Lupin III Finally Gets French Comic Under His Real Name
Lupin III is finally getting a French comic under his real name, La Merveille.
Public domain status just opened a door that's been locked for decades: Lupin III is coming to France as Lupin III, not some localized stand-in, and a new one-shot comic is leading the charge.
La Merveille, arriving September 25th, 2026, marks a watershed moment for the character in European publishing. Belgian writer Kid Toussaint and Spanish artist Munuera have created the story for Kana's classics range—a label that signals serious intent around foundational works.
Lupin III entered the public domain, which means French publishers can finally use the character's actual name without the legal friction that shaped his European history. It's a reminder of how copyright and localization have shaped what fans could access, and how that access is changing.
For those tracking the ripple effects of public domain shifts in manga and anime—this is one worth watching. A major character, a solid creative team, a legitimate publisher behind it. It's not a deep-cut revival or a novelty project. It's a statement that Lupin III belongs in the conversation about modern European comics, under his own name, in his own language.
Source: Lupin Central
