Undead Murder Farce

Undead Murder Farce, released in 2023, is an anime adaptation of the mystery light novel series written by Yugo Aosaki. The series was produced by studio Lapin Track and directed by Mamoru Hatakeyama, who aimed to blend historical fiction with elements of supernatural horror and gothic detective tropes. The production is notable for its intricate character designs and its unique framing of famous literary figures—such as Sherlock Holmes and Arsène Lupin—intersecting with a supernatural central narrative.

The series was developed during a period of renewed interest in genre-bending historical mysteries within the Japanese animation industry. Lapin Track focused on a distinct visual aesthetic that evokes the atmosphere of the late 19th-century setting, balancing macabre themes with witty, fast-paced dialogue. Upon its release, it was generally well-received for its polished animation quality and its creative subversion of classic detective fiction archetypes, distinguishing it from standard seasonal releases.