Lupin III

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Otaku Evolution Episode 283 – Lupin III Part IV

I just love Lupin III. Especially when Lupin III is good, and Lupin III: Part IV is quite good, indeed. It has just the right balance of standalone capers and ongoing storyline, and is bursting with energy and fun. It was just what the franchise needed after years of mediocre TV specials (though The Woman Called Fujiko Mine came out just a few years before it, and that’s arguably the best series): a return to form for Lupin. Not too soft, not too rough. A great balance.

It also happens to have my favorite new Lupin character in ages, MI6 Agent Nyx, who I am so upset never appeared in anything after this. At least Rebecca got a cameo in Part V, but I’ll get to that another time. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 274 – Lupin III Part II

Lupin III Part II may not technically be one of my favorite anime, but it is one of the more enjoyable Lupin TV shows, and that should count for something. It’s great just how many international locations the Lupin gang find themselves in with their endless heisting. While the first series took place mostly in Japan, Part II has the gang spreading its wings and making the entire world Lupin’s back yard.

Of course, I’m accentuating the positive in this video, skipping weak episodes like “Curse Case Scenario”, “Now Museum, Now You Don’t”, “Twins Pique”, “Khan Job”, “Pretty Cluckin’ Insane”, and “Heroes and Vixens”. I only wanted to talk about four and five star episodes, and naturally, among the English-dubbed ones. read more

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Lupin the IIIrd: Zenigata and the Two Lupins

*****SPOILER-FREE SYNOPSIS*****

Synopsis: Inspector Zenigata, in his pursuit of infamous thief Lupin III, finds himself in the Roviet Union, where a bomber with Lupin’s face is at large. When another Lupin appears, he is determined to bring him in, or at least question him thoroughly. But Roviet forces have their own ideas of justice, preferring to eliminate their target. Which Lupin will be standing when the explosions’ smoke clears? It’s a matter of justice for a relentless Zenigata. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 248 – Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine

I’ve got to say, The Woman Called Fujiko Mine is probably my favorite piece of Lupin III media, at least outside of Castle of Cagliostro (which is mostly because of the pure craftsmanship of the film). You’d think that if somebody tried to make a Lupin series a commentary on sexual politics and feminism (which I don’t go that much into in the video, mind you), they would fail miserably and the show would be a laughing stock of the franchise. But no, it’s very formidable. It may take a couple of viewings to really drive home how good it is, but when it does, it does it hard. I was glad I took this opportunity to talk about it. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 235 – Lupin III: Tokyo Crisis

 

What, me, reviewing a Lupin III feature? Couldn’t be! It’s only been about a half hour since the last time I did one. This one, Tokyo Crisis, is kind of complicated, quality-wise. It’s got plenty of good elements, but it doesn’t quite come together all that well. What I mostly appreciated was the relationship between Inspector Zenigata and Maria. Though I have a hard time defining it. Was it meant to be a romantic relationship or more of a father-daughter like thing? Whatever it was, it led to some great moments. But there’s really nothing this feature excels at beyond that. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 228 – Lupin III Part I

It’s the oldest anime I’ve reviewed here on Otaku Evolution, and the oldest in my collection, 1971’s Lupin III Part I, the original Lupin TV series! I’m super happy to get to talk about this groundbreaking show, it’s mood change, and how fun the whole thing can be (and how lame it can be, too). I’m also thrilled that it’s finally been dubbed into English with a voice cast I adore. But whether or not you watch it dubbed or in its original Japanese, you’re going to have a good time with these hilarious heists… usually. So this Thanksgiving season, stuff yourself with a cornucopia of fun, as I take a look at an anime classic. read more

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Lupin Zero PV

I have my reservations (Lupin is an adult series, they’re not going to try to appeal to young kids, are they?), and I wish it was a new Takeshi Koike project (still waiting for that fourth movie), but I guess I’ll check it out. I bet it’ll be better than Part 6.

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Otaku Evolution Episode 217 – Lupin III: Episode 0: First Contact

I’m happy to review my favorite Lupin III TV special, Episode 0: First Contact. Actually, it’s one of my favorite Lupin features period, and one of my favorite anime movies. It’s got everything I’m looking for in a Lupin feature: a great heist, excellent character balance, spot-on action and comic beats, a living atmosphere, good tone, and enjoyable music. It’s a blast from start to finish, hitting all the right emotional notes. Fortunately, Discotek recently had this dubbed into English and put on Blu-Ray. I jumped at the chance to do a video on this. read more

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