Lupin Iii Episode 0 First Contact English Dub
Okay, let's talk Lupin the 3rd: Episode 0 - First Contact. Specifically, the English dub. I know, I know, subs are usually the way to go. But hear me out!
Is it just me, or is the English dub of First Contact ridiculously fun? It's like everyone involved just decided to go all-in on the camp.
A Dub That Doesn't Take Itself Too Seriously
The voice acting? Let's just say it's... expressive. Maybe even bordering on theatrical. But honestly, that's part of its charm!
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Think about it. We're talking about Lupin III. A gentleman thief with a heart of gold (sort of). A series known for its over-the-top antics. Does a super serious, gritty dub really fit?
I'd argue no. Give me the silly voices! Give me the exaggerated reactions! Give me a Zenigata who sounds like he's perpetually losing his mind!
Some might call it "bad." I call it perfectly suited to the source material. This is Lupin III, not Hamlet.
The Villainous Mamo: Extra Cheese, Please
Let's zero in on the villain, Mamo. Oh, Mamo. A megalomaniac with a god complex and a penchant for dramatic pronouncements.
The English dub? They cranked his hammy-ness up to eleven! He's so delightfully over-the-top, it's hard not to love him (in a "I'm glad he's not real" kind of way).
Every line he delivers is dripping with villainous glee. It's pure, unadulterated cartoon evil. And it's fantastic.
Goemon's Stoicism: Still Intact (Mostly)
Even the stoic Goemon gets in on the fun. Well, sort of. He's still the serious swordsman, but the dub manages to inject a little extra dry wit into his delivery.
His deadpan reactions to Lupin's shenanigans are even more hilarious in English. It's a subtle change, but it adds another layer of enjoyment.
And of course, Fujiko is always a delight. Seductive, cunning, and perfectly voiced (in my humble opinion). What's not to love?
An Unpopular Opinion (Maybe?)
Look, I get it. Subtitles are often considered the "purest" way to experience anime. You get the original intent, the nuances of the language. I respect that.
But sometimes, a good dub can add something special. It can bring a different energy to the table. It can make you laugh in ways you didn't expect.
And the First Contact English dub? It makes me laugh. A lot.
Maybe it's nostalgia. Maybe it's just my weird sense of humor. But I genuinely believe the dub is a blast. It's a fun, energetic, and delightfully cheesy take on a classic Lupin III story.
So next time you're in the mood for some Lupin action, give the English dub of First Contact a try. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it. Or maybe you'll think I'm completely insane. Either way, it's worth a shot!
Don't @ me if you hate it.
