Pevita Pearce
Tokyo, Japan – July 14, 2026 – The illustrious career of Chiho Saito’s manga adaptation of the iconic gentleman thief Arsène Lupin has officially drawn to a close. The final chapter of VS Lupin, a manga series that brought the legendary French literary character to life for Japanese audiences, was published in the summer issue of Shogakukan’s Zōkan Flowers magazine on Tuesday. This marks the culmination of a 14-year journey that began in 2012, solidifying Saito’s artistic interpretation of Maurice Leblanc’s creation within the manga landscape.
VS Lupin embarked on its adventure in the inaugural issue of Zōkan Flowers in 2012, a testament to the enduring appeal of Arsène Lupin, the master of disguise and audacious heists conceived by French novelist Maurice Leblanc. The manga faithfully chronicled the exploits of the world-famous gentleman thief, setting his escapades against the backdrop of early 20th-century Paris. The series garnered significant attention, with its first compiled volume released by Shogakukan in 2014 and the seventh and final volume arriving in 2023, underscoring its sustained popularity among readers.
The conclusion of VS Lupin signifies a significant milestone not only for Chiho Saito’s prolific career but also for the ongoing legacy of Arsène Lupin in popular culture. While this particular manga chapter has closed, the spirit of the cunning and charismatic thief continues to inspire new interpretations and captivating narratives across various media.
A Decade of Daring: The Chronological Journey of "VS Lupin"
The genesis of Chiho Saito’s VS Lupin can be traced back to 2012, when the manga made its debut in the inaugural issue of Zōkan Flowers, a publication under the esteemed Shogakukan umbrella. This marked a significant endeavor to reimagine the adventures of Maurice Leblanc’s original Arsène Lupin for a contemporary manga audience.
2012:
- July: VS Lupin manga by Chiho Saito is launched in the inaugural issue of Zōkan Flowers magazine. This marked the beginning of a long-standing serialization that would capture the imagination of manga enthusiasts.
- July: Concurrently, Saito’s manga Torikae Baya concludes its run in Shogakukan’s Monthly Flowers magazine, having been serialized since July 2012. This demonstrates a period of intense creative output for the artist.
2014:
- Undisclosed Date: Shogakukan publishes the first compiled book volume of VS Lupin, making the early chapters of the Arsène Lupin saga more accessible to a wider readership in tankōbon format.
2017:
- November: The serialization of Chiho Saito’s Torikae Baya manga concludes after a successful run in Monthly Flowers.
2018:
- April: Chiho Saito launches her new manga, Kaguyaden (Bright Night Legend), in Flowers. This marked the beginning of a new creative chapter for the artist.
- May: The three one-shot chapters of Shōjo Kakumei Utena: After the Revolution are compiled into a standalone volume, offering a glimpse into the post-series narrative of a beloved work.
2023:
- Undisclosed Date: Shogakukan releases the seventh compiled book volume of VS Lupin, bringing readers closer to the anticipated conclusion of the series.
2024:
- January: Chiho Saito’s Kaguyaden manga officially ends its serialization in Flowers, concluding a significant project for the artist.
- June: Saito embarks on a new creative venture with the launch of her ongoing manga, Hi no Tsugai (Lovers in Scarlet), in Shogakukan’s Flowers magazine.
2026:
- July 9: Shogakukan publishes the fifth volume of Hi no Tsugai, indicating the continued momentum of Saito’s latest work.
- July 14: The final chapter of Chiho Saito’s VS Lupin manga is published in the summer issue of Zōkan Flowers, bringing the 14-year serialization to a definitive close.
This chronological overview highlights the consistent dedication and prolific nature of Chiho Saito’s work, showcasing a remarkable ability to manage multiple ambitious projects simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of artistic quality.
A Legacy of Literary Adaptation: "VS Lupin" and its Context
Chiho Saito’s VS Lupin is more than just a manga; it’s a modern interpretation of a literary titan. Arsène Lupin, first introduced by Maurice Leblanc in 1905, has captivated audiences for over a century with his wit, charm, and unparalleled thieving skills. The character’s enduring appeal lies in his complex morality – a thief, yes, but often one with a code, and frequently outsmarting the authorities through sheer ingenuity rather than brute force.
Saito’s decision to adapt Lupin’s adventures into manga was a bold one, aiming to translate the nuanced character and intricate plots of Leblanc’s novels into a visually engaging medium. The manga’s setting in early 20th-century Paris was crucial, immersing readers in the Belle Époque era, a period synonymous with elegance, intrigue, and the burgeoning of modern urban life – a perfect stage for a gentleman thief.
