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Logic on his favorite anime, from Cowboy Bebop to Lupin the Third

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Logic on his favorite anime, from Cowboy Bebop to Lupin the Third

Growing up, I was always captivated by the thrill of a good heist story. But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon Lupin the Third during late-night airings on Adult Swim that I truly fell in love with the genre. The green jacket era, with its serious and chivalrous tone, really resonated with me.

Logic, whose real name is Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, is both gifted and quirky. This skilled rapper, songwriter, and occasional live streamer isn’t shy about expressing his deep appreciation for anime. He frequently incorporates references to beloved series like “Akira,” “Samurai Champloo,” and “Trigun” into his music albums and songs. Additionally, Logic has teamed up with Crunchyroll to launch a collection of streetwear inspired by the iconic “Cowboy Bebop.”

Recently, TopMob managed to have a conversation with Logic. We were curious and wanted to know: Which anime did you initially enjoy the most, and which one do you currently favor?

TopMob’s column, which I particularly enjoy, features stories of renowned celebrities who are avid anime fans. The articles trace these individuals’ journey from their initial encounters with Japanese animation, to the specific series and movies they currently adore. Here’s a quote from Logic.

What was your first favorite anime?

If you have any interest in anime, you’ve likely come across (or watched) Cowboy Bebop. This groundbreaking 1998 series is often praised as one of the greatest animated shows ever made. It played a significant role in exposing a large international audience to Japanese animation as we approached the new millennium.

In the year 2071, Sunrise animation studio, famous for hits like “Mobile Suit Gundam” and “The Vision of Escaflowne,” brings us “Cowboy Bebop.” Led by acclaimed director Shinichirō Watanabe’s production team, this sci-fi action series introduces us to a motley crew of bounty hunters. Known for its thrilling action scenes, jazz-infused soundtrack, and symbolic references to music, “Cowboy Bebop” is an intriguing blend of genres – neo-noir, space opera, and western. It explores profound themes including personal loss, isolation, environmental concerns, and the shadowy aspects of capitalism.

Spike Spiegel, the main character in “Cowboy Bebop,” is a fusion of various influences. Before the show’s creation, Watanabe and screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto thought up his appearance and traits, while Toshihiro Kawamoto handled his animation design. Yusaku Matsuda’s Japanese acting, Daisuke Jigen from “Lupin the Third,” and martial artist and film icon Bruce Lee served as direct inspirations for Spike’s look and demeanor.

As a big fan of Cowboy Bebop, I’m thrilled about Logic’s favorite installment in the franchise – the movie! This exciting addition takes place between episodes 22 and 23 of the anime and follows our beloved crew as they unite to apprehend a dangerous terrorist. With the intent of wiping out Mars’ human populace using a deadly biological weapon, this menacing figure is not someone to be trifled with.

As a big fan of Cowboy Bebop and the voice actor behind Spike Spiegel, I can’t help but cherish my experience portraying the emotionally raw scene between Spike and Electra in the movie. It was an unforgettable moment for me while working on this beloved series. My connection to Cowboy Bebop runs deeper than casual fandom; it motivated me to reach out to Steve Blum and ask him to voice a character for my 2015 concept album, The Incredible True Story.

What’s your favorite anime now?

According to the manga creation of Kazuhiko Katō, better known as Monkey Punch, the multimedia sensation called Lupin the Third or Lupin III, comprises various animated series, side projects, and movies that revolve around the eponymous protagonist. Lupin the Third is a renowned thief, traveling the world with his trusted companion Daisuke Jigen, an accomplished sniper, escaping law enforcement at every turn. Assisting them in their capers are Goemon Ishikawa XIII, a skilled swordsman, and Fujiko Mine, a rival thief and romantic interest of Lupin. Together, this gang of burglars pulls off heists and experiences misadventures across the globe while managing to elude Interpol Inspector Zenigata, their persistent adversary.

In their initial foray into CG animation, Lupin the Third: The First sees the iconic thief Lupin and his loyal gang embark on a thrilling escapade to prevent a band of ruthless Nazi treasure hunters from unearthing the legendary “Eclipse” weapon. This film, helmed by acclaimed director Takashi Yamazaki, who later brought us the critically-acclaimed giant monster movie “Godzilla: Minus One,” was widely praised for its stunning animation and exhilarating action scenes by both fans and critics.

Just as James Bond is portrayed differently in various adaptations, Lupin III’s appearance and characterization change across the anime and movies. These variations can be distinguished primarily based on the color of his jacket.

In various anime adaptations of “Lupin the 3rd,” different jackets worn by the protagonist, Lupin, hold distinct meanings. The green jacket debuted in “Lupin the 3rd Part 1” and is often linked to serious or chivalrous portrayals. This jacket can be seen in productions like Hayao Miyazaki’s “Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro.”

As a devoted gamer and anime fan, I can’t help but appreciate the enduring appeal of Lupin the Third. This classic series has managed to withstand the test of time, constantly being revived with care and dedication. When someone asked me about my preferred version, I instantly pointed towards the iconic green jacket era. Memories flooded back as I reminisced about my childhood days when I first encountered Lupin on Adult Swim, captivated by the thrilling adventures of this timeless thief in his distinctive green coat, depicted in “Lupin the 3rd Part 1” and “Lupin the 3rd Part 6”.

You can easily find and watch “Cowboy Bebop” on streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. On the other hand, “Lupin the Third: The First” can be rented from Amazon and Apple for your viewing pleasure.

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2024-07-17 18:19

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