Lupin has been going strong since 1967. To me, they can do no wrong. That said, as a fan I definitely want the creators to stick to the material that works, which is usually Lupin outsmarting someone or dealing with something supernatural and/or ancient. Watch any Lupin series or movie and you’ll find that they are timeless; clothing styles are pretty generic with a 70s feel, Lupin’s tricks are low tech, and the way the world is nonspecific to any set timeframe. The creators tried to change this formula with the Pink jacket series (heavy 80s feel) as well as the Green vs. Red OVA movie (heavy on tech; suddenly Jigen is a tech expert?). The only time this change really worked was when the dubbed version of the Red Jacket series dumped a TON of pop culture references that just worked. The change from Japanese jokes to subtle American flavor worked so well that the producers brought in the same voice acting crew for Lupin Part 4. The point behind that background is: Part 5 dives into technology and tries to right all the wrongs of Green vs. Red. It not only nods to long time fans, it bows low.
SETTING: Lupin heads to France, much like the last series was set in Italy. Timeframe is a huge aspect of setting, and in this series the creators tackle technology improvements and how our gang would handle them. Realistically, they would be on top of tech changes, right? Probably have a cut above? Lupin would have insanely advanced tech, because he’s always been great with gadgets. Jigen would still have his Magnum, Goemon never changes, Zenigata would rely on his classic skills + some tech as needed, and Fujiko would simply use whatever fits her needs the best. And that is pretty much what happens in this series. It is set in a vague near-future, established by characters commenting on Lupin’s old, gas powered car (and not understanding what the smell of gasoline was). Characters also heavily use tech for the “Lupin Game” (which I thought was very clever, a tongue in cheek way to address the former lack of tech in the franchise). Lupin and other characters (especially the early Damsel in Distress of the series) rely on tech that is definitely futuristic, but reasonable.
ART: I feel like the producers have been trying to edge away from the dark, sketchy style of the Fujiko series. This series keeps a similar style while returning to typical Lupin looks. In an early episode after the first arc, there is an episode pulled straight from the Pink Jacket series: looks the same, complete with 80s designs all over the place, along with a story that could have been lifted straight from the random Pink series.
SOUND: I miss Zenigata’s original voice actor, but the sound here is still great. Lupin’s vocal nuances are always fantastic. The rivalry/best friendship between Jigen and Lupin seems palpable thanks to the voice actors. Thankfully, the music is the same jazzy Yuji Ohno that we love, with a taste of stereotypical France background sounds. Another nod to long time fans, the Damsel makes a comment on the Zenigata/Lupin pairing that people have speculated about for years (especially since Zenigata stated vaguely that he loved Lupin in the Lupin vs. Conan movie). It’s executed absolutely hilariously.
STORY: It’s great! I usually have a few laughs and a few cringes when watching Lupin. The first episode pulls in long time fans with heavy handed Easter Eggs, while managing to give new viewers a quick, updated background (including Rebecca, who I guess is part of the gang now?). Lupin also states that he’s been done with one of the other characters for years, which has to be some sort of foreshadowing of a long con. From there we get some classic Lupin antics, which sets us up to accept his use of new tech. The series shows instead of tells, which is a nice change of pace. Additionally, every Lupin series or movie or OVA seems to have a Damsel in Distress (originally the manga had a different girl every issue until Fujiko just stuck), and the first episode almost breaks the 4th wall in addressing this, which was nice.
Overall, it’s a really nice addition to the Lupin’s franchise! I can’t wait to see how it’s dubbed. In Japan, the Lupin marketing team has tried some really interesting things, like a Robo Zenigata pachinko parlor (seriously. Google it.) I think they’ve opened up a neat option here with the Lupin Game. What if we turn it into a Pokémon Go style AR experience? So many options when introducing Lupin to technology...
