Lupin the 3rd, Part 4 (English Dub)

Lupin the 3rd, Part 4 (English Dub) from TMS Entertainment is one of the sequels of the 1969 show Lupin the 3rd, a series which is credited with redefining the anime industry. This iteration of the show centers around the charming and roguish Lupin III, a world-class thief and descendant of the infamous French thief Arsène Lupin. The show is an animated blend of comedy, action, drama, and adventure.

Lupin III’s notoriety isn’t just a result of his historic lineage. His crime-solving exploits often involve outsmarting the authorities and eluding capture, which only adds to his popularity. His undeniable charm, combined with his wily indulgence in thievery, creates an irresistible mix of mischief and comedy.

In this fourth part of the series, Lupin is largely stationed in Italy and San Marino. The beautiful settings of European architecture, culture, and society provide the backdrop to Lupin's escapades as he dives deep into revealing age-old secrets, while also trying to outwit the local law enforcement. This further brings out the adventurous beauty of romp-filled thievery that this franchise is known for.

Lupin does not work alone, however. He is accompanied by his loyal friends and partners in crime. These include Jigen Daisuke, a marksman of almost supernatural skill; the samurai Goemon Ishikawa XIII, who wields a sword that can cut through almost anything; and the bewitching Fujiko Mine, who flits between roles as Lupin’s ally and competitor. Together, they pull off numerous heists and escapades while giving us a glimpse into their own story arcs.

While he is a globally wanted criminal, Lupin’s incredible smarts and the wild unpredictability of his plans make him a fascinating persona to watch. Constantly on his tail is Inspector Zenigata, a relentless detective from Interpol who becomes almost obsessive in his mission to arrest Lupin. These cat-and-mouse mind games between Lupin and Inspector Zenigata give the show an added layer of intrigue.

Part 4 of Lupin the 3rd introduces new characters and storylines, each fresher than the last. Lupin's escapades in southern Europe are filled with puzzle-solving instances, new heists, and thrilling chase sequences. Just when you think he’s in trouble, Lupin masterminds yet another cunning plan to save his neck. Every sticky situation is met with Lupin’s fun-loving wit and charm, ensuring audiences are kept on the edge of their seat.

The English dub of the show does an excellent job in capturing the spirit of the original animes and the rich complexity of the characters. Voice actors establish a strong connection with each personality, capturing their unique quirks and charm, thereby making the storyline more compelling. The series aims to make the characters easily relatable and engaging for a western audience.

Visually the series is a delight. The animation is fluid, the character designs are appealing and stay true to creator Monkey Punch's original designs. The backdrop of Italy and San Marino is breathtakingly animated with a detailed eye for capturing the essence of these regions. The dynamic and comedic action sequences stand out, while the overall art style maintains the visual palette of past iterations of Lupin the 3rd.

The strength of Lupin the 3rd, Part 4 is further advanced by its fantastic and jazz-infused musical score. The rhythm of the series ebbs and flows with the music that sets the tone for every episode and provides it with a unique and engaging identity.

Overall, Lupin the 3rd, Part 4 is a true-blue, no-holds-barred action-comedy anime that maintains the substance and style of its predecessors with an appeal that transcends generations. The series is a perfect blend of humor, action, adventure, and excitement that pays homage to its classic roots while also innovating in its storytelling. This is a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike. The captivating adventures of the daring thief and his companions make every episode an enjoyable experience.