Scotland Loves Anime 2025 concluded with a fittingly high-octane marathon: the Lupin III OVA series directed by Takeshi Koike. Billed rather confusingly as a trilogy, the screening was actually a feature-length sprint through eight parts, comprising four distinct stories that serve as a prequel, reuniting the familiar cast.
It was a challenge to see in one sitting, but a rewarding one that definitely held my interest.
Character Showdowns
The four-story structure gives this OVA collection a fantastic opportunity to spotlight Lupin’s crew, digging into their abilities and resolve. Each arc pits one of the main characters against a formidable, specialised foe. We see our favourite gumshoe sharpshooter, Jigen, targeted by a relentless hitman. This is followed by a brutal clash where the stoic samurai Goemon is forced to face a huge, axe-wielding maniac.
The series doesn’t sideline its femme fatale, either. The third story focuses squarely on Fujiko Mine, placing her in the sights of a genuinely creepy killer. Finally, the fourth arc brings it home with Lupin himself, who must contend with what appears to be a clone of himself causing chaos. While you’re never truly in doubt that the core cast will pull through (this is Lupin, after all), the format gives each hero a chance to shine and reinforces the skills that make them icons.
Gritty, Gory and High Octane
If you are more familiar with the light-hearted Lupin adventures, be prepared for a shift in tone. Under Takeshi Koike‘s direction, this OVA series is decidedly more adult. The action is relentless and bloody. The battles, particularly the duels involving Jigen and Goemon, are significantly more gory than the mainline movies.
The stakes feel higher, with fatalities and collateral damage stacked far more visibly. It’s a grittier, pulp-noir take on the franchise, where the explosions are bigger, the consequences feel sharper, and Fujiko Mine certainly loses her clothes more often (perhaps the most disappointing decision). This high-octane approach is maintained throughout the entire run, making the marathon screening a genuine (if enjoyable) endurance test.
A Fitting Festival Finale
Presenting the entire eight-part series in one go was a bold move by Scotland Loves Anime. It’s a marathon, and watching it all in one sitting is a challenge. However, despite the significant runtime, the quality and intensity of the stories definitely hold your interest.
Even having seen the concluding movie prior to this prequel OVA (a logistical quirk of the festival), the journey was still thrilling. This collection is a must-see for established Lupin fans who appreciate the darker, more visceral side of the master thief and his companions. It served as a fantastic and fitting finale to the 2025 festival.
Watched this at Scotland Loves Anime Edinburgh? You can vote for it in our fan poll.
