Takeshi Koike’s ‘Lupin The IIIrd’ Returns
by Tito W. James
Rockstar Anime director, Takeshi Koike (Redline) continues his grindhouse interpretation of Lupin the IIIrd with an all-new movie. Koike has already directed three OVAs: Fujiko Mine’s Lie, Goemon’s Blood Spray and Jigen’s Gravestone. While the previous adventures focused on the supporting characters, this new movie appears to be focusing on Lupin himself.
Takeshi Koike’s darker interpretation of Lupin the IIIrd has proven to be controversial amongst anime fans who grew up with family-friendly Lupin films like TheCastle of Cagliostro. For comparison, it would be like if Tarantino directed Tintin.
However, Lupin the IIIrd’s creator, Monkey Punch’s original manga was much darker than the many anime adaptations. The Lupin manga was influenced by Western magazines like Playboy and Mad Magazine. Koike’s OVA adaptations have returned the series to its original Pulpy roots and showcase the creative potential of the grindhouse genre. Personally, I can’t wait to see the real Lupin the IIIrd when Koike’s new film comes out.
