LUPIN THE ⅢRD Goemon Ishikawa's Spray of Blood - A thorough review of the sharp-edged samurai story

"Lupin III: Goemon Ishikawa's Blood Spray": The new appeal of the Lupin series and the deepening of Goemon Ishikawa

■Overview of the work

"Lupin III: Goemon Ishikawa's Spray of Blood" is an OVA based on the original work by Monkey Punch, and was released by Shogakukan on February 4, 2017. Although it is a short 54-minute story with only one episode, it is a work that condenses the charm of the Lupin series. Directed by Koike Takeshi and produced by Telecom Animation Film, it faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work while developing a new story.

■ Story

On a gambling ship sailing off the coast of Izu, young bodyguard Ishikawa Goemon rescues the boss of the Tetsuryu-kai gang from a rival gang. However, moments later, a huge explosion occurs and the ship is destroyed. The explosion was caused by Hawk, a large man known as the "Ghost of Bermuda." Lupin and his friends take advantage of the confusion to steal the gambling ship's money, but Hawk's true target is Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko. Meanwhile, Goemon has been branded a traitor and, in order to clear his name, challenges Hawk to a direct confrontation in front of Lupin and his friends, who are being pursued by Hawk. Through this confrontation, Goemon's character is explored in depth, depicting his convictions and fighting spirit.

■ Characters

This film focuses particularly on the character of Ishikawa Goemon. Goemon, played by Namikawa Daisuke, has a calm and silent personality, but also a strong belief and sense of justice. Branded a traitor, he makes a strong impression on viewers as he struggles to uncover the truth and restore his honor. In addition, familiar cast members such as Kurita Kanichi as Lupin III, Kobayashi Kiyoshi as Jigen Daisuke, Sawashiro Miyuki as Fujiko Mine, and Yamadera Koichi as Inspector Zenigata are also present, making this a casting that fans of the series will find both reassuring and refreshing at the same time. Hashi Takaya as Hawk also exudes a strong presence, adding tension to the story.

■ Production staff

Director Koike Takeshi also handled character design, storyboarding, direction and animation supervision, enhancing the overall unity of the film. The screenplay was written by Takahashi Yuya and the music by James Shimoji, both of which contributed greatly to the development of the story and the atmosphere it created. Additionally, the background art by art directors Tamura Seiki, Hidaka Ayami, Kanamori Tamiko and Muramoto Natsue realistically portrayed the luxury of the gambling ship and the devastation after the explosion. Cinematographer Tazawa Jiro, editor Kasahara Yoshihiro and sound director Shimizu Hiroshi also worked hard to improve the quality of the images and sound.

■ Theme songs and music

The ending theme "SATORI" is a song sung by Rob Laufer, with lyrics by Takumi Iwasaki and music by James Shimoji. The song features a melody and lyrics that reflect Goemon's feelings, enhancing the aftertaste of the story.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

Lupin III: Goemon Ishikawa's Spray of Blood is a must-see for fans of the Lupin series. In particular, the story focuses on the character of Goemon Ishikawa, revealing a new side of him and adding depth to the series. Also, don't miss the high-quality production by a stellar cast and crew. Despite being a short OVA, it is packed with visual appeal, including tense action scenes, detailed character designs, and beautiful background art.

This work has been praised for bringing out new appeal in the Lupin series and deepening the character of Goemon Ishikawa. It is recommended not only for fans of the series, but also for those who like action and suspense. It will be a particularly touching work for viewers who can empathize with Goemon's beliefs and fighting spirit.

Related information

"Lupin III: Goemon Ishikawa's Spray of Blood" is available on DVD and Blu-ray from Shogakukan. You can also enjoy it together with other works in the Lupin series to gain a deeper understanding of the world of the series. Furthermore, if you check out the original manga by Monkey Punch, you can learn more about the background and characters of the work, which will make it even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

"Lupin III: Goemon Ishikawa's Spray of Blood" is a masterpiece that depicts the new appeal of the Lupin series and the deepening of Goemon Ishikawa. This work, which has a short but dense story, high-quality production, and a luxurious cast and staff, is highly recommended not only for fans of the series but also for those who like action and suspense. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.