Lupin III vs Cat’s Eye

Alright, let’s dive into Lupin III vs Cat’s Eye—a crossover that’s basically a love letter to two iconic anime heist franchises. If you’re into sleek thefts, sibling vibes, and that classic Lupin charm, this one’s for you.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. Produced by TMS Entertainment (the same folks behind both original series), this 2023 ONA (Original Net Animation) is the third Lupin crossover (after Detective Conan) and drops just in time for Cat’s Eye’s 40th anniversary. The plot? It’s a race against time (and each other) for three paintings from Michael Heinz’s The Girl and the Flower series. Why? Because these aren’t just pretty pictures—they hold the key to a mystery tied to the Cat’s Eye sisters’ missing father. Cue Lupin III, the world’s greatest thief, crashing the party to steal the same artworks. Chaos? Obviously. Fun? Absolutely.

The Cat’s Eye trio—Hitomi, Rui, and Ai—are back, and they’re as sharp as ever. Their dynamic is still the heart of the story: Hitomi’s the brains, Rui’s the tech whiz, and Ai’s the wildcard. And Lupin? He’s his usual suave, overconfident self, with Jigen (his sharpshooter buddy) and Goemon (the samurai with a sword that can cut anything) right there causing trouble. The voice cast is a mix of old and new—original Cat’s Eye actors return, which is a huge win for nostalgia fans.

Now, let’s talk about the heists. Oh, the heists. They’re like a game of chess with lasers, grappling hooks, and way too many near-misses. The animation is smooth, with that retro 80s vibe blended with modern flair—think neon-lit museums, high-speed chases, and Lupin’s signature red jacket popping against the screen. The action sequences are tight, but what really stands out is the banter between the two teams. Lupin and Hitomi’s cat-and-mouse (pun totally intended) chemistry is electric—they’re both too stubborn to back down, but you can tell they respect each other’s skills.

But wait, is it all just fun and games? Not exactly. The emotional core comes from the Cat’s Eye sisters’ mission to find their dad. The paintings aren’t just MacGuffins—they’re clues to his whereabouts, and every close call feels personal. Lupin, for all his jokes, has moments where he shows he’s not just a thief—he’s got a code, and he doesn’t mess with family stuff. That balance of humor and heart keeps the story from feeling too light.

Now, what are fans saying? From what I’ve seen, most are loving the nostalgia trip. Longtime Lupin fans are geeking out over the classic references (like Jigen’s cigarette tricks or Goemon’s “Zantetsuken” sword), and Cat’s Eye stans are just happy to see their favorite sisters back in action. Some have pointed out that the plot is a bit predictable—you can guess the “twist” about the paintings early on—but honestly, that’s part of the charm. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s trying to give fans exactly what they want: two iconic teams going head-to-head (and sometimes teaming up) in a heist for the ages.

Critics? Well, some say it’s “average” compared to Lupin’s more recent outings like The First, but let’s be real—this isn’t meant to be a deep, groundbreaking film. It’s a crossover event, and it nails that vibe. The pacing is quick, the characters are true to themselves, and the ending leaves you with a smile. Plus, the soundtrack? Bops. That 80s synth-pop mixed with Lupin’s iconic theme? Chef’s kiss.

If I had to pick a flaw, it’s that the villain feels a bit underdeveloped. The guy chasing them (Inspector Zenigata, Lupin’s eternal rival, is there too, but he’s more of a comic relief) is just… there. No real motivation beyond “I want the paintings.” But hey, when the main characters are this fun, who cares?

In short, Lupin III vs Cat’s Eye is a must-watch for anyone who grew up with either series. It’s nostalgic, it’s action-packed, and it’s got that perfect blend of humor and heart. Whether you’re here for the heists, the sibling drama, or just to see Lupin being Lupin, you won’t be disappointed. Grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and enjoy the ride—this is heist anime at its most entertaining.

Final verdict? 8/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s exactly what a crossover should be: a love letter to the fans, with enough style and substance to keep you hooked from start to finish. If you’re a 2000s kid who missed out on the original shows, don’t worry—this is a great entry point. Just prepare to fall down the Lupin/Cat’s Eye rabbit hole afterward. You’ve been warned. 😉