Lupin the 3rd: TV 2 [Anime Series]  (1977)

Theatrical Release Information:
Lupin the 3rd: TV 2 [Anime Series]

Three separate series with the same characters and premise have aired under the name Lupin III. They are all relatively the same, but can be differentiated by noting what color jacket Lupin, the title character, is wearing. This second series aired from 1977 to 1980 for 155 episodes and is known as the "Red Jacket" series. It follows the adventures and exploits of Lupin III, the most wanted and most talented thief in the world. His suave, spunky personality, coupled with his lustful, outlaw image has made him an archetype in anime, with obvious influences that can be seen in more recent anime such as Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star. The character of Lupin was formulated as the grandson of Arsène Lupin of the novels by Maurice Leblanc and is perhaps anime's original good-hearted criminal; opportunistic but likable and seemingly never actually destructive, he frequently goes to the trouble of preventing other criminals from committing more hurtful crimes. Outside of its other two television series, the Lupin III franchise has spawned several movies and OVA features. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide