In this episode of Manga With Josh, we take a look at Lupin the Third, the legendary gentleman thief created by Monkey Punch in 1967. While the original manga had a relatively short run, the character went on to become one of the most enduring figures in anime history.

Lupin III, the grandson of the famous thief Arsène Lupin, travels the world pulling off elaborate heists while constantly being pursued by Inspector Zenigata. Alongside his crew—sharpshooter Daisuke Jigen, samurai Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and the unpredictable Fujiko Mine—Lupin’s adventures blend comedy, crime, and espionage in a way that helped define the caper genre in anime.

We explore the origins of the manga, the different anime eras defined by Lupin’s iconic jacket colors, and how the franchise expanded into films, television specials, and modern crossovers like Lupin the 3rd vs Cat’s Eye. We also talk about Lupin’s cultural impact and how the series helped influence creators and anime fans for generations.

More than fifty years after its debut, Lupin the Third continues to prove that a clever thief with the right crew can keep audiences entertained for decades.

As always, this is Manga With Josh — where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.