Steam Detectives

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Steam Detectives
快傑蒸気探偵団
(Kaiketsu Jouki Tanteidan)
Genre Steampunk neo-noir
Manga
Author Kia Asamiya
Publisher Flag of Japan Shueisha
Demographic Seinen
Serialized in Flag of Japan Ultra Jump
Original run October 1998 – March 1999
Volumes 13
TV anime
Director Nobuyoshi Habara
Studio Studio TRON
Network Flag of JapanTV Tokyo
Flag of the Philippines AXN-Asia
Original run October 1998 – March 1999
Episodes 26

Steam Detectives (快傑蒸気探偵団 Kaiketsu Jōki Tanteidan?) is a manga series by Kia Asamiya originally serialized in Ultra Jump. It was later adapted into a 26-episode anime TV series which ran from October 1998 to March 1999 on TV Tokyo.

In North America, the anime is licensed by ADV Films and the manga by VIZ Media.

Contents

[edit] Story

Steam City is a place where the only fuel source is coal, and the only means to produce energy is the steam engine. As the only source of energy, the steam engine has been the focus of technological advancement to the point where it can be substituted for any other form of power in modern technology. These same advancements also have given rise to Megamatons, large steam-powered robots. With the air of Steam City thick with fog and white smoke, thieves and criminals flourish with Megamatons as a common tool in their nefarious plans. It is here that the reader and/or viewer finds Narutaki, a young detective fighting for the peace of the city.

It is considered to be in the steampunk genre.

[edit] Characters

Narutaki (鳴滝 Narutaki?)

Son of the greatest detective in Steam City, Narutaki takes up the mantle after his parents' death. He is considered by some a child genius but by others, an annoyance. He is compassionate, and sometimes naive in his attitude towards both his citizen charges and the villains he pursues. Narutaki loves Steam City and vows to protect it from danger. His investigation style is similar to Sherlock Holmes. He uses a multi-purpose gun and various tools to aid his investigations. Despite his young age, he drinks very strong coffee and has an eye for pretty ladies. He also has a passion for toy models.

Ling Ling (周鈴々?)

Ling Ling is the youngest daughter of Dr Hsu and the writer Feifer. A young nurse who owns the Megamatron, Goriki. She and Goriki become assistants of Narutaki after being tricked into helping Night Phantom. Much of her past is a mystery. She helps Narutaki in his investigations and looks after his health. Ling Ling is sensitive and caring to others but she can rise to the occasion. Her over sentimental nature does put her in danger when she throws herself into things. She volunteers at the local hospitals since they are often understaffed. It is hinted in the manga that she may have feelings for Narutaki.

Kawakubo (川久保 Kawakubo?)

The Narutaki family butler, he is the primary caretaker of Narutaki. Kawakubo was the butler for Narutaki's father and is familiar with the older cases. He assists Narutaki in his lab work and research. He also manages Narutaki's affairs and looks after the house and its occupants.

Goriki (強力 Gōriki?)
  • Voiced by: Takuma Suzuki (Japanese), Atreidies McNee (English)

The last Megamatron built by Dr Hsu, Goriki means "great strength". According to the last wishes of the doctor, Dr Hsu's brain is implanted inside Goriki's body. Unlike most Megatrons, Goriki does not need to be remote controlled. He provides the brunt of Narutaki Detective Agency's strength. He is capable of understanding speech and appears to respond to Ling Ling's emotions. Goriki is always ready to battle despite the reluctance of Ling Ling.

Dr. Guilty (Dr. ギルティ Dr. Giruti?)

His true identity is Dr Hart, a rival scientist of Dr Hsu. He considers Dr Hsu his enemy, and wishes to prove himself as the best. The pair disagreed on how Megamatron technology should be used. He often attacks Steam City with advanced megatrons. He aims to rule the world with the aid of his Megamatrons.

Onigawara (鬼瓦 Onigawara?)
  • Voiced by: Nobuo Tobita (Japanese), Martin Blacker (English)

A detective with the Steam City Police Department, he is a good detective but can be a little over the top. He resents Narutaki's involvement in the cases. He also very open about his love for Ling Ling, which is not returned.

Yagami (八神?)

Chief Inspector Yagami is Narutaki’s most trusted friend in the police force. He is not afraid of asking help from Narutaki, he also provides Narutaki with information pertaining to cases. He likes to think things through when solving a case.

Night Phantom (ナイト・オブ・ファンタム Naito Obu Fantomu?)

Phantom Knight in the manga. A mysterious villain who has a past and a grudge with Narutaki and Narutaki's father. His father, the previous Phantom Knight, killed Narutaki's parents. He hates Steam City and vows to destroy it so he can avenge his father. Unlike most villains, he often creates elaborate plans to trick and kill Narutaki. His design and personality draw parrels to Batman

Crimson Scorpion (紅サソリ Aka Sasori?)

A female thief who loves precious gems and jewellery. She often uses trickery and illusion to steal her prizes. She is very adept at disguising herself, which is a useful skill used for cat burglary. She also dislikes being called 'old'.

Machine Baron ({{{2}}}?)

A mechanic otaku, he steals items that are mechanical in nature. He is obsessed with Goriki. He wears a metal mask and has an army of mechanical henchmen who don’t always follow orders.

Lang Lang ({{{2}}}?)

Ling Ling's sister, she is the partner and lover of Le Bread. Unlike Ling Ling, she seems to have a disdain for helping the sick. She wears black as a sign of mourning for the patients that she has killed to end their suffering. Lang Lang looks after Le Bread and helps in his thefts. She worries that Le Bread is pushing himself too far and cares for him to the best of her ability. She inherited the design for Dr Hsu’s last Megamatron Hiroh, which she had built for Le Bread.

Le Bread (ル・ブレッド Ru Bureddo?)

A criminal mastermind whose intelligence is equal to Narutaki, he often sets up cat and mouse games against the young detective and the Steam City police. Le Bread steals priceless and rare items in the belief that he is the only one to appreciate them. It is later revealed that he suffers from an incurable terminal illness and steals to live life to the fullest. Although he is a thief, he has a sense of honour. Le Bread bears a scar from a confrontation with Narutaki. He resides in a castle far away from Steam City and seems to be quite rich.

[edit] Minor Characters

Pasta and Doria

Crimson Scorpion's henchmen, they are more cautious than their boss but follow her orders without question.

Anna Highend

A police officer who transferred from Electrical City so she could meet Narutaki. She is tall and good looking.

Dr Mayerd

A scientist in energy technology, he repairs and maintains Goriki at his factory.

Soichiro Narutaki

Narutaki's father, and the previous owner of Narutaki Detective Agency. He is Narutaki's role model and was considered the best detective in Steam City. He and his wife lost their lives during an encounter with the original Night Phantom.

Wolf and Carlos

Two criminals from Techland that sometimes appear in Steam City to steal blueprints of new technologies to advance Techland's own power. Their well thought out plans are ruined by Narutaki and at times their own carelessness.

Teng Shing

A giant hamster that Ling Ling bought home one day. It understands human speech and is adept at overpowering humans.

[edit] Trivia

  • Whenever Machine Baron made an appearance, Mr. Wakamoto read the script different ways during the first reading, rehearsal and final take, succeeding in cracking up fellow cast members. Also, to create the muffled sound of his mask, he wore a modified paper cup over his mouth.
  • The manga features newspaper articles providing more information on items, objects, locations and characters from the previous chapter.

[edit] External links

Steam Detectives (manga) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia