AKA: Lupin III (see notes)

Genre: Madcap action comedy

Length: OAV, 2 episodes, 30 minutes each

Distributor: Currently licensed by Discotek Media, also available streaming on Hulu, Crunchyroll and Tubitv.

Content Rating: PG (violence)

Related Series: Far too many to list here. The more notable examples would be Castle of Cagliostro, Tales of the Wolf, The Plot of the Fuma Clan, The Secret of Twilight Gemini and, of course, The Woman Called Fujiko Mine.

Also Recommended:

Notes: Back in the day, Streamline Pictures dubbed and released two episodes of the 1977 Lupin III TV series for the North American market. Why just these two? Because these are the only two episodes directed by Miyazaki Hayao. While this series is now available in its entirety through Pioneer, this review will remain as a reference, since tapes of this version are bound to pop up on video store racks every so often.

Rating:

Lupin III: Tales of the Wolf

Synopsis

Lupin III (Lupin the Third, not Lupin Part Three) is a notorious, internationally-wanted thief who specializes in stealing the unstealable. No treasure is too large, no valuable too small; if Lupin feels it shouldn't belong to the current owners, it won't. Of course, Lupin also has a heart of gold, and the majority of what he does seems more like the work for a superhero than a common thief. Aided by his cohorts Jigen and Goemon, as well as ridiculously pneumatic Fujiko, there isn't a case or safe Lupin can't crack.

Of course, the police desperately want Lupin behind bars, including an incredibly obsessed Inspector who's waking goal is to throw Lupin in the slammer. Madcap, unpredictable action is in store for all involved!

Review

Now, _this_ is what Lupin III should be like, unlike the horrid Legend of the Gold of Babylon. The Tales of the Wolf series is done by Miyazaki Hayao (My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind), considered by most anime fans to be the J.R.R. Tolkien of anime. Nothing this man does seems to ever go wrong.

Both episodes are intelligent, fast-paced, and hilariously funny. The action and events are almost totally unbelievable, but they're presented in such a light-hearted manner that you can't help but get caught up in the insane action. Art and animation are very nice, and the astute watcher will be able to see some of Miyazaki's magical touch in the art. The characters are all very cool and likable (even Fujiko kicks some tail), and the soundtrack is nice and frenetic.

This is a short, fun series everyone can enjoy. Go for it.

— Raphael See

Recommended Audience: Some minor profanity and casual nudity on the part of Fujiko (of course). Nothing terribly objectionable, and the violence is heavily underplayed. Should be okay for just about everybody.