Meitantei Hangyodon: Kaitou Lucius Arawaru no Maki

Released in 1991, Meitantei Hangyodon: Kaitou Lucius Arawaru no Maki is an original video animation featuring Hangyodon, the fish-like character introduced by Sanrio in 1985. This production emerged during a period when Sanrio was actively expanding the narrative presence of its secondary character roster through direct-to-video releases, allowing the cynical, humor-driven persona of Hangyodon to find a distinct voice outside of simple merchandise designs.

The narrative follows a classic mystery-comedy trope, casting Hangyodon in the role of a detective tasked with outsmarting the phantom thief Lucius. The animation style reflects the minimalist, expressive aesthetic common in late 1980s and early 1990s Sanrio productions, focusing on slapstick timing and character-driven gags. While not a massive commercial success, the title remains a notable entry for collectors interested in the experimental era of Sanrio animation, illustrating a transition toward more character-centric storytelling in the early nineties.