Trace: Kasōken Hōi Kenkyūin no Tsuisō #12

Trace: Kasōken Hōi Kenkyūin no Tsuisō, written and illustrated by Kei Koga, began serialization in Monthly Comic Zenon in 2016. Koga, who previously worked in a forensic science laboratory, leveraged his firsthand professional experience to create a narrative that emphasizes the methodical, often grueling reality of forensic investigation. This twelfth volume continues the series' signature procedural approach, focusing on the intersection of scientific evidence and the pursuit of justice within the Japanese legal system.

The series is celebrated for its technical accuracy and its focus on the psychological toll the work takes on forensic researchers. By eschewing the dramatic exaggerations common in crime fiction, Koga presents the forensic lab as a place of quiet, meticulous detail. The design of these volumes typically mirrors the clinical nature of the content, with cover art that reflects the somber, analytical tone maintained throughout the series.