The success of VS Lupin can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Chiho Saito’s artistic prowess is undeniable. Her ability to render characters with distinct personalities and to depict dynamic action sequences undoubtedly contributed to the manga’s appeal. Secondly, the inherent charisma of Arsène Lupin himself is a powerful draw. He represents a romanticized ideal of rebellion and cleverness, a figure who operates outside the rigid boundaries of law but often with a sense of justice.
Furthermore, the manga’s serialization over a decade allowed for a deep dive into Lupin’s world, enabling Saito to explore various facets of his personality and engage with a wide array of his legendary exploits. The publication of compiled volumes by Shogakukan facilitated wider distribution and accessibility, allowing new generations of readers to discover the magic of Arsène Lupin through Saito’s artistic lens.
Beyond Lupin: Chiho Saito’s Illustrious Career
The conclusion of VS Lupin offers an opportune moment to reflect on Chiho Saito’s broader impact on the manga industry. Saito is not a newcomer to creating compelling narratives and memorable characters. Her artistic journey is marked by a string of successful and critically acclaimed works, demonstrating a remarkable versatility and consistent ability to connect with readers.
Perhaps Saito’s most widely recognized contribution is her involvement with the Revolutionary Girl Utena franchise. Be-PaPas, a creative collective including Saito, Yōji Enokido, Shinya Hasegawa, Kunihiko Ikuhara, and Yōichirō Oguro, developed both the manga and anime simultaneously. Saito’s Revolutionary Girl Utena manga debuted in Shogakukan’s Ciao magazine in 1996, with Shogakukan later publishing the series in five compiled volumes. Viz Media’s subsequent licensing and release of the manga in North America, including a collector’s edition, further cemented its international reach. The Shōjo Kakumei Utena: After the Revolution volume, which compiled three one-shot chapters, further expanded the lore of this beloved series.
Beyond Utena, Saito’s portfolio includes other significant works. Her manga Torikae Baya ran in Shogakukan’s Monthly Flowers from July 2012 to November 2017, showcasing her ability to craft engaging stories over extended periods. More recently, Saito launched Kaguyaden (Bright Night Legend) in Flowers in April 2018, a series that concluded in January 2024, demonstrating her continued commitment to exploring new creative frontiers.
Currently, Saito is actively contributing to the manga world with her ongoing series Hi no Tsugai (Lovers in Scarlet), which began in Shogakukan’s Flowers in June 2024. The fifth volume of this new work was released on July 9, 2026, indicating her ongoing dedication to producing fresh and captivating content for her readership. This continued output, even as VS Lupin concludes, underscores Saito’s status as a dynamic and enduring force in the manga industry. Her ability to seamlessly transition between diverse themes and genres, while consistently delivering high-quality artwork and storytelling, solidifies her reputation as a master manga artist.
Implications and the Enduring Appeal of Arsène Lupin
The conclusion of VS Lupin marks a significant moment for fans of Chiho Saito’s work and for enthusiasts of Arsène Lupin. It signifies the end of a specific artistic interpretation of the character, but it is far from the end of Lupin’s influence. The enduring appeal of Arsène Lupin, a literary creation that has transcended its origins to become a cultural icon, is a testament to the timeless nature of his character.
The gentleman thief embodies a spirit of defiance, intelligence, and panache that continues to resonate with audiences across generations and cultures. His ability to outwit authority, his sophisticated charm, and his often ambiguous moral compass make him a perpetually fascinating figure. This adaptability has allowed Lupin to be reimagined in countless forms – from films and television series to video games and, of course, manga.
Chiho Saito’s VS Lupin has undoubtedly contributed to this ongoing legacy by introducing the character to a new generation of readers and offering a fresh perspective on his classic adventures. The success of the manga series, spanning over a decade, underscores the strong demand for well-crafted adaptations of beloved literary characters.
While the final chapter of VS Lupin has been written, the narrative possibilities for Arsène Lupin remain boundless. The conclusion of this particular manga series may pave the way for new creative endeavors, perhaps exploring different eras of Lupin’s life, or even inspiring entirely new characters who embody the spirit of the legendary thief. The world of Arsène Lupin, like the cunning of the thief himself, is ever-evolving, promising continued adventures and adaptations for years to come. The legacy of Maurice Leblanc’s creation, amplified by artists like Chiho Saito, is secure, ensuring that the name Arsène Lupin will continue to be synonymous with intrigue, wit, and daring escapades for the foreseeable future.
Nila Kartika Wati
Siti Muinah
