Disguise

Many cases and arcs involve the use of a disguise.

Overview

Disguises are a very commonly used plot device for cases in Detective Conan. In most cases, the disguises are simple: wigs, makeup, sunglasses, clothing, padding, fake facial hair, etc., are used to alter the person's face and build to give the impression they are a different person. Some degree of disguise ability is common among magicians and actors. A few characters specialize in disguise and are capable of copying a person's voice and appearance exactly.

Types of disguises in Detective Conan

Simple

• wigs and fake facial hair
• makeup
• sunglasses and glasses
• clothing
• padding and platform shoes
• mechanical voice alteration

Elaborate

Relatively few characters possess the knowledge to create detailed disguises that would hold up under scrutiny.

Latex masks

Although their use is relatively rare, latex masks are a very successful disguise strategy in Detective Conan. They are portrayed as being practically perfect renditions of others' faces. Detective Conan latex masks stand up even under close range inspection -even quickly assembled ones. They also stand up to minor abuse (Vermouth as Araide hair being ruffled, probably also some of Kaito Kids masks if I look for examples) and weather (Vermouth silver haired serial killer). They do have the drawback of being disruptable. Kaito Kid was forced not to wear goggles because it would disrupt his disguise. Face pinching is the most common technique used to detect a latex mask.

Kuroba Kaito has demonstrated the ability to apply latex masks in a matter of seconds for a practically flawless disguise. How he stores them on his person without damaging them is unknown. Other characters like Yukiko take several hours to apply a mask which is much more realistic.

There are four known expert practitioners who can create latex masks Kuroba Kaito, Kuroba Toichi, Vermouth, and Kudo Yukiko.

Voice mimicry

Voice mimicry is a relatively rare skill in Detective Conan. There are four known expert practitioners who can mimic a range of voices without the aid of a device, Kuroba Kaito, Kuroba Toichi, Vermouth, and Kudo Yukiko. Kuroba Kaito has demonstrated the greatest range and flexibility so far: mimicking children, elderly, men, and women alike. He can also copy someone's voice after hearing just a little of that person's speech. Kuroba Toichi's voice mimicry skills have not been seen much because of his relatively few appearances, but as the first Kaito Kid and the teacher of Vermouth and Yukiko, it can be assumed he excelled at this. Vermouth has been seen mimicking adult men and women's voices. Yukiko's ability seems lesser than the other three, sticking with adult women's voices, but she shown the ability to copy regional accents.

Characters using Agasa's voice-changing bowtie can easily and precisely copy anyone's voice. Conan is by far the most frequent user although Agasa has used it as well. The bowtie does not copy regional accents.

Mechanical

(Professor Agasa from Kidnapped Conan case)

Characters who specialize in disguise

Many of the characters who specialize in disguise studied on a magician, and many magicians in Detective Conan also have disguise abilities.

Vermouth

Vermouth, also known as Sharon Vineyard, is a specialist disguiser who studied under Toichi Kuroba. Her skills in impersonating other people is remarkably invincible. Her disguise ability was first shown in the episode 230 (The Mysterious Passenger), when she was shown dressed as a waiter, provoking both Gin and Vodka.

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Kaitou Kid

Kaito Kuroba is a son of the famous magician Toichi Kuroba. His ability to impersonate other people is most likely to be inherited from his father.

Yukiko Kudo

Shinichi's mother, Yukiko also used to study with Toichi Kuroba. Her ability in disguise is not as good as much as Vermouth and Kaito.

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List of Cases involving a disguise

For long term or repeatedly used disguises, the first instance of use will be mentioned i.e (Conan's bowtie, Vermouth's Araide)

The Kidnaping of a Company President's Daughter Case (Manga: 2-5, Anime: 2)

• Edogawa Conan - Glasses: to make his face less recognizable

An Idol's Locked Room Murder Case (Manga: 6-9, Anime: 3)

• Yoko Okino - Hat: to make her face less recognizable
• Edogawa Conan - Voice-Changing Bowtie: to copy Kogoro and Shinichi's voice. This is a very often recurring method Conan uses to impersonate others.

Aka Oni Mura Fire Festival Murder Case (Manga: 10-12, Anime: 38)

• Negishi Masaki impersonator - Hat, Sunglasses, Coat: He was paid by Negishi Masaki's murderer to impersonate the victim to give the killer an alibi. Disguise foiled by being oppositely handed the real Negishi Masaki.

The Strange Person Hunt Murder Case (Manga: 13-16, Anime 13, 128)

• Miyano Akemi - Makeup, Glasses, School Uniform, Hairstyle: Used to make herself look younger. Disguise foiled by imperfect application a second time.

Detective Conan vs. real world disguise

In real world, creating a facial mask may be possible, but trying to impersonate other people and not to mention in a short amount of time is more likely impossible. In Detective Conan, Vermouth and Kaitou Kid seems to change themselves really quickly (and easily) unlike Yukiko who had 7 hours of time to dress Heiji and Conan.