Lupin III...

I was introduced to the Lupin III franchise when I picked up the VHS version of Castle Of Cagliostro...

The Castle of Cagliostro
Whether it's robbing casinos in Monte Carlo or stealing the hearts of beautiful women, nobody does it better than Wolf (alias Lupin III) - gentleman, thief, ladies man and master of disguise. He's a modern-day Robin Hood with more gadgets than James Bond, and no fortune, no matter how well guarded, is safe... When their latest carload of stolen cash turns out to be counterfeit, Wolf and his sharp-shooting sidekick Jingen trace the forgers to the tiny country of Cagliostro, and the forbidding castle of Count Cagliostro himself. Behind the stone walls and the laser defenses, the Count has imprisoned the beautiful princess Clarisse: the girl who holds the secret to the legendary hidden treasure. With the help of lovely gun-toting Fujiko and the unstoppable samurai Goemon, Wolf decides to go after the money, the girl, and the bad guy after all, apart from the massed ranks of Interpol a horde of razor-armed Ninja and an international conspiracy or two, what could possibly stop him?

The Gold Of Babylon
A witty, wacky, literate film full of invention and energy. The story opens in the New York where Monkey Punch's lovable rogue and his gang are pursued by the Mafia, the police and the elderly lush Rosetta, who chants a proverb about the Babylon legend between protestations of passion for Lupin. The trail leads from Madison Square Gardens, scene of possibly the most hilarious bike chase ever filmed, to the Middle East, and back again to New York, pastiching Indiana Jones, Erich Von Daniken, Mafioso epics and Tom and Jerry along the way. While Lupin curses himself for what might have been, Fujiko, ever practical, is more concerned with keeping as much of the gold as possible. Fantasy for grown-ups.

The Fuma Conspiracy
The tranquility of a traditional Japanese wedding is shattered when the bride is kidnapped by evil Ninja! Their ransom demand is simple: the key to the hidden treasure! Unfortunately for the Ninja of the Fuma Clan, the groom is a master swordsman named Goemon, and the groom's best friend is... Lupan III: Master Thief. Make an extra bowl of popcorn and get ready for a non-stop roller coaster adventure around, over, through and under Japan, as Lupan and Co. go after the girl and the gold, while trying to stay one step ahead of the nefarious Ninja and two steps ahead of the relentless Inspector Zenigata or Interpol!

The Mystery of Mamo
A madcap adventure which expands the globe from the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania to the land of the pharaohs... A deadly mystery which races from the sidewalks of Paris to the shores of a tropical paradise. Lupin succeeds in pulling off a series of seemingly impossible capers in order to score "big time" with Fujiko, his beautiful arch-rival. Curiously, all of the capers involve some arcane object associated with eternal life. But there is more to Lupin's schemes than a simple one-night stand. His efforts result in a date with destiny as he faces the mysterious Mamo - his most deadly opponent.

Tales of the Wolf

Albatross, Wings of Death
High-flying Adventure and First Class Fun Aboard a Mammoth Airship Outfitted with a Nuclear Warhead! From Tokyo Movie Shinsha's classic television series "LUPIN III" - based on the popular comic strip by Monkey Punch - which follows the exploits of the world's greatest cat burglar - this exceptional anime by director Hayao Miyazaki is one of the finest examples of the golden age of Japanese television animation. In this episode, "ALBATROSS: WINGS OF DEATH". originally broadcast in 1980, Wolf (Lupin III) learns that the world's most eccentric entrepreneur, Dr. Lonebach, has a nuclear device and plans to blackmail the world from his one-plane "air force". a retro-fitted Dornier - a 1929 luxury airship - culled from his personal airplane museum. What makes matters worse is that Fujlko Mine - Wolf's on-again-off-again girl-friend/partner - has been kidnapped by this wealthy madman. It is up to Wolf, and his capable sidekicks, to knock the wind out of this deadly terrorist's sails and put a stop to this potentially fatal fiasco. Wolf's only problem is finding an antique plane that doesn't fall apart before he can get close enough for a dogfight. A true animated classic with a knowing wink to aviation enthusiasts.

Aloha, Lupin
A Spectacular Sendoff for the World's Most Popular Thief! A powerful flying robot, stolen from a top secret Japanese military arsenal, is committing robberies all over Tokyo and, thanks to a timely 'public service an. nouncement' by Lupin III alias The Wolf- all indications point to this lovable rogue as the most likely suspect. Inspector Zenigata vows to finally capture Lupin and put an end to his nefarious career. But as the plot winds toward an inevitable showdown. fans will recognize that both thief and detective are acting strangely out of character. A cute and daring robot jockey. a wild sky ride and some dynamic fireworks help to make this one of the most spectacular pieces of TV animation ever filmed. Originally broadcast as the final episode of the second LUPIN III TV Series (1977-1980), Tokyo Movie Shinsha, the producing studio, gave Japan's top theatrical animation director Hayao Miyazaki - carte blanche in order to let the series go out with a bang. The result is the essence of the wit and cleverness of LUPIN III distilled Into one superb effort.

The Secret of Twilight Gemini
Legend has it that the Twilight diamond is the key to a Moroccan treasure of immeasurable value. So when the international thief Lupin is given the Twilight in an act of faith, it's off to Morocco! But what started out as a simple in and out job turns into chaos the moment Lupin steps off the train! Fighting factions, masked assassins, secret undergroud sects, a whip-yielding psychopath, corrupt cops, and the always determined Inspector Zenigata... they're all after Lupin. And they won't stop until he's caught or killed. Join Lupin, Fujiko, and Goemon in another rousing adventure where nothing is what it seems to be... and treasure is always just around the corner.

Voyage to Danger
Cornered in a building, Lupin is given the shock of a lifetime; Zenigata has been pulled off the Lupin case permanently. A rather drunken Zenigata informs Lupin of the news personally and reveals that his new assignment is to track down a group of illegal arms dealers known as "Shot Shell". Lupin decides to steal Shot Shell's profits and is surprised to have Zenigata join forces with him.

ICPO has given a vicious ex-mercenary named Keith one mission? bring Lupin in dead or alive. With danger lurking in every corner of the map, Lupin decides to use a nuclear submarine as bait for his plans. Can Lupin find Shot Shell and relieve them of their financial burden before Keith relieves Lupin of his life? And what secret past does Karen, a beautiful Russian scientist, and Jigen share?

Dragon of Doom
Hong Kong crime lord Chin Chin Chu wants to hire Lupin, Fujiko, and Jigen to recover a gold dragon statue from the wreckage of the Titanic. Lupin is intrigued as it is the same statue that his grandfather attempted to steal right before the Titanic sank. However, Lupin refuses to work with Chu and vows to retrieve it and his family pride on his own.

With help from Kikyo, a childhood friend, Goemon also seeks to maintain his family's honor by ensuring no one, even Lupin, gains the statue. Who will be able to hang onto the statue and learn its secrets?

Pursuit of Harimao's Treasures
Three statues hold the key to finding the eight billion dollar treasure of Harimao. Having acquired one of the statues, Lupin finds himself an unlikely ally of retired British agent Lord Archer and his granddaughter Diana. Only Archer knows where to find the remaining figure, but the Neo-Himmel group seeks the treasure to fund their own plans. Who will claim the riches of Harimao?!

Dead or Alive
The latest target for Lupin is the legendary treasure of the kingdom of Zufu. This treasure lies on the mysterious "Drifting Island", and Lupin drags his gang to investigate. Upon reaching a mysterious door, the island activates an impressive defense system, and Lupin manages to escape by the seat of his pants.

It is up to Lupin to find the key to unlock the door to the treasure. To do this, he must avoid the psychotic leader of Zufu, bounty hunters, secret police, and the indomitable Zenigata. Can Lupin unlock the secrets of the island before he ends up as a $1,000,000 trophy?!

Farewell to Nostradamus
A simple diamond heist leads Lupin into the machinations of a bizarre cult. The cult i s based around the prophecies of Nostradamus, and they kidnap Julia, the daughter of Douglas, a wealthy American who is seeking the presidency, along with Lupin's diamond. At stake is the lost book of prophecy Douglas holds in the vault at the top of his skyscraper.

Can Lupin rescue Julia, find a way into the vault, and discover the connection between the cult and the kidnapping? And what about his diamond?!

Island of Assassins
Its Lupin's greatest challenge yet as he goes toe to toe with the mysterious and deadly inhabitants of an island that doesn't exist on any map ? the Island of Assassins.

The "Tarantulas" are the most fearsome gang of assassins on the face of the planet. But, in order to solve a dark mystery from his past, Lupin must lower himself into the heart of the spider's lair! Can Lupin fight an assassin army, steal their fabled cache of gold, find a cure for an "incurable" poison, and get the girl, all at the same time? One thing is certain, with Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko along for the ride; it's going to be nonstop adventure as the gang tries to escape the Island of Assassins!

Crisis in Tokyo
When a strange set of photographic plates makes its way into the hands of a famous art dealer in Tokyo, it's up to Lupin to steal them. But this time, it seems that he may have to do it alone. Or will he? Goemon and Fujiko team up and put a deal on the table that Lupin may be forced to take.

Following Lupin every step of the way is Inspector Zenigata. He is so focused on his target that he tends to forget his department?s deal to allow a journalist named Maria to tag along with him. However, there may be more to her and the photographic plates than anyone knows or even begin to fathom.

The Columbus Files
Fujiko and Lupin are enjoying a romantic dinner together; as usual, Lupin's appetites include getting a taste of Fujiko's latest plan. Fujiko has uncovered the "Columbus Files" that tell of an incredible treasure known appropriately as the "Columbus Egg". Before Lupin can learn more, they are attacked by a helicopter squadron led by Nazaroff. Lupin and Fujiko end up hanging onto the edge of a cliff, but Fujiko falls to earth after a gunshot severs the rope attaching her to Lupin.

A young woman named Rosaria is handing over a piece of sunken treasure to a buyer. She returns home to find an uninvited guest... Fujiko! However, Fujiko has amnesia and is haunted by frightening images of being chased by Nazaroff's men and of the contents of the Columbus Files. Can Lupin restore Fujiko's memories to find the Columbus Egg as well as for her own sake? And why is Rosaria determined to find the Egg for herself?

Missed by a Dollar
Lupin has disguised himself and is bidding on a ring up for auction in New York City. The ring holds the secret location of a legendary broach; the broach is said to bring good fortune to whoever wears it and has been in the possession of Napoleon, Lenin, and Hitler. When a bidder outbids him by one dollar, he decides to take the more traditional route and steal it. However, a heavily armed group of men relieve him of his prize. They work for Cynthia, the head of Bank of World.

Lupin gathers the troops to try to steal the ring back from the heavily protected headquarters. He succeeds in stealing it once again but appears to be fatally shot as they make their getaway. If Lupin is dead, who will stop Cynthia from obtaining the broach!?

Alcatraz Connection
Secretly operating his cruiser as a casino at sea isn’t enough for California mafia don Lukino Marcano. He’s also looking for the gold-laden boat wreckage worth the budget of a small country! Lupin sniffs out the plan to recover this long-lost treasure and brings along his partners Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko for the ride to crash Lukino'’s party. But Inspector Zenigata is always on Lupin's tail, and this time he’s got an unusually aggressive local cop for a partner! Watch as Lupin uncovers the true mystery behind the Alcatraz island prison and the sinister syndicate, the Secret Seven!

Jigen's Gravestone
By bringing her voice to West Doroa, the East Doroan singer Queen Malta hoped that she could heal the rift between the two countries in Lupin the 3rd: Jigen's Gravestone.

Instead, her murder on stage by an unknown assassin only served to increase the tension between the two countries. Already a country known for its incredibly low crime rate, East Doroa increases security in preparation for war--but security is nothing to the likes of super-genius thief Lupin III!

Still, when he and partner Jigen Daisuke swipe the Little Comet gemstone from an embassy in East Doroa, it's a little convenient that the police seem to know their every move. And worse, before they can even make their getaway, the pair find themselves under the crosshairs of a certain hitman--the same one that killed Queen Malta! Something's fishy, and in order to confirm his suspicions, Jigen visits the cemetery. There, he finds himself staring at his own gravestone. It's a calling card of the sniper, Yael Okuzaki... and no one targeted by him has ever escaped the grave! But why is he only after Jigen, and not Lupin? And things only get more complicated with Fujiko around!

Green vs Red
Just when you thought the man was one of a kind, Lupin the Third lookalikes start appearing all over the world, each with their own style and flair! Even the expert Inspector Zenigata can't seem to track down his rival. From among the rabble rises one ambitious, green-jacketed Lupin imitator named Yasuo. He challenges the man himself to swipe the mysterious treasure Ice Cube and earn the title of "the real Lupin the Third"!

Operation Return the Treasure
Master criminal Lupin the 3rd is at it again! An elusive meteoric gemstone called the "Trick Diamond" was once hidden inside Spain’s Sagrada Familia cathedral. In pursuit of the diamond, Lupin receives a message from his recently-deceased rival thief, Mark Williams. Mark’s challenge: return the treasures!

Five treasures—all stolen by Mark in his heyday—must be returned to their original homes within seven days, or Lupin will never find the diamond’s hiding place. And Lupin is never one to waste a diamond! But scoring the Trick Diamond only gets trickier as Mark’s lovely assistant Fujiko is keeping more than one closely-guarded secret, and Mafia boss Ivan "Rats" Crockovich is trying to both obliterate the Lupin Gang and swipe the diamond for himself! It’s a race of restoration and complication in Operation: Return the Treasure!!

The Hemingway Papers
In Lupin the 3rd The Hemingway Papers, a draft of Ernest Hemingway's final novel might hold the secret to an immense hidden treasure, and master thief Lupin the Third is on the hunt! He'll have the help of his partners and the beautiful bartender Maria, but he'll have to contend with a local civil war, the mercenary Crazy Mash, and his super-wealthy boss Marces to get it.

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I was introduced to the Lupin III franchise when I picked up the VHS version of Castle Of Cagliostro. From a stylistic perspective, many of the Lupin III incarnations are reminiscent of the Pink Panther movies. They are full of action, humor, and great storytelling. Castle Of Cagliostro is my favorite among these followed closely by both Tales Of The Wolf.

I have several feature DVDs (movies and OVAs). I even picked up the first volume of the Lupin III TV series, but, the TV series doesn't quite have the same feel as the feature presentations. The last time I bothered to check, there were about 15 volumes of TV episodes released in the US. Although the feature presentations vary widely in their ability to keep me entertained, as a whole, I gave the Lupin III franchise a 5 out of 5.