INTERVIEW: Agatha Christie's Masterpiece Gets First-Ever Manga Adaptation – Young Artist Behind the Project Shares Insight: “Its Legacy Gave Me Strength”

Expanding Worlds Through Manga Adaptation

— The manga version has drawn praise on X, with comments like “A brilliant new talent!” and “Great sense for mystery storytelling.” What do you think is the role of manga adaptations of classic literature?

Nikaidō: I think they help “expand” in many ways. Like me, there are people who feel intrigued by a classic but never get around to reading it. Manga makes it more accessible.

Beyond reaching new audiences, it also broadens perspectives. When you have the novel, a manga, and maybe a film version, you can compare how each medium portrays the same scene. That variety lets readers discover personal favorites and develop deeper appreciation. That’s one of the great strengths of manga adaptations.

— Will your next project be a mystery as well?

Nikaidō: I’d like that. I really enjoyed this project. Seeing how people react under extreme pressure made for fascinating characters, and thinking of ways to build atmosphere—like those silent stair scenes—was creatively fulfilling. So yes, I hope to tackle another mystery.

— What future developments would you be excited to see—like an anime adaptation or overseas editions?

Nikaidō: While I didn’t think about that during the drawing process, I’d of course be thrilled if it were adapted into an anime. And I hear translations are already underway in China and France, so I’m really looking forward to sharing this story with readers around the world.

Interview by Fumiaki Kurebayashi

Source : ORICON NEWS