Lupin Zero

I went into this without much of an expectation because it's very different from a lot of the Lupin III content proceeding it, but it's safe to say that I genuinely enjoyed every moment of the first two episodes. I think it's super cool that they're taking a grittier tone that aligns better with part 1 and the manga, and I could see how someone who hasn't watched much Lupin before would be confused by this series, but I think the change in tone from the more recent adaptations of Lupin is executed well. I can't wait to see more of Lupin and Jigen's friendship as they begin to get to know each other better; there were so many moments between them in the first two episodes that make me smile. I was also pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the visuals and the backgrounds are in this show. The series is not perfect by any means, but fans of earlier Lupin or people who're simply interested in his backstory should definitely give it a watch.

Eighth television series dedicated to the narrative universe of Lupine III.

It is a prequel series that narrates the adventures of Lupine during his adolescence.

The series was released in 2022 (to celebrate 50 years since the release of the first Lupine III television series) and has only six episodes, 25 minutes each.

Lupine Zero is set in Japan in the 1960s and briefly tells us about the vicissitudes of a still adolescent Lupine III, his first meeting with Jigen Dausuke and the complicated relationship with his family of thieves.

Some characters are also introduced in the series for the first time, such as Yoko, who will be the female protagonist.

The series itself isn't bad: short, dynamic and well drawn. The characters are fun and the episodes are pretty funny.

On the other hand, however, the series is perhaps too short, the plot told in just six episodes seems prolonged. There is no time to adequately delve into the situations and characters, and this flaw is very evident.

It also doesn't add much to the story of Lupine III, making the series seem a bit pointless... a simple spin-off to be easily sold to hardcore fans.

Furthermore, in my opinion there are also some continuity errors in the characters' stories. But being a franchise with over 50 years of history and hundreds of episodes, there may be some inconsistencies.

Personally, I do not advise against this series nor do I highly recommend it.

In short, it is an end in itself, but overall it is quite enjoyable.

Good vision.

When I heard of this, I was both really curious, but also cautious, given how I didn't really feel like we needed to exactly know this kind of story.

But nevertheless, I watch most of the LUPIN related works, and at the end I can easily say this is a very interesting take on the LUPIN III lore.

It manages to be both fresh, but also totally faithful to the series' spirit.

The young Lupin is perfectly built, and you can really recognize him, despite the younger and still immature aura, but already prone to challenge everything and everyone, especially those closer to him.

Finally we take a closer look to his more personal life, and what brought him to take the path of the greatest thief in the world.

His relationship with Jigen is also greatly staged, as both try to push each other to embrace their true potential, but also to stay out of trouble

The only, major nitpick is that as a whole series, it is way too short, despite still being absolutely entertaining and full of all the true elements of the series.

I hope they'll eventually make a second season, but even without that this is a more than worthy watch, for diehard fans like myself and also for newcomers.