Conan’s current story arc — the confrontation with the Black Organization, the mystery of the APTX 4869, and the fate of Shinichi and Ran’s relationship — has been building for decades. Fans have been waiting since 1994 to see how the puzzle pieces finally fit together.
Fan Theories: How Will It End?
The internet has been buzzing with theories since the news broke. Here are some of the most popular fan predictions:
- The Black Organization Falls: Conan finally exposes the entire organization, leading to a massive takedown that involves the FBI, CIA, and Japanese police forces working together.
- Shinichi Returns: The antidote to APTX 4869 is perfected, and Conan permanently transforms back into Shinichi Kudo. He reunites with Ran and proposes — a moment 30 years in the making.
- A Tragic Sacrifice: Some fans believe that Conan/Shinichi will have to make an impossible choice, potentially sacrificing himself to save those he loves. Aoyama did say the ending is “interesting,” not “happy.”
- Full Circle: The final chapter mirrors the first, with Conan solving one last case that ties back to the very mystery that started it all — the truth behind the Black Organization’s origins.
- Haibara’s Fate: Ai Haibara’s role in the finale remains one of the biggest mysteries. Will she sacrifice herself? Will she also get a cure? Or will she make a choice that changes everything?
What This Means for the Franchise
Detective Conan is more than just a manga — it’s a multimedia empire. With 29 movies (and a 30th on the way), countless video games, live-action adaptations, and a dedicated fanbase that spans generations, the end of the manga doesn’t mean the end of the franchise.
However, knowing that the final chapter is already drafted gives fans something they’ve never had before: a tangible finish line. After 32 years of weekly chapters, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally visible. For longtime readers who grew up with Conan, this is both an exciting and bittersweet moment.
As one fan on social media put it: “I’ve been reading Detective Conan since I was in elementary school. Now I have a job, a family, and kids of my own — and I’m still waiting for Shinichi to get his body back. The ending being drafted means my childhood might finally get closure.”
What’s Next for Detective Conan?
While Aoyama hasn’t revealed the release timeline, the manga industry expects that the final arc could begin within the next 1-2 years, with the actual ending arriving potentially by 2028-2030. However, this is pure speculation. Aoyama has been known to take breaks for health reasons, and he has stated he wants to end the series on his own terms.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to the next Detective Conan film, which is already in production, and the ongoing anime adaptation that continues to adapt the manga’s current arcs.
Final Thoughts
The fact that Gosho Aoyama has already drafted the final chapter of Detective Conan is monumental. It means that after three decades, the greatest detective in manga history is finally approaching his last case. The ending is written. The mystery is about to be solved.
And honestly? After 32 years of waiting, we deserve to know the truth.
What do you think the ending of Detective Conan will be? Will Shinichi get his body back? Will the Black Organization be defeated? Or is Aoyama planning something none of us expect? Drop your theories in the comments below!
