Arsène Lupin is a fictional gentleman burglar and master of disguise created in 1905 by French writer Maurice Leblanc. What is a gentleman burglar? He is known for his impeccable manners, charm, and politeness in order to steal, often inherited wealth. He also does not revert to violence, but sleight of hand, camouflage, diversion. The steal is the thrill, which is often combined with correcting a moral wrong. A Robin Hood of sorts.
The character was first introduced in a series by Maurice Leblanc, in the magazine, Je Sais Tout. In 1905. Lupin is often described as the criminal counterpart to Sherlock Holmes, often encountering “Herlock Sholmès” in his own adventures. As the series progresses, Lupