[icarus-daedelus]

[kanashimi no beradona]

The 70s came to reclaim what is theirs, the cool style in animation... well, at least what you can call "animated" in that movie.

Hey now, all of the orgy sequences were animated!

Not seeing anything other than the vaguest resemblance between this and that, however.

[cosmicblizzard]

Im confused

That's from 2002. Back when anime was good.

[duckroll]

[kanashimi no beradona] Hey now, all of the orgy sequences were animated! Not seeing anything other than the vaguest resemblance between this and that, however.

I find it pretty similar in several ways, especially in the first episode. The direction is definitely inspired by that at the very least.

[icarus-daedelus]

I find it pretty similar in several ways, especially in the first episode. The direction is definitely inspired by that at the very least.

Is there a lot of panning over still landscape paintings...? ;p Certainly the increased emphasis on sex and a 70s aesthetic fits.

I won't get to see New Lupin for some time but I will probably try to fit in a rewatch of Belladonna soon. I remember the art being less ornate than this and much softer and looser. More like water colors and less like the graphic comic book-y look that Koike tends to do.

But I'm a noob when it comes to technical animation/art stuff so I could be talking out of my ass here.

[duckroll]

Is there a lot of panning over still landscape paintings...? ;p Certainly the increased emphasis on sex and a 70s aesthetic fits. I won't get to see New Lupin for some time but I will probably try to fit in a rewatch of Belladonna soon. I remember the art being less ornate than this and much softer and looser. More like water colors and less like the graphic comic book-y look that Koike tends to do. But I'm a noob when it comes to technical animation/art stuff so I could be talking out of my ass here.

Trust me, this looks VERY different from Koike's normal style which he's known for. Movement is more loose, there are pencil shaded lines everywhere (some are filters, but many are part of the keyframe animation as well), colors are more muted and watercolor looking, and there are very few scenes which look like the ultra-clean and modern-graphic animation style that Koike uses normally.

[Ultimadrago]

Whoa, I haven't watched anime in a decade. Glad someone is finally making something that isn't moe crap. Can't wait to check this out.

Lol. I see what you did there.

Oh cosmic, you too much! ;D

[Envelope]

Trust me, this looks VERY different from Koike's normal style which he's known for. Movement is more loose, there are pencil shaded lines everywhere (some are filters, but many are part of the keyframe animation as well), colors are more muted and watercolor looking, and there are very few scenes which look like the ultra-clean and modern-graphic animation style that Koike uses normally.

It looks a lot a different than the very clean style he usually has, but somehow it's still very Koike-ish.

[duckroll]

It looks a lot a different than the very clean style he usually has, but somehow it's still very Koike-ish.

It's the poses I tell you, it's the fucking poses.

[Mgoblue201]

Lupin is the only anime I've ever really liked, but it's been so long since I've seen it that I can't tell if it's still something that I'd really enjoy. The art style, at least, and the strong memories of the franchise have gotten me interested in this.

[Regulus Tera]

i am hard and dangerous for fujiko if you know what im saying

Whoa, I haven't watched anime in a decade. Glad someone is finally making something that isn't moe crap. Can't wait to check this out.

This would probably be funny if you were a junior.

[TDLink]

Lupin is the only anime I've ever really liked, but it's been so long since I've seen it that I can't tell if it's still something that I'd really enjoy. The art style, at least, and the strong memories of the franchise have gotten me interested in this.

I think Lupin is a franchise that anyone can like pretty easily. Part of it is that it rarely resorts to typical anime-isms and is almost always more mature than most other anime out there, even when it is being lighthearted. Watching Lupin you just know you are in for a fun viewing experience. That's my take anyways.

[IC_Champion]

The entire OP and ED sequences are nothing but naked Fujiko. It's pretty extreme lol.

It was like a Japanese anime sequence directed by Russ Meyer. And that's a compliment. I like the style.

[7Th]

So, Yamakan liked this SO MUCH he spent all day "praising it" on Twitter: http://privatepaste.com/73e407a1ae

[Lafiel]

So, Yamakan liked this SO MUCH he spent all day "praising it" on Twitter: http://privatepaste.com/73e407a1ae

Maybe it will be the inspiration he needs to make a "good" show finally.

[Regulus Tera]

So, Yamakan liked this SO MUCH he spent all day "praising it" on Twitter: http://privatepaste.com/73e407a1ae

Who?

[Lafiel]

Just finished watching the first episode. It was pretty damn good, it literally had STYLE in every frame of it's direction, the sexuality, the eroticisms and the music all felt classy as fuck.

That said based on some impressions; it wasn't as erotic or pornographic as I was expecting, and none of it felt awkward at all surprisingly, it all felt appropriate within the context of the atmosphere, just really great stuff.

Can't wait for the next episode! it has lived up to my expectations so far.

One weird thing about this compared to other Lupin TV series, is the episode only featured Fujiko, Lupin and Zenigata. Jigen or Ishikawa weren't anywhere to be found, interesting enough.

[Dragoon En Regalia]

Pinch me, because I must be dreaming. Just watched a RAW version I found elsewhere, and the episode's a really great start. The plot is out of the question for the time being, but the setting is very Lupin-esque, and there's a lot of hard-broiled heist stuff lying underneath the fantastical, rich exterior. Visually outstanding and seemingly all over the place with contrasting visual elements, yet controlled in a way that's balanced and not overly-extreme, outside of the more chaotic scenes. And, judging from what I saw, it seems that Lupin's relationship with Fujiko here is well-developed, starting with unfamiliarity and then leading to the ending scene, where it's revealed that he tagged her thigh with some kind of message and kooky face, right after she marked his cheek with lipstick via bullet. Very good episode all-around. And the music is surprisingly good—not as memorable as Yuji Ohno's work (not the same composer, anyway, and no mention of Yuji's famous Lupin theme), but it reminds me of Takeo Yamashita's OST from the Green Jacket series: full of weird dissonances, clashing styles and period influences, and a good deal of contextualism combined with memorable interludes. Reflective of such an eclectic production, anyhow.

Zenigata's assistant is, so far, the only real Okada-like element I was able to pinpoint in this episode alone (his name is Oscar, apparently, an ode to Rose of Versailles and probably a hint that he's meant to be androgynous). And Jigen and Goemon will probably make their appearances in the next episode anyway—Daisuke got mentioned in this one, that's for sure. I'm going to stop talking because I'll never stop now.

[Imm0rt4l]

Can't wait to see this.

[Dragoon En Regalia]

I really liked the little dream sequences showing off Lupin himself. He's utterly, maniacally self-absorbed, to the point that he sees his face and persona on famous paintings all around the world. An awful lot of harem material in this episode, mainly because the big baddie is this old rich badass with too many Arabian Nights-inspired attractions, mystical spells, and boobular women. In a lot of ways, the episode is resemblant of the original Rupan Sansei pilot film. They both feel short and concise, meant to give the viewers a condensed audiovisual description of the major characters, episodes before flinging them into more and more complex scenarios.

[Salaadin]

Any place I can watch this legally? Is it even being subbed for the US or am I going to have to wait for DVDs?

EDIT: Missed the last sentence of the OP. Damnit :(

[Dragoon En Regalia]

Oh man did I laugh my diaphragm out. What an awesome shot.

[Nonoriri]

Glorious.

[Instro]

Not a lot to be said that hasn't already been said, but the first episode is pretty incredible visually. Some really well directed action in there as well, I particularly enjoyed that gun fight with the lights switching on and off, that was very well done. The music fits perfectly as well, very jazzy. Definitely looking forward to more.

[CSX]

Havent seen any of it yet but already, I want the blu-ray on my shelf

[JKTrix]

Watched it, I am a fan.

[Togglesworlh]

How appropriately timed, considering I just recently started watching the entire series from start to finish for the first time. Well, second time. First time I gave up because the first series was boring.

This time around I loved it, but I hate the second series. Why is he so much more goofy with the red coat? ):

This art looks boss. I am pleased.

[THE NO LIFE KING]

Well, now I know.

[Basileus777]

THE NO LIFE KING, you shouldn't ask that.

[Gilgamesh]

Holy crap at the screens. That art style is superb.

[ThirstyFly]

I don't really watch anime anymore, but I'm always down for some Lupin. What's the turn around time for shows to get legit releases in North America these days? I'd love to own this on BD.

