The popular light novel series, “Killed Again, Mr. Detective?” (Mata Korosarete Shimatta no desu ne, Tantei-sama), is officially receiving a television anime adaptation, set to premiere in April 2026. The announcement brings the unique mystery series, known for its immortal protagonist, to the animated screen.
A Supernatural Twist on Detective Work
The “Killed Again, Mr. Detective?” series offers a fresh take on the detective genre by introducing a supernatural element to its lead character. The story centers on Sakuya Outsuki, a high school student who, like his father, works as a detective. His most unusual trait is his functional immortality: he can come back to life every time he is killed.
Despite this incredible ability, Sakuya retains the trauma of each death, leading him to prefer taking on low-risk cases to avoid repeatedly experiencing fatal encounters. However, his investigations, often assisted by his diligent partner Lilithea, frequently spiral into more dangerous and complex mysteries, forcing him to “die trying” to solve them. A prime example of this premise involves Sakuya and Lilithea boarding a luxury cruise ship to investigate a movie producer’s affair, only to find themselves embroiled in a murder case.
The Protagonist: Sakuya Outsuki
Sakuya Outsuki is depicted as the son of a renowned, legendary detective, from whom he inherited both his investigative skills and his unusual gift of resurrection. While his father is known for tackling high-stakes investigations, Sakuya initially aims for more mundane cases to mitigate the emotional scarring that accompanies each death. This internal conflict and his reluctant heroism form a core part of his character arc.
The Assistant: Lilithea
Lilithea, a 16-year-old girl, serves as Sakuya’s capable and ever-present assistant. She is consistently by his side, both in life and immediately following his frequent resurrections, ready to help him unravel the mysteries at hand. Her role is crucial in grounding Sakuya and providing support in their often perilous detective work.
From Light Novel to Anime
The original “Killed Again, Mr. Detective?” light novel series is written by Teniwoha and features illustrations by Riichu. It began its publication under Media Factory’s MF Bunko J imprint in August 2021. As of March 2024, the series has released five volumes.
A manga adaptation, illustrated by Inaba, was also serialized on the Niconico and ComicWalker websites under Fujimi Shobo’s Dra Dra Flat brand. The manga ran from July 2022 to March 2024, with its chapters collected into two tankōbon volumes. Yen Press licenses the manga in English.
The upcoming TV anime adaptation marks a significant expansion for the franchise, bringing its unique blend of mystery, drama, and supernatural elements to a broader audience. Fans can look forward to seeing Sakuya and Lilithea’s peculiar crime-solving adventures unfold in animation starting in April 2026.
