Kazuya Konomoto, the acclaimed writer behind the popular anime ODD TAXI, has been actively expanding the franchise’s universe with his manga series, RoOT/Route of Odd Taxi. While recent inquiries suggest a potential new launch on August 21, Konomoto’s latest manga venture, RoOT/Route of Odd Taxi, actually commenced serialization in February 2023, offering fans a fresh perspective within the established world of the anthropomorphic mystery.
Diving into RoOT/Route of Odd Taxi
RoOT/Route of Odd Taxi is a direct spin-off of the original ODD TAXI series, building upon its unique blend of mystery and character-driven storytelling. Written by Kazuya Konomoto and illustrated by Takeichi Abaraya, the manga began its serialization on Shogakukan’s Superior Dalpana website on February 24, 2023. This series delves into concurrent events within the ODD TAXI timeline, presenting the intricate narrative from a different angle.
The Story So Far: A New Detective Duo
The plot of RoOT/Route of Odd Taxi introduces a new set of protagonists: Rena and Sato, two detectives from the Ibusuki Detective Agency (IDA). Their initial task involves investigating a banker’s alleged affair. However, a turn of events involving a yakuza gangster named Dobu leads them into a more complex case, requiring them to tail the original series’ protagonist, taxi driver Hiroshi Odokawa, to uncover his connection to a missing girl in Nerima. Rena’s personal ties to the missing girl further immerse her in the investigation, creating a “human” mystery that unfolds alongside the events of ODD TAXI.
Kazuya Konomoto’s Continued Impact on the ODD TAXI Universe
Kazuya Konomoto is widely recognized for his original scriptwriting for the critically acclaimed ODD TAXI anime, which premiered in April 2021 and garnered a strong following for its intricate plot and distinct character development. The success of the anime led to various expansions, including a manga adaptation of the main series, an anime film titled Odd Taxi: In The Woods (released in April 2022), and even a prequel stage play.
Adaptation and Conclusion of RoOT
Beyond its manga serialization, RoOT/Route of Odd Taxi has also seen a television drama adaptation, which premiered on TV Tokyo in April 2024. This live-action series further broadened the reach of Konomoto’s narrative. The manga series is slated to conclude with the release of its sixth volume in May 2025, bringing this chapter of the ODD TAXI universe to a close. Konomoto’s ongoing work demonstrates his commitment to exploring the nuanced world and characters he created, offering fans continuous engagement with the beloved franchise.