Now let's get some new City Hunter too.

[LordCanti]

No English simulcasts, and my Japanese is super rusty. Watching episode 1 is not going well. Also...ohmigod that intro video.

Edit: Loved episode 1, although I'd like for them to cut down on the black crayon/charcoal/whatever lines. Very excited that this could be something special.

My nose...it is bloody

[Mothman91]

I might start watching this... I have never watched any Lupin except the Miyazaki movie.
Animation looks great from screens.

[duckroll]

One weird thing about this compared to other Lupin TV series, is the episode only featured Fujiko, Lupin and Zenigata. Jigen or Ishikawa weren't anywhere to be found, interesting enough.

The producer actually mentioned this before. The decision to make a series focused on Fujiko instead of Lupin allows them to avoid the expectation that every week the entire gang will be forced into the storylines on way or another. If Lupin is the lead, there is that expectation. If Fujiko is the lead, they can remove that expectation and only use the characters the story really requires each week.

[icarus-daedelus]

Trust me, this looks VERY different from Koike's normal style which he's known for. Movement is more loose, there are pencil shaded lines everywhere (some are filters, but many are part of the keyframe animation as well), colors are more muted and watercolor looking, and there are very few scenes which look like the ultra-clean and modern-graphic animation style that Koike uses normally.

Hmm. Interesting. Such a strange title to take inspiration from.

[wonzo]

Koikelupin 1

Holy shit. Outside of the rather inconsistent use of the shadow effect this was everything I expected and more. I can't wait for the next episode!

[Charoncaori]

That was awesome! The animation oozes style and the music sounded a lot like the original show, without being too corny. That was an absolute joy to watch. Even the CG wasn't too out of place... What did they do, cut the frame rate? Still slightly distracting, though.

The action sequences were really fun. Can't wait for next week.
So is that other chick in the ED Oscar...?

[TDLink]

I don't really watch anime anymore, but I'm always down for some Lupin. What's the turn around time for shows to get legit releases in North America these days? I'd love to own this on BD. Now let's get some new City Hunter too.

I wouldn't count on it. Barely any Lupin has seen legitimate release in North America. You can find around a dozen of the TV specials/movies (mostly from the 90s, released by Funimation with a few more released by Diskotek), which in total is less than half of the total Lupin movies out there. You can also find around 80 episodes of the 155 episode second TV series (Red Jacket). The rest of that series though (and the other two) have yet to be localized and the are 30+ years old. I unfortunately wouldn't count on this getting a legitimate North American release, though I'd love to be wrong. America needs more Lupin...it just hasn't done well here in the past.

[Lafiel]

To be fair, the talent involved in this and the western-ish art style might increase it's chances of it getting licensed. Hell Lupin III S1 is going be getting a DVD release in America soon afaik.

[Envelope]

To be fair, the talent involved in this and the western-ish art style might increase it's chances of it getting licensed. Hell Lupin III S1 is going be getting a DVD release in America soon afaik.

Yeah, it's been so long since the original Lupin releases I don't think we have to use those as a barometer for the likelyhood of KoikeLupin getting a localization.

[TDLink]

Yeah, it's been so long since the original Lupin releases I don't think we have to use those as a barometer for the likelyhood of KoikeLupin getting a localization.

Almost all of the Lupin TV specials in the last decade though (the most recent Lupin stuff prior to this) still have yet to see official release (Episode 0 is the only one). Honestly most of those are some of the best as well, especially from the early 2000s, so it is really disappointing that we can't buy them localized. I hope you guys are right since this is easily my favourite anime franchise but all of the American anime distributors just haven't been big on Lupin in the past.

[Envelope]

Almost all of the Lupin TV specials in the last decade though still have yet to see official release (Episode 0 is the only one). Honestly most of those are some of the best as well, especially from the early 2000s, so it is really disappointing that we can't buy them localized. I hope you guys are right since this is easily my favourite anime franchise but all of the American anime distributors just haven't been big on Lupin in the past.

But for the TV specials, I can see why they wouldn't be licensed (regardless of their quality) since Lupin doesn't have a big following in the States. A new complete series, however, does make sense to license. So I'm tending towards being optimistic about a future release in America.

