Netflix’s latest offering from the world of “The Sandman” is “Dead Boy Detectives,” a comedy-horror-mystery series featuring the ghostly detective duo Edwin and Charles. Played by George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri, these teenage spirits spend their afterlife solving eerie mysteries alongside Crystal, a psychic portrayed by Kassius Nelson.
Though both “Dead Boy Detectives” and “The Sandman” are based on Neil Gaiman’s iconic DC comics, the shows have distinct vibes. While “The Sandman” is dreamy and dramatic, “Dead Boy Detectives” leans into humor, with a touch of camp and melodrama. The two are only tangentially related through a single character cameo, so you don’t need to watch one to enjoy the other.
The Good Stuff
This show is a perfect blend of horror and comedy, making it a great choice for a spooky Halloween binge. It embraces both the quirky and the gruesome, sometimes simultaneously. The plot is engaging, with intricate mysteries that are fun to unravel, and the characters bring their own personal struggles into the supernatural fray, adding depth and drama.
“Dead Boy Detectives” isn’t afraid to get messy with its romantic storylines. The series has multiple interconnected love triangles, creating a delightful playground for fans to ship their favorite characters. There’s also a strong queer representation, with Edwin’s journey of self-discovery and coming out to himself portrayed thoughtfully.
The standout character is Niko, played by Yuyu Kitamura. She’s a regular girl who gets caught up in the detectives’ world after encountering sprites. Kitamura’s comedic timing is impeccable, making her the most likable character in the series.
Room for Improvement
The show’s humor can be hit or miss, with some jokes falling flat due to overly simplistic dialogue. Lines like “I’m kind of a bad boy” from a demon just don’t have the intended punch. This issue is compounded by some weaker performances from secondary characters, which dulls the comedic effect.
While Niko is a great addition to the cast, the depiction of her Japanese heritage relies heavily on stereotypes. The show mostly highlights her obsession with yaoi (romantic manga featuring male relationships), which feels like a shallow representation of her culture.
The world-building could use some work too. In contrast to “The Sandman,” which draws from various myths and legends, “Dead Boy Detectives” sticks to a more generic supernatural setting. The portrayal of sprites and hell is well done, but the depiction of Lilith, a figure from Jewish folklore, as a goddess of wronged women and blood magic feels disconnected from its roots.
Final Verdict
“Dead Boy Detectives” has the potential to be a great Halloween watch, with room for growth in future seasons. The main cast has good chemistry, and the show’s tone balances humor and horror well. However, stronger world-building, improved dialogue, better secondary characters, and greater cultural sensitivity would make it even better. If you liked “Wednesday,” this might be a fun watch while you wait for season two. The entire first season of “Dead Boy Detectives” is now streaming on Netflix.
