Review: Lupin ZERO “Episode 1 and Episode 2"
Welcome to our first episode review of Lupin ZERO, a spin-off series by TMS and Telecom Animation!
Lupin ZERO is an original net animation prequel spanning six episodes, and it stars a young Lupin III along with his buddy, Daisuke Jigen. The pair cross paths with many colourful characters as they go on adventures, come to terms with themselves, and attempt to decide upon their paths in life. The show also features some story elements taken from the original Lupin III manga series by Monkey Punch.
Be aware that there are SPOILERS ahead.
Please only read on if you either have seen the episodes already, or do not mind learning about important character interactions and pivotal plot points in advance.
“Episode 1—Young Lupin meets a Wolf”
Despite falling in love with the Lupin franchise whilst watching Part 2, I have always been fond of the first green jacket TV series.
Whether you consider yourself a fan of the darker Masaaki Ōsumi directed episodes or not—it’s a fact that they remain an interesting take on a more “adult” orientated anime, and include some superb adaptations of original manga chapters. Then, after the director change, with the introduction of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the show really finds its feet. The staff behind these episodes discovered what the core loop of the franchise would be going forwards. The show grew in popularity, thanks to their comedy, action, and strong focus on the dynamic between the main five cast members. They helped to define animated Lupin.
There is so much to love about Part 1.
How does this all relate to this new prequel spin-off? Lupin ZERO takes all the things that made the original series so endearing, and wraps them into a classic-feeling modern anime that the whole family can enjoy.
From the superb new versions of Takeo Yamashita’s classic music, to the incredible opening / ending, to the colourful side-characters, and even the posing and animation. ZERO unashamedly riffs on Part 1 Lupin in a way that is sure to delight new fans, and please the old. While it does not rely on nostalgia, it taps into it well. Longer time Lupin fans will no doubt get excited watching this first episode, obsessing over every detail, and comparing it to previous works. It is also very sweet with how it represents its characters—and fans of the dynamic between Lupin and Jigen will no doubt be pleased with this.
Young Lupin meets a Wolf dives right in to the initial meeting between Lupin and his future right-hand-man, Daisuke Jigen. The pair attend the same school, but couldn’t be further opposites from one another. Lupin, the bratty rich-kid, with a loud mouth and always a trick up his sleeve, versus Jigen, a tattier loner type that often skips class. Unlike Lupin, Jigen has a bit of a reputation around school, though. His father (yes, Jigen’s father is mentioned, my ears perked up when this happened…(!)) has gotten him used to a life on the battlefield, and as a result, his son is a dab hand with a gun. Jigen’s sharp-shooting skills catch Lupin’s eye, and as a kiddo hungry for excitement and adventure, he confronts his hatted opposite during a business deal, essentially forcing himself upon the lad.
The pair quickly discover that there is more to their relationship than meets the eye, as they attempt a daring rescue mission of the beautiful singer Yoko, who is pursued and captured by the Yakuza. Yoko’s distress, and of course, good looks, help form the boys bond together, and before you know it, they are out on adventures, saving the girl, and sharing a cigarette as they watch the sunset. While their relationship clearly remains in the early stages—there are tinges of the inseparable double act’s unbreakable bond forming here, and it is wonderful to see.
The premise and high-octane antics may all sound rather familiar, though.
Nothing here is a far cry away from usual Lupin, and that might be to the disappointment of some. This first episode does not adopt the more mature tone of the original manga, or the Ōsumi directed Part 1 episodes, which is something I believe some may have come to expect. I personally think this is to the show’s benefit, providing a fun, easy way for new and old fans to engage. We have seen plenty of different tones in Lupin over the years, and it’s clear that the production staff on ZERO wanted to stick with the tried and tested formula. It works, and is a sensible decision for a short, ONA, in my opinion.
By the episode’s end, as a big fan of the original green jacket series, I felt fulfilled. ZERO takes mostly all the best things about Lupin, and celebrates the character’s origins with a well-told new tale. It has none of the same pacing or animation issues of last year’s Part 6, and feels like a return to form for the franchise. Initial impressions are good here—this is something you won’t want to miss.
9/10
The first episode of Lupin ZERO is the closest I have felt to watching an episode of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata’s Part 1 output since the 1971-1972 series itself, and is a must-see for new and old fans alike.
“Episode 2—Hang Tight to the Treasure on the Train”
Some of the best moments in modern media take place on a train. It’s a setting that has provided many fun moments for the Lupin franchise over the years, with episodes from Part 1 and Part 5 revolving around them. ZERO doesn’t wait around to resurface the familiar setting—and I found it to be a lot of fun.
Hang Tight to the Treasure on the Train puts Lupin and Jigen at odds with one another, as the pair face-off against a shady team of bandits, who are attempting the sale of a rare gold necklace. Lupin, the little shit that he is, simply won’t leave his new fascination, Jigen, alone. Constantly attempting to try to get his buddy to come out of his shell and break character, he challenges him to contests, both around the school grounds and during Jigen’s latest job—protecting the necklace as it makes its way to the black market auction. Lupin bets that he can steal it under Jigen’s nose, and the pair scuffle with one another as they speed through the Japanese countryside.
It’s a story we have seen plenty of times before. Jigen guards something, Lupin, or someone else, attempts to steal it. The tone and direction of this in ZERO however, is a lot less serious than in the likes of First Contact or The Woman Called Fujiko Mine. The stakes here initially start a lot lower, and it truly feels like young kids playing games. Things take a turn after a young shaman girl, the rightful owner of the gold necklace, steps into the mix, and the crooks begin to turn on their bodyguard.
The resolution to the conflict involves Jigen coming to terms with his feelings towards his new “friend”, and like with the first episode, provides a couple of superb character moments. Jigen acting to protect both Lupin and the girl shows that he is willing to turn against his employer for his friend, regardless of his self-justifications for doing this. The shaman girl pointing out his huge grin when talking about he and Lupin’s past adventures in episode one. These are all moments that help define the relationship between the characters—and, as I’m watching it all unfold, I can’t help but think about the many Jigen / Lupin fans shouting at the screen as it all goes down.
Episode two proves further that the staff behind ZERO understand what makes Lupin work so well, and that they can provide some fun origin stories without veering too far off track.
8/10
While not too different from the first episode, the second entry into Lupin ZERO builds upon the dynamic of Lupin and Jigen, and includes a fun adventure that is sure to raise a smile.
Final thoughts
So far, I have loved watching Lupin ZERO.
After the disappointment that was Part 6, I have been craving some classic Lupin antics, akin to the likes of Part 4 and Part 5 (with Part 4 remaining a personal favourite of mine, despite its flaws). The first two episodes of ZERO are exactly that—with fantastic pacing, gorgeous animation, and meaningful character interactions.
A highlight for me has been the music. After fifty years, we finally have new versions of Takeo Yamashita’s weird and wonderful original tracks, and Yoshihide Otomo has done a fantastic job with the rearrangements. Hearing Lupin, Lupin, Lupin, Lupin, Lupin the Third! ring out in episode two, as Lupin runs up the hill towards the train track, led me to cracking a huge smile. At this point, the music and jingles have become so iconic—it’s such a treat to hear them make a comeback.
In terms of the acting, Tasuku Hatanaka (Lupin) and Shunsuke Takeuchi (Daisuke Jigen) both do a superb job with their performances. Hatanaka in particular helps carry the episodes, bringing all of his energy into the role—shouting and screaming as a more immature, but still charming, younger version of Lupin III. Takeuchi has clearly studied the book of Kiyoshi Kobayashi, maintaining some of the same mannerisms and quirks that made his performance as Jigen so likeable over the years. While it may seem slightly out-of-place to hear Jigen speaking so deeply at such a young age, it feels true to the character, and is something I am happy to go along with. He’s already puffing on cigarettes 24/7, after all.
Lupin ZERO is colourful, funny, and quite the catch. I’m excited to see where the next four episodes go, and can see this being a miniseries that I’ll be rewatching over the years to come.
Looking to keep up with all of our Lupin ZERO written reviews? Why not check out our new Lupin ZERO review hub to find links to the review of each episode, and our “final thoughts” article once it releases in early 2023!
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