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Chapter 1- "Art of the Entrance"
Characters-Arséne Lupin III, Inspector Koichi Zenigata, Michelle, Michelle's sister, Dr. Ouki, Investigator Akechi
Synopsis-A party at Dr. Ouki's mansion is stopped when Inspector Zenigata arrives looking for the world's greatest thief:
Arséne Lupin III. Things take a turn for the worse as a murder and attacks on Ouki's daughters take place. Zenigata soon
discovers that Lupin's after microfilm, hidden in a very interesting location...
Firsts-Debut of Lupin the Third and Inspector Zenigata. First arrest of Lupin.
Links to animated Lupin-Lupin disguises himself as Investigator Akechi in the 1969 Pilot Film.
Review-Monkey Punch's first Lupin the Third story, and it really stands out. I'm not sure why, but this story has a similar
feel to the Pink Panther film, A Shot in the Dark. This chapter's pretty dark compared to the rest of the series, but is very
funny, especially in situations involving Zenigata. It also establishes why TOKYOPOP gave the book a 16+ rating. I will
admit, Monkey Punch's art style in this story is hard to get used to. I suggest studying each panel carefully to get the
full effect of the story. The ending is was surprise, to me anyway, and sets the story up for the next chapter. 7/10
Notes-*Lupin III was intended to be a parody of the Arséne Lupin stories, which were about Lupin the 3rd's grandfather.
Lupin the First appears in the L3 manga first in Chapter 37
*Zenigata appears here without his hat, trench coat, or handcuffs.
*The main character in this story is, surprisingly, Zenigata.
*SPOLIER (kind of) this story ends with Lupin being taken to prison.
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Chapter 2- "The Great Escape"
Characters- Lupin, Zenigata, various cops, a priest
Synopsis-After being arrested at Dr. Ouki's mansion, Lupin is in prison, and his execution is one year away, he's been
thru a strip search and he's in a straitjacket, while a Buddhist priest visits every day; will Lupin escape?
Firsts- First time Lupin's in prison, first time Lupin outwits Zenigata, first disguise (cop) First time Zenigata's (incorrectly)
referred to as "detective" instead of "inspector"
Links to animated Lupin- 1st series episode 4, "One Chance For a Prison Break"
Review- We last left Lupin in handcuffs riding in the back of a police car. This story has him on his way to prison,
where he stays for a year. I really liked this chapter, because it's a clever and humorous story. A brilliant escape by
Lupin, and the ending just brought a smile to my face, I'm not sure why, though. Maybe it's because Lupin's plan worked perfectly,
and this is the only time I can think of where I actually cheer for the criminal. 9/10
Notes-*When this was adapted for anime, some changes were made such as:
*Fujiko trying to help Lupin escape so she can get a key from him.
*Jigen foiling Fujiko's attempts because he believes that Lupin will escape on his own.
*Zenigata waiting for Lupin's escape so the chase can continue
*The heist from the end of Chapter 12, "Damned If You Do" is the beginning of the episode, and Lupin has the
key to the box, which Fujiko wants...
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Chapter 3-"Mystery Woman"
Characters- Lupin, Fujiko Mine, Zenigata, Daisuke Misumi, Daisan Misumi, various cops, scientist
Synopsis- Daisuke Misumi's life is turned around when a stunning beauty named Fujiko Mine comes to his dad&'s home,
claiming to be Daisuke's sister, and heir to half of his father's money. So, it's up to Daisuke's bodyguard, Lupin the Third,
to prevent Fujiko from being accepted into the family. However, Lupin himself may need some help when Inspector Zenigata
shows up.
Firsts- Debut of a Fujiko Mine and Zenigata's hat. First Two-parter (I'm not counting the previous two chapters because
they were separate stories). First time Lupin & Fujiko have a "roll in the hay".
Links to animated Lupin- None
Review- See next chapter
Notes-*Fujiko was misspelled as "Fugiko".
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Chapter 4- "To Catch A Weasel"
Characters- Lupin, Zenigata, Fujiko, Daisuke Misumi, Daisan Misumi, various cops, three hitmen
Synopsis- Continuing from last chapter, Daisuke introduces Lupin to three assassins; but only one stays alive. He's assigned
to make Fujiko admit that she's not really Misumi's daughter. Although Lupin and Daisuke's plans are falling into place,
Zenigata is closing in on the master thief.
Firsts- First time Lupin and Fujiko-chan team up. First time Lupin's job is something other than being a master thief.
Links to animated Lupin-None
Review (Chapters 3 & 4)- Fujiko appears for the first time, and things begin to resemble a soap opera...kinda. Unlike
a soap, these stories are filled with typical Lupin action, comedy, and good writing. This story is one of the more serious
ones in this collection, but it has its moments of comedy, like Zenigata's actions outside the window, or the old man watching
Lupin thru a pair of binoculars, Daisuke slamming his fist onto the table, where Lupin's hand was resting. Overall, it's
a pretty good story, a great introduction to Fuji-cakes. 8/10
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Chapter 5-Crime's a Disease"
Characters- Lupin, Danshiyaku, Tastu, Joe, Tome, Kiyouko Hama, Fujiko Kidoi, a female celebrity, Master Koroshi, Various
Henchmen
Synopsis-Three famous women are kidnapped by Danshiyaku, a crime lord trying to take over the Yakuza (that's the Japanese
Mafia, just in case you didn't know). One man stands in his way, however. Guess who? Yup. Lupin the Third. However, Lupin
has hired a revolver-wielding samurai to kill Danshiyaku. So, what's the connection between Koroshi, Danshiyaku, and a red
circle on the crime lord's hand?
