Lupin the Third Episode: 0 First Contact - A thorough analysis of the episode recommended for beginners

"Lupin the Third EPISODE:0 First Contact" - A moving story depicting the origins of Lupin

■ Public Media

TV Special

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

July 26, 2002 - January 1, 0000

■Broadcasting station

Nippon Television

■Frequencies

91 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Monkey Punch

■ Director

Ohara Minoru

■ Production

Animation Production: TMS Entertainment

■Works

Original work: Monkey Punch ©TMS・NTV

■ Story

"Lupin the Third: Episode 0 - First Contact" holds a special place in the Lupin the Third series. This work depicts the story before Lupin the Third and his companions met, and is filled with episodes that could be considered the origins of Lupin.

The story begins with Lupin invading the mafia's stronghold in search of a book of alchemy that can create metal harder than diamonds. However, Lupin is killed by Daisuke Jigen, a mafia bodyguard and skilled gunman. Shortly after, Lupin's rival Brad, who successfully stole the treasure, is killed, and Lupin goes to meet Brad's girlfriend, Fujiko Mine. Set in New York, an epic story unfolds in which the fates of Lupin, Fujiko Mine, Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa, and Inspector Zenigata intertwine.

This work is a must-see for fans of the Lupin III series. It is packed with important elements of the series, such as the encounter between Lupin and Jigen, the relationship between Lupin and Fujiko, and the feud between Lupin and Zenigata. It is also a valuable episode that allows us to learn how Lupin's character was formed.

■Cast

Lupin III: Kanichi Kurita, Inspector Zenigata: Goro Naya, Daisuke Jigen: Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Goemon Ishikawa: Makio Inoue, Fujiko Mine: Eiko Masuyama, Galvez: Shuichiro Moriyama, Hans: Tamio Oki, George: Ichiro Nagai, Crawford: Masaru Ikeda, Brad: Jurota Kosugi, Shade: Shunsuke Sakino, Erina: Romi Paku, and others

The cast is made up of voice actors with experience and a proven track record cultivated over the long history of the Lupin III series. In particular, Kanichi Kurita, who plays Lupin III, draws viewers in with his performance that brings out Lupin's charm to the fullest. In addition, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, who plays Daisuke Jigen, and Eiko Masuyama, who plays Fujiko Mine, also express the individuality of their characters well.

■ Main staff

Producers: Rieko Ono, Yasumichi Ozaki, Yudo Oishi Screenplay: Shoji Yonemura Music: Yuji Ohno Music Director: Seiji Suzuki Sound Director: Satoshi Kato Sound Effects: Yukiyoshi Itokawa Director of Production: Kazuo Nogami Chief Animation Director: Satoshi Hirayama Character Design: Satoshi Hirayama Mechanical Design: Eiji Ishimoto Art Director: Takashi Miyano Color Design: Kayoko Nishi Director of Photography: Kojiro Hayashi Editor: Yuriko Sano Production Manager: Yu Jyoen

The staff is also impressive, with screenwriter Shoji Yonemura having a deep understanding of the worldview of the Lupin III series and weaving a story worthy of this work that depicts the origins of the series. In addition, music composer Yuji Ohno has worked on famous songs such as the theme song of Lupin III, and he demonstrates his talent in this work as well.

■ Theme songs and music

[OP] Song title: THEME FROM LUPIN III'89
[ED] Song title: Lupin the Third Theme '78 (2002 VERSION)
[Insert song] Song title: LOVE SQUALL (Po do amor) / Singer: Sonia Rosa

The theme songs and insert songs are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the Lupin III series. In particular, the opening song "THEME FROM LUPIN III'89" is loved by many fans as a song that stimulates Lupin's adventurous spirit. The ending song "Lupin III Theme '78 (2002 VERSION)" is a masterpiece that evokes the history of the series. Furthermore, the insert song "LOVE SQUALL (Po do amor)" features Sonia Rosa's singing voice that deeply expresses the emotions of the story.

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Lupin the Third: Episode 0 First Contact" has been highly praised as the work that depicts the origins of the Lupin the Third series. In particular, the scenes depicting the encounter between Lupin and Jigen and the relationship between Lupin and Fujiko are particularly moving for fans. In addition, the grand story set in New York is also worth watching and has the power to draw viewers in.

The characters are portrayed very carefully, bringing out the best in Lupin III. In particular, the way Lupin's sense of adventure, humor, and the bond with his friends are portrayed is excellent. Daisuke Jigen's cool personality and Fujiko's charming character are also beautifully portrayed.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of the work, and Yuji Ohno's masterpieces express the emotions of the story in a profound way. In particular, the theme song of Lupin the Third is loved by many fans as a masterpiece that evokes the history of the series. In addition, the inserted song "LOVE SQUALL (Po do amor)" is also sung by Sonia Rosa, which deeply expresses the emotions of the story.

■ Recommendation points

"Lupin the Third: Episode 0 First Contact" is a must-see for fans of the Lupin the Third series. This work, which depicts the origins of Lupin, is packed with important elements of the series and has the power to draw viewers in. In addition, the character portrayal and music are excellent, bringing out the charm of Lupin the Third to the fullest.