[/XX/]

It is staggering seeing such a finely crafted but unclean (artisan) touch of visual appeal, specially for a TV series. I love everything about the look on this. A strange mix, because I also like the sight of Lupin the Third animated goofiness present on it (as busterbeam would have demonstrated here by now with images), but maybe there wasn't present enough correlation with the moments, and came a little forced given the crude mood. That makes it close to Monkey Punch's character, though. This is not a criticism, only an odd sensation.

I liked and want to keep seeing that 'battle of meddlers' between Lupin the Third and Fujiko on next episodes. From previous occasions, where normally Fujiko worked in the shadows, behind Lupin's back, to a now possible interchange of roles not knowing for sure the outcome of their encounters, would be great.

[Lupin the Third]

Zac of Anime News Network posted his thoughts in the Spring Preview Guide. He gave Episode 1 a 5 out of 5.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/prev...ring-anime/zac

So this is pretty fantastic. This is the 40th anniversary of the well-worn Lupin franchise, and to celebrate, they handed the reins over to Sayo Yamamoto and Takeshi Koike, two of the key players behind Redline, and the result is – as predicted – a fun, extremely stylish romp that cranks up the show's sex appeal. Koike's lanky, sinister character designs are on display front and center, and his artistic sensibility rules everything on screen; it doesn't look like anything else on TV this season, and that's a very good thing. Story-wise, it's nice that they've decided to mix things up a little by giving us more of Fujiko's perspective, and the show hints at telling us more about her history, which at least holds the promise of a stronger narrative than your usual Lupin III ensemble. Make no mistake, however; we're getting a lot more Fujiko, but Lupin's name is still getting top billing, and we're inside both of their heads as the story plays out. They wouldn't sideline the franchise's main draw completely, after all. One word of warning: Lupin III: The Woman Named Fujiko Mine is decidedly not safe for work. There's a surprising amount of nudity and I think Fujiko herself spends fully half the episode topless. In the past, the Lupin franchise has been a lot more family-friendly than this, and all the stripping and seduction on screen seems to be a message from Koike: this is not your same-ol’ Lupin III. It'll be fun to see where this one goes.

[Envelope]

FUJIKOIKE 1

As far as I'm concerned, this was a definite success. The biggest problem is the shadow filter used, half the time it doesn't look good. Otherwise, I really like the visual style it's using. It managed to keep a very 70's feel to the story and action, and the characters are likeable so far.

[Sickboy007]

Having watched Lupin everyday growing up, this looks amaaaaazing.

[Tguy]

Having watched Lupin everyday growing up, this looks amaaaaazing.

I was just about to come in here and make this post no lie. I really enjoyed Lupin growing up so it's nice to see this show come back. I never watched any of the movies though, thinking about getting them.

[Sickboy007]

I was just about to come in here and make this post no lie. I really enjoyed Lupin growing up so it's nice to see this show come back. I never watched any of the movies though, thinking about getting them.

I can't suggest Castle of Cagliostro enough, the others are kind of forgettable.

How was the score of the first ep? Any reference to the classic tunes?

[Salaadin]

My only real experiences with Lupin come from the movies. I only ever caught 3 or 4 episodes of the old TV show when cartoon network had it

[Krauser Kat]

This show is amazing. Best anime in ages.

[Dragoon En Regalia]

I can't suggest Castle of Cagliostro enough, the others are kind of forgettable. How was the score of the first ep? Any reference to the classic tunes?

Mystery of Mamo and First Contact are my other two favorites, though I think CoC is the best-directed of them all.

The music is definitely not like Yuji Ohno's, outside of period influences in the musical style (a lot of funk and sleazy post-bop, intermixed with experimental atonal and contextual interludes). It all sounds more neutral and even oppressive at times, with little in the way of melodic content and more focus on development of solo material and interesting stylistic contrasts. Indeed, the opening piece itself is a very rhythmic chamber orchestra piece with modern jazz rhythmic structures and modern, pseudo-baroque instrumentation. But it all works really well, and I'd listen to an OST release even if a lot of the music isn't as memorable as the melody-dominated Lupin standards done by Takeo Yamashita and Yuji Ohno.