Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3 entertains but needs more paranormal mayhem.
Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3 continues the Sherlocking in the paranormal world. It invites readers to guess what’s true. Plus, this volume shows Fukumachi and Akira growing closer. Unforeseen situations allow both to demonstrate their affection. Delving into the book with anticipation for some heavy paranormal or supernatural activity is easy. Still, the series falters on that end. So, there must be more than people making up stories. Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3 entertains but needs more paranormal mayhem.
Written by Mikage Sawamura with art by Toji Aio and characters designed by Jiro Suzuki, the volume kicks off with a college festival and a celebrity’s claim of supernatural hauntings on set. The Yen Press manga, translated by Katelyn Smith and lettered by Arbash Mughal, in addition to the potential for paranormal activity, also weaves a compelling narrative around people’s motivations. For some, it’s an opportunity to gain fame. But there are deeper reasons at play in Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3. While genuine ghosts and more are in short supply in this volume, the series builds relationships naturally. So, it fosters a sense of connection with the readers while exploring mysteries.
Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3 Feels So Much Like Ghost Hunt
Ghost Hunt is a similar paranormal series. The anime aired years ago but followed teenage paranormal investigators. That series favored the supernatural and a hint of romance. But it blended frights with comedic and tragic tales. As this series stands, there is not much comedy. It leans into dramatic moments with a few laughs sprinkled in. And as for the supernatural, well….
A challenging part of the series is how often they investigate to find nothing otherworldly. But the series lets readers know at the outset, from Fukumachi’s childhood, that it exists. The participation badge readers accrue through each case is fun. However, this world does not question whether the supernatural exists. It does. So it needs to include more. There needs to be a balance between character development and ghostly antics. Unfortunately, Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3 fails to include the latter.
Is It Romance or Friendship
Between Fukumachi and Akira, it’s hard to tell in Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3 whether the series intends to pair the two. Still, there is hope. Given how attentive Akira is when Fukumachi’s sick, it feels like a romantic love waiting to happen. Tying that in, while not making it a focal point, will add another layer. So, it can keep readers returning to see what the duo gets up to. Their interactions are the glue of the series. Because Fukumachi can be around Akira since Akira does not always lie like others. So, he is perfect for Fukumachi.
Akira’s Past Gets Attention
Akira’s forgotten past plays a part in Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3. The series demonstrates how difficult it is for Akira. His fear of birds makes doing mundane tasks others take for granted challenging. So that is why the pair connect. Akira sees Fukumachi struggling and sympathizes. They both want answers to their experiences. But it’s more about feeling at home with each other.
Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3 feels less paranormal but makes up for it by giving more time to flesh out the characters. Still, balance is essential. And given the title and world established, the series needs to lean further into the paranormal. Otherwise, it falls flat. While Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture 3 lacks frightful moments, it makes up for it with the character-heavy exploration, strengthening their bonds.