Firsts- First story without Zenigata.
Links to animated Lupin- None
Review- One of my favorite stories. Full of action, but contains an amusing running gag involving Danshiyaku and his
walkie-talkie. This one ends with a twist ending, as many do, but I'm pretty sure it's something you didn't see coming.
These things, along with some humorous slapstick in the beginning and perfectly exaggerated facial expressions, make this
a favorite. 10/10
Notes-*Koroshi looks quite a bit like Goemon, don&'t you think?
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Chapter 6-"Impression: Impossible"
Characters- Lupin, various guards, a doctor, head of the Shianese Police, Interrogation specialist, Capitan Koushutai,
Agent 0035
Synopsis- Lupin gets a roll of film from the Japanese Secret Service asking him to rescue a secret agent from the country
of Shiana. In return, the government will deny any knowledge of his "activities".
Firsts- First time Lupin leaves Japan. First break of the 4th wall.
Links to animated Lupin- None
Review- Monkey Punch has stated that he's a fan of "Mission: Impossible", which is obviously what this story
is spoofing. I loved the take on the "self-destruct in three seconds" trademark. This one is loaded with comedy,
action, and a clever plan for escape, not unlike something out of James Bond. The only problem I had with this story was
that Lupin was depicted in a much more,um, sinister light than usual. I know that he's not as much of a gentleman as his
grandfather, but I think that this was too much. Lupin III may be an assassin as well as a thief, but I don't picture him
raping female officers or killing male ones. Nevertheless, if you can overlook this, this is a great story. 9/10
Notes-Shiana/China? Cold War reference.
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Chapter 7-"The hand is Quicker Than the Spy"
Characters-Lupin, Daisuke Jigen, Pycal (his name is spelled here as Paikaru, but it's supposed to be Pycal, so that's
what I'm calling him.), Fujiko, A scientist working for Lupin
Synopsis- Fujiko has projector slides belonging to her late brother's partner, Pycal. However, now Lupin and his best
friend, Jigen have the slides. However, Pycal is unrelenting, and warding him off is tough. Why? Because bullets bounce
off of him, he can fly, and discharge fire from his index finger.
Firsts- Debut of Daisuke Jigen and first appearance of Pycal. First appearance of Lupin's black pants and shirt, red
jacket, and yellow tie outfit.
Links to animated Lupin-This story was animated in the '71 series, episode two, "The Man They Called a Magician".
Pycal returns in the 2001 OVA, "Lupin III: Return of the Magician"
Review- Pycal. One of the coolest Lupin villains, he gets his English debut in this story. (Of course, he got his Japanese
debut here, too. Eh, who cares?) Fujiko returns here and an encounter between her and Pycal allows Monkey Punch to make
a humorous note to the readers about censorship. Overall, a great read. 10/10
Notes-
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Chapter 8- "Zenigata Gets Lucky"
Characters-Lupin, Zenigata, assorted cops, Fujiko, Dr. Biwase
Synopsis- Dr. Biwase is targeted by Lupin III, who's after his "K Machine". So, whom does he call for help?
Inspector Zenigata, of course. However, Fujiko's nearby as well, and that always means trouble...
Firsts- First time Lupin disguises himself as Zenigata.
Links to animated Lupin- None
Review- Not bad. Not the best, far from the worst. It has its moments, everyone's reaction to the explosions (running
gag) for example. The plot is simple, but it has a surprise ending. This one gives a little bit of the spotlight to the
old man for once...kinda. There's not much I can say about this one without ruining the ending, so I'll leave it at that.
7.546/10
Notes-
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Chapter 9-"Gather Ye Bad Men While Ye May"
Characters-Lupin, Ms. Futen, assorted lowlifes, unnamed male villain
Synopsis- The great Lupin the Third has been captured! This time, he's trapped on a desert island about the size of the
Tokyo Dome. With only a map and a two-way radio connected to the man who put him there, our lovable larcenist needs to find
a way off the island!
Firsts- First mention of the F-word.
Links to animated Lupin- Parts of this became the second series episode "The Island of Dr. Derange". (thanks
to SlackerWriter for the info)
Review- This one is great. The Wolf is stranded on a desert island. This one features a nearly impossible situation,
yet Lupin makes it out alive (you knew he would, but do you know how?). This one doesn't lack in the humor department, either
(check out the part with the twin bridges). Anyway, I recommend it to any Lupin fan. 10/10
Notes-In the beginning of the story, the radio has an antenna, but on the last page it doesn't. Eh, nobody's perfect.
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