Lupin the Third returns in a limited series focusing on one of the main characters Fujiko Mine. With a trimmed down episode count of 13 episodes and a film, with a second on the way, it’s the shortest Lupin series of recent memory, and it just so happens to be the most mature and dark toned.

Lupin the 3rd: A Woman Call Fujiko Mine, is an 2013 spinoff series of the Lupin the 3rd anime/manga franchise. It is produced by TMS Entertainment and licensed by Funimation. It is currently available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Fujiko with Lupin.

Having grown up with Lupin the 3rd as a kid, I can say that the more modern changes with the series are very noticeable. From the new art direction, to the much darker tone (at least in A Woman Called Fujiko Mine), the series has grown significantly in the modern anime era. Thankfully these changes to modernize the series haven’t effected the overall series quality at all, as far as ‘for worse’ is concerned.

The comedic shenanigans of Lupin is put aside to reveal Fujiko Mine’s dark past.

THE GOOD: Lupin the 3rd returns in a fourth anime series adaptation focusing on the mysterious, but troubling past of main character Fujiko Mine. Taking place some time before her meeting of Lupin the 3rd and his comrades, Fujiko has several run ins with Zenigata and others throughout her early history. The series takes a much darker tone in an effort to explore the Fujiko character, and the change is welcomed without hindering the quality of the franchise. The new art direction in A Woman Named Fujiko Mine, expresses how much time has changed since the original anime aired, but TMS animates this project so beautifully, that fans of classic Lupin won’t care.

Key characters have a moment in the spotlight in A Woman Called Fujiko Mine.

THE BAD: The darker tone while appreciated may turn off fans of the classic Lupin, as most of the comedy and good natured fun is put aside to tell Fujiko’s side of the story.

Lupin the 3rd returns in modern anime fashion for an epic new classic.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Lupin the 3rd: A Woman Called Fujiko Mine, is a new direction on the classic anime/manga series that works with much success. While under a new, more mature direction than it’s comedic predecessor, the change felt necessary to express Fujiko’s background to the utmost quality. Otaku Dome gives Lupin the 3rd: A Woman Called Fujiko Mine, an 89 out of 100.