Lupin the Third - Figures
For over 50 years, Lupin the Third has ranked as one of the most popular anime franchises in Japan. To avoid copyright issues, the series was released outside of Japan using the name “Rupan” or “Wolf.” However, the response, particularly to the manga’s off-the-wall yet mature exploits, remained positive under any name. The core thieves have inspired a wealth of merchandise over the half-century of their existence. Most modern merchandise and figures take inspiration from the animated series and movies from the 2010s. Three of these modern design Lupin the Third Figures are “ Lupin the Third Q Posket Fujiko Mine,” “Lupin the Third Creator x Creator Inspector Zenigata,” and “S.H. Figuarts Lupin the Third.”
Lupin the Third Q Posket Fujiko Mine Figure
This figure from Banpresto’s Q Posket line shows Lupin’s femme fetale companion, Fujiko Mine, in chibi form. Fujiko wears a form-fitting shiny catsuit with boots and a studded belt. She stands alluringly, one hand holding open the popped collar of the suit and the other pulling down the zipper to expose her torso. Sculpting detail shows the fabric folds around her waist as a result of opening the catsuit and natural fabric gathered at the knees and on top of her boots. Her voluminous 70s-style hair is sculpted to show all her waves and curls. The paint detail on her hair features a soft ombre from bright orange at the roots and a darker auburn at the ends. The figure comes with three catsuit color options: black, red, or white. All color options include a touch of red polish on her manicured nails.
Product Name: Lupin the Third Q Posket: Fujiko Mine
Manufacturer: Banpresto
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, non-scale figure with stand
Height (Approx.): 14cm | 5.5”
Lupin the Third Creator x Creator Inspector Zenigata Figure
Inspector Zenigata sits grumpily in his office chair in this figure from Banpresto’s Creator x Creator line. The Inspector doesn’t sit normally in his chair. He sits sideways with his legs bent over the arm. His long brown trench coat drapes down over the side of the seat. He dangles his untied left boot on the end of his socked foot. His fedora angles down over his face and his expression is set in a disgruntled scowl. The office chair has been carefully sculpted to show realistic detail, especially on the base and wheels. Zenigata’s sideburns extend to his cleft chin with the same line detail as his manga design. His eyelashes are delicately painted on despite being obscured by his hat.
Product Name: Lupin the Third Creator x Creator Inspector Zenigata
Manufacturer: Banpresto
Sculptor: Hisatake Kiyama
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, non-scale figure with chair
Height (Approx.): 11cm | 4.3”
S.H. Figuarts Lupin the Third Figure
The gentleman thief himself, Lupin the Third, gets a fully articulated figure in the S.H. Figuarts line. He wears his Jigen’s Gravestone version blue blazer, black shirt, and red tie complete with a silver tie clip. His bulky brown boots look appropriately large next to his slim legs maintaining the exaggerated proportions of the character design. The shoes also balance the figure in wilder action poses. The figure comes with 8 interchangeable hands and 4 facial expressions. Lupin’s endearing, goofy personality shows through the laugh and goofy grin. The neutral smirk and winking grimace shows off his debonair side. Accessories include his Walther P38 gun, watch, and tether line. The tether line is made of a bendable wire for gravity-defying action poses.
Product Name: S.H. Figuarts Lupin the Third
Manufacturer: Bandai
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure
Height (Approx.): 150 mm | 5.9
Lupin the Third Series Story
Grandson of the great gentleman thief Arsene Lupin, Lupin the Third, continues the family legacy as the greatest thief of his generation. Lupin flaunts his skills by publicly announcing his heist plans and sending a calling card to the owners of objects he plans to steal. This draws the attention of Interpol agent Inspector Koichi “Pops” Zenigata, who dedicates his career to chasing Lupin. Lupin doesn’t work alone. He is accompanied by his right-hand man, expert marksman Daisuke Jigen. Occasionally they are joined by Goemon XIII, descendant of the legendary samurai Ishikawa Goemon who has inherited his ancestor’s swordsman skills. Lupin’s love interest Fujiko Mine joins the group for some heists, sometimes as an ally and sometimes using her wiles to claim the treasure for herself.
Lupin the Third Series Development
The Lupin III (Lupin the Third) manga first appeared in Weekly Manga Action in August 1967. The series, written and illustrated by Monkey Punch, combines inspiration from Maurice LeBlanc’s gentleman thief Arsene Lupin and elements of James Bond to create the titular hero. Initially, the series faced copyright issues with the use of the LeBlanc property, however, since 2012 the character has entered the public domain. The original manga ran until 1969 but spawned an ongoing media franchise. The first anime adaptation, produced by TMS Entertainment, aired from October 1971 until March 1972. The series was a smash hit leading to 5 more animated series and 14 theatrical films. Lupin the Third-ranked 38 on the Agency for Cultural Affairs list of the Top 50 Manga in 2007. The series has been cited as an influence in properties such as Cowboy Bebop and Metal Gear Solid.
Links
Lupin the Third Q Posket Fujiko Mine
Lupin the Third Creator x Creator Inspector Zenigata
S.H. Figuarts Lupin the Third
Lupin the Third Label