After nearly a decade in the making, what has no doubt been an arduous project from beginning to end is finally coming to a close in the latest chapter ofLupin the Third. A few years after Fujiko Mine’s spinoff, Takeshi Koike picked up the Lupin project to adapt four more OVAs to reinvent a manga arc for modern-day audiences.
After releasing the latest episode in the installment,Zenigata and the Two Lupins, the first 2D animated movie to be released in over three decades, broke out on June 27th in Japan.Lupin the IIIRD The Movie: The Immortal Bloodlinebrings together the threads sewn throughout the OVAs in a conclusion that brings the battle straight to the source: Mamo.
The Immortal Bloodline is the Conclusion of a Decade Long Project by Takeshi Koike
The String of Koike’s Lupin the Third OVAs is Coming to an End With The Immortal Bloodline
Shortly afterThe Woman Called Fujiko Mine, a series dedicated to exploring the femme fatale’s past before meeting Lupin and the gang for the first time, the popular franchise was picked up again by Takeshi Koike, who worked on the spinoff. Tasked with the character designs, Koike recreated an art style that paid homage to the original Monkey Punch manga.
Inspired, Koike would go on to replicate this style in four other iterations that celebrated each of the cast members and explored their connection with the infamous thief, Lupin, delving into the best parts of their characters.Jigen’s Gravestonewas released first, followed byGoemon’s BloodsprayandFujiko’s Lie, withZenigata and the Two Lupinsconcluding the collection.
Throughout these extended episodes, the narrative hinted at a greater enemy behind the slew of attacks aimed at Lupin’s closest cohorts. Assassins, experiments, and clones were sent to thwart the gang, leaving behind hints that the mastermind remained hidden on an island that didn’t exist. Each episode brought the gang ever closer to the threat and how to end it.
Lupin the IIIRD’s The Immortal Bloodline is the Latest Lupin Movie Since 1996
Celebrating the Gentleman Thief’s Grand Return to Cinema in Classic 2D Fashion
These previous OVAs are now set to conclude in the last installment of Koike’s rendition of the infamous crime caper inLupin the IIIRD The Movie: The Immortal Bloodline. This is a celebration for the beloved Japanese franchise that has seen many noteworthy directors take on their own spin onLupin’s story, with even Hayao Miyazakilending his talents.
It is also thefirst 2D movie to be releasedsince 1996 that focuses solely on Lupin and his adventures. While he has appeared in other spinoffs and collaborations withCase Closedas well as a 3D animated film that did remarkably well, it’s been nearly 30 years since a classic homage to Monkey Punch’s manga was explored.
Based on Lupin the 3rd Manga
Monkey Punch
And that was Koike’s vision: a return to the gritty heists, Lupin’s espionage, and sabotaging enemies who wish to corrupt his name or bring his gang down.The Immortal Bloodlineis the culmination of that effort as Lupin gathers up his team to stop the overarching threat that’s been in the background throughout all of the previous Koike OVAs.
The Immortal Bloodlineis the final battleground against the mysterious Mamo and his band of experiments that he’s sent after Lupin’s gang. After touching down on the mysterious island, Lupin and his crew have to avoid the poisonous gas that begins to envelope their surroundings while fighting against Mamo’s experiments sent out to hunt them.
While a Classic to You Need to See, The Immortal Bloodlines is Not a Stand-Alone Film
Be Sure to Avoid These Mistakes Before Catching the Newest Lupin Movie
The Immortal Bloodlineisn’t the first time Lupin fans would have heard of Mamo; in fact, another movie calledThe Mystery of Mamoshould be avoided in case of spoilers going into the newest Lupin movie. While following the beat of a different plot, there are still revelations about the mysterious entity that viewers are better off not knowing early.
Between showcasing gorgeous animation that honors the particular Lupin the Third style set out by Monkey Punch’s original manga and the story direction it was known for, the collection as a whole has been thrilling to see return to streaming.
As part of Takeshi Koike’s collection, it’s also unfair to say thatThe Immortal Bloodlineshould be considered one sole movie, but rather the ending to a larger series. On its own, the story and premise wouldn’t make much sense without watching the previous episodes that led up to this grand finale.
Between showcasing gorgeous animation that honors the particular style set out by Monkey Punch’s original manga and the story direction it was known for, the collection as a whole has been thrilling to see return to streaming. While not available overseas just yet,The Immortal Bloodlinewill be a must-watch for Lupin fans eager to see how this chapter concludes.
