Lupin the 3rd: Missed By A Dollar

Lupin the 3rd: Missed By A Dollar, released in 2000, is the twelfth entry in the long-running series of annual television specials produced by TMS Entertainment. Following the established formula of the franchise, this special was created to maintain the character's enduring popularity on Japanese television, blending high-stakes heist elements with the comedic bickering of the core cast. It sits within a period where the studio was standardizing the production quality and tone of these yearly installments to appeal to both long-time fans of Monkey Punch's original manga and a new generation of viewers.

The production sought to balance the classic caper aesthetic with contemporary animation techniques, featuring character designs that align with the refined, streamlined look prevalent in late-90s and early-00s anime. The narrative focuses on the titular thief's attempt to retrieve a massive fortune, leaning into the lighthearted, adventurous spirit that has defined the character since the 1970s. Like its predecessors, it was received as a reliable addition to the Lupin canon, serving as a comfort-viewing experience that adheres to the established archetypes of the gentleman thief and his familiar cohort.