Originally written in the previous iteration of this blog on May 5, 2011.
 Updated: April 4, 2025

As a long-time fan of the Ace Attorney series, I was eager to pick up Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Official Casebook Vol. 1, a comic anthology showcasing a variety of amateur Japanese artists, each contributing their take on new Ace Attorney stories.

This collection features around 20 short stories and 4-panel comics, all in true Ace Attorney style. The narratives cover the usual mix of the quirky and dramatic, ranging from bizarre scenarios like channeling spirits to defending friends in court, as well as more heartfelt moments exploring the dynamics between Phoenix, his rival Edgeworth, his assistant Maya Fey, and her younger sister, Pearl Fey.

Given that the anthology includes contributions from artists with varying skill levels, I expected the artwork to be a bit hit-or-miss. I was pleasantly surprised to find that most of the illustrations stick closely to the character designs from the games. There are a few instances where the art shifts to a chibi style, which feels out of place compared to the overall aesthetic of the book.

The humor in this anthology aligns well with what fans expect from Ace Attorney. While you won’t find any belly-laugh moments, there are plenty of smirk-worthy bits, like a short story where Edgeworth embarks on a quest to buy a new car or some of the lighthearted 4-panel comics.

While this comic anthology serves as a fun addition for any Ace Attorney enthusiast, it’s a bit disappointing that it’s considered non-canon, much like the Star Wars and Star Trek novels. This is especially frustrating since some of the more engaging stories delve into Phoenix’s personal life and his feelings for Maya, aspects only briefly touched upon in the games.

If you’re a fan of the Ace Attorney series and looking to add something special to your collection, this book makes a great companion to the five Ace Attorney games you already own.