is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kei Koga. It was serialized in Coamix's Monthly Comic Zenon magazine from January 2016 to February 2023. An 11-episode live-action television drama adaptation aired from January to March 2019.
Plot Twenty-three years ago, Reiji, an elementary school student, returned home from school to discover his family brutally murdered and their bodies mutilated. At the funeral, Reiji tearfully vowed to uncover the truth behind the incident and bring justice to those responsible.
Reiji, now known as Reiji Mano, is a forensic researcher in the forensic medicine department of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Forensic Science Laboratory. Those around him, including the new forensic researcher Nonna Sawaguchi, appear to be unaware of his true identity, and although Mano often clashes with investigators due to differences in opinion, he is recognized as the ace of the forensic science laboratory. However, even after 23 years, Mano has still not been able to uncover the true culprit of the case.
One day, Detective Ryohei Toramaru of the Shinjuku Police Station brings a case to the forensic science laboratory for analysis. It turns out that 23 years ago, Toramaru, who was working at a local police box at the time, was the first to arrive at the scene of the Mano family murder case. While wary of Toramaru, Mano prepares to bring the evil to justice.
Media Manga Written and illustrated by Kei Koga, Trace was serialized in Coamix's Monthly Comic Zenon magazine from January 25, 2016, to February 25, 2023. Its chapters were collected into thirteen volumes released from July 20, 2016, to April 20, 2023.
The series' chapters are published in English on Coamix's MangaHot service.
A spin-off manga written by Koga and illustrated by Ryō Izawa titled began serialization on Coamix's Comic Tatan website on June 28, 2019. Its chapters have been collected into five volumes as of May 20, 2022.
The spin-off's chapters are also published in English on Coamix's MangaHot service.
Volumes
Brutal
Drama An 11-episode live-action television drama adaptation, titled Trace: Kasōken no Otoko, aired on Fuji TV from January 7 to March 18, 2019. The drama featured performances from Eiichiro Funakoshi, Ryo Nishikido, Yuko Araki, Shigenori Yamazaki, Kasumi Yamaya, and Koyuki.
Reception The Brutal spin-off manga was ranked fifteenth in Honya Club's "Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2022".
References
External links