FUNimation has obtained the rights to produce American versions of the Lupin III movies. Lupin III is a venerable anime property that first appeared in 1969, featuring a gentleman thief armed with a pistol. Three television series were produced in the seventies and eighties, totaling over 200 episodes. There have been movies irregularly since the seventies, and a series of TV movies released annually for the last 13 years. There have also been Japanese manga and licensed goods. To date, none of these products has appeared in the U.S., except as imports. According to a FUNimation spokesperson, the deal is very new and details are still being finalized -- release dates have not yet been determined. FUNimation has only acquired the rights to the movies at this time; the U.S. rights to the TV series have not yet been granted. Lupin III is a major property; it's probably safe to assume that this is only the first of what will be several deals for the release of the various Lupin product lines in the U.S.
