English Dub Review: Lupin the IIIrd: Zenigata and the Two Lupins

Overview (Spoilers Below):

Inspector Zenigata investigates a bombing in a Soviet-like country, leading him to a terrorist who looks like Lupin III.  The real Lupin is also involved, prompting Zenigata to capture both while uncovering a larger conspiracy.

Our Take:

Lupin III and Inspector Zenigata have usually been on each other’s throats throughout multiple series and movies, making them another iconic “detective-thief” dynamic in the genre.  However, Zenigata’s latest case will have him questioning that dynamic, as he’s facing a new enemy who shockingly resembles his old nemesis.  This sums up the latest addition to the classic action anime franchise, which isn’t slowing down in stealing fans’ hearts.  But, rather than focusing on the daring, charismatic thief we know and love, this ONA, which clocks in at under an hour, centers on Lupin’s detective frenemy solving a conspiracy that began with a terrorist attack at an airport.

What also makes this movie different from the pack is its tone.  Instead of a fast-paced, action-packed ride like the previous Lupin the IIIrd installments, “Zenigata and the Two Lupins” evokes a dark, international thriller vibe, with a terrorist narrative akin to other espionage movies or shows.  While it retains the charisma seen in other Lupin the IIIrd shows and movies, courtesy of its appealing titular thief, it features a few mature elements that help it stand out from the crowd.  In other words, prepare to see a few bodies exploding and plenty of people dying from explosions.  This change of pace certainly stands out for highlighting the complicated relationship between Zenigata and Lupin amid its traditional spy thriller antics.  Unfortunately, its short runtime and awkwardly paced structure kept it from reaching that potential.  For the structure, it’s like they pasted two episodes into a single narrative without actually formatting it to look like a movie.

As someone who only watched The Castle of Cagliostro and The First, I can admit that “Zenigata and the Two Lupins” is another installment that made me admire the series even more.  In addition to its tone and themes of justice, the ONA benefited from its decent animation, underscoring the art style we recognized with a more gritty, detailed aesthetic.  Does it convince me to check out the other Lupin III content in the future?  Probably.  However, since it’s also identified as a prequel to “The Immortal Bloodline”, I may have to check the latter out first to see how this saga ends for the charming thief.  Until then, I would say this ONA prequel is a flawed yet serviceable installment that’ll impress the franchise’s fan base.