Lupin the 3rd Episode 0: First Contact (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)For over forty years now, Monkey Punch's Arsene Lupin III has been one of Japan's most treasured anime and manga
characters. He has appeared in a highly successful series of movies (one of which, "Castle of Cagliostro", was directed
by future auteur Hayao Miyazaki), three TV anime series, and over twenty movie-length TV specials, which are a
celebrated yearly event among fans in Japan. But for the longest time, diehard Lupin followers have never been really
clear on the origins of their beloved thief, nor the origins of his accomplices. "Episode 0: First Contact", the
fourteenth TV special (yes, America is THAT behind), sets out to answer the frequently speculated-on start of
Lupin, his best friend Jigen, et al.
When a TV reporter asks Jigen, Lupin's closest friend and longtime partner, how he became involved with Lupin, Jigen and femme
fatale Fujiko, he begins to relay a tale of his younger days. Many years ago, a millionaire assigned him to protect
a giant cylinder said to be made of unbreakable metal. It just so happened that it was that very cylinder that Lupin
and Fujiko, along with another thief named Brad, picked as their next heist. As one can expect, the events that follow their
meeting meet the levels of frantic lunacy that we've come to expect from the franchise. There are chases, gun fights, and
most importantly, the very first face-off between longtime rivals Lupin and Inspector Zenigata. Any of the franchise will
feel right at home here, and it will also provide some insight into the beginnings of all the characters.
With a jazzy soundtrack, great animation, and nonstop exhilaration, "The First Contact" is one of the Lupin specials
that doesn't disappoint on any level. It is without a doubt one of the best that has been produced thus far, even
topping the excellent "The Secret of Twilight Gemini", which is one of my personal favorites. This is Arsene at his
most mischievous, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
If you're a longtime fan, or a "Lupin III" virgin, this is a special that you owe it to yourself to watch; the former
party will enjoy the much-needed backstory for the characters, and the latter will get to experience the series everybody's
been talking about at it's very finest. This franchise is an unbreakable pillar in the anime world, and this excellent
outing proves it's staying power even 40-odd years later.
Now, if only we could get the "Lupin III vs Detective Conan" special on DVD over here...

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Lupin is after mafia boss Galvez's single most precious treasure: a treasure within a treasure. Jigen is Galvez's hired gun who fails to kill cat-burglar Lupin in his first attempt on the treasure and seeks revenge. Fujiko is the girlfriend of Lupin's rival, Brad. Zenigata travels from Japan to America to find and arrest Fujiko. Goemon seeks the almighty sword that cuts steel, Zantetsuken. This sword is mysteriously connected to the treasure in Galvez's vault.... After a series of twists and turns, these complete strangers become acquainted in their "First Contact," an epic adventure!

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