In particular, the scenes depicting the encounter between Lupin and Jigen and the relationship between Lupin and Fujiko are very moving. The grand story set in New York is also worth watching and has the power to draw viewers in. Furthermore, the music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of the work, and Yuji Ohno's masterpiece deeply expresses the emotions of the story.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the Lupin III series, but also for those who like anime and action movies. It is wonderful in that it depicts Lupin's sense of adventure, humor, and the bond with his friends. In addition, the cool character of Daisuke Jigen and the charming character of Fujiko are also beautifully portrayed.

■ Related works and series history

The Lupin III series began as a manga created by Monkey Punch in 1967. It was then made into an anime for the first time in 1971, and has since been adapted into numerous TV series, movies, and special episodes. "Lupin III Episode 0: First Contact" holds a particularly important position among these works, and is beloved by many fans as the episode that depicts the origins of the series.

Looking back at the history of the series, Lupin III has always taken on new challenges. Starting with the TV series in the 1970s, the film series in the 1980s, the special episodes in the 1990s, and the new TV series and films since the 2000s, Lupin III has continued to evolve with the times. As part of this, "Lupin III EPISODE:0 First Contact" draws out new appeal by depicting the origins of the series.

■ Deeper character development

Lupin the Third: The protagonist of the series and the world's greatest thief. He is adventurous and humorous, and values ​​the bonds he has with his friends. This work depicts the origins of Lupin, and you can learn how his character was formed.

Daisuke Jigen: Lupin's partner and a skilled gunman. His cool and calm character is appealing. This work depicts the encounter between Lupin and Jigen, and delves deeply into the relationship between the two.

Fujiko Mine: Lupin's lover and a charming character. She uses her beauty and wisdom to toy with Lupin. This work depicts the relationship between Lupin and Fujiko, and the bond between the two is deeply depicted.

Goemon Ishikawa: A companion of Lupin, he is a character with the soul of a samurai. He is known for his loyalty and swordsmanship. This work depicts how Goemon's character became involved with Lupin.

Inspector Zenigata: Lupin's nemesis and a character with a strong sense of justice. He is depicted as constantly pursuing Lupin. This work depicts the fate of Lupin and Zenigata, and delves deeply into the relationship between the two.

■Production background and staff's commitment

Behind the production of "Lupin the Third: Episode 0 First Contact" was a strong desire to depict the origins of the series. In particular, screenwriter Shoji Yonemura has a deep understanding of the worldview of the Lupin the Third series and has spun a story appropriate for this work that depicts the origins. In addition, music composer Yuji Ohno has also worked on famous songs such as the theme song of Lupin the Third, and he demonstrates his talent in this work.

The attention to detail of the staff is evident throughout the film. In particular, character designer Satoshi Hirayama has created designs that bring out the best in Lupin III, drawing viewers in. Additionally, mechanic designer Eiji Ishimoto has created designs that deeply express the worldview of the film, resulting in many spectacular scenes.

■ Viewer reactions and ratings

"Lupin the Third: Episode 0 First Contact" has been highly praised by viewers. In particular, the scenes depicting the encounter between Lupin and Jigen and the relationship between Lupin and Fujiko are loved by many fans as touching scenes. In addition, the grand story set in New York is also worth watching and has the power to draw viewers in.

Many viewers have responded with comments such as, "I was deeply moved by this work depicting the origins of Lupin," "It was wonderful to see how Lupin and Jigen met," and "Fujiko's charming character was beautifully portrayed." Music is also highly regarded as an important element that enhances the appeal of the work, with many comments such as, "Yuji Ohno's masterpiece expresses the deep emotion of the story," and "The theme song of Lupin the Third gives a sense of the history of the series."

■ Summary

"Lupin the Third: Episode 0 - First Contact" is a moving story that depicts the origins of the Lupin the Third series. It is packed with important elements of the series, such as the encounter between Lupin and Jigen, the relationship between Lupin and Fujiko, and the fate of Lupin and Zenigata. The grand story set in New York is also worth watching and has the power to draw viewers in.

The characters are portrayed very carefully, bringing out the best in Lupin III. In particular, the way Lupin's sense of adventure, humor, and the bond with his friends are portrayed is excellent. Daisuke Jigen's cool personality and Fujiko's charming character are also beautifully portrayed.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the appeal of the work, and Yuji Ohno's masterpieces express the emotions of the story in a profound way. In particular, the theme song of Lupin the Third is loved by many fans as a masterpiece that evokes the history of the series. In addition, the inserted song "LOVE SQUALL (Po do amor)" is also sung by Sonia Rosa, which deeply expresses the emotions of the story.

This work is a must-see for fans of the Lupin III series. This work, which depicts the origins of Lupin, is packed with important elements of the series and has the power to draw viewers in. In addition, the character portrayal and music are also excellent, bringing out the charm of Lupin III to the fullest. This work is recommended not only for fans of the Lupin III series, but also for those who like anime and action movies.