15 Comments
Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

I was madly in love with Lupin, Fujiko cursed my soul (80% of my fetish side thanks to her, 10% "The Chauffeur" Duran Duran, ! 10% various and possible stuff), and the soundtrack is a masterpiece, (I got it!) one of the best ever! BUT, dear Hayao, in your wonderful career, you made a terrible mistake: In the iconic image (which I can't add!) where Jigen is trying to fix something in the engine with Lupin resting on top, you showed him working in front of the car, but the engine for the mighty Fiat 500 is in the back! Ah ah!:)) I have forgiven you...

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

...restacking the Note I could add the image... :))

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author

Haha, love this detail about the engine! We didn't realize that -- good catch. It's surprising that Miyazaki missed this one given that Otsuka owned a Fiat 500 himself.

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

Aaaaah! This drastically changes everything! Not granted mercy any longer, ah ah!...actually, being literally tedious, he is a great passionate of mechanics, airplanes, cars, and a beyond meticulous artist, so I think this may be a real mistake for him... but I don't wanna insist, I don't wanna go straight to hell for criticizing a monster of movies and comics! I want live :))

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

I enjoyed reading this piece! Your detailed exploration of Lupin the 3rd's origins was fascinating, especially the insights into Yasuo Otsuka's passion for accurately depicting cars and objects. Additionally, how you captured the transition under Miyazaki and Takahata added a dynamic and engaging layer to the story.

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author

Thanks, Jon! We spent a long while researching this issue and we're very happy to tell the story.

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

Fascinating article - Castle of Cagliostro is great but the backstory to do with the TV series is doubly interesting.

I’m a big fan of the French Netflix reimagining of “Lupin” that fits the idea that the character can be reimagined and which also included a nod to Miyazaki’s reworking by featuring a yellow Fiat 500 as a getaway car in one episode.

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author

Thanks for the kind words! And we've heard of the live-action French Lupin but haven't seen it for ourselves -- appreciate the recommendation. We might have to check it out when we have time.

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

Welcome Back!! 🙌🙌

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author

Thanks very much!

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

I really should add a technical point. Your opening paragraph is misleading. While the Fiat 500 is very much iconic, and been Lupin’s ‘go to’ for Cagliostro and Parts 4, 5 and 6, for much of his animated career his main ride has been the Mercedes SSK. It’s big, flashy, a stupid car for a thief, but there it was. And you even reference it later on!

But I’m glad Otsuka is finally getting some attention. His attention to detail makes first series Lupin III a time capsule of planes, cars and guns.

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

I know your thing is all animation but it feels almost criminal to not mention the legendary soundtracks the series has had over the years.

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

Wow that's great.

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Jul 29Liked by Animation Obsessive Staff

Yay! Welcome back!

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author

Thank you! We're excited to get back to it.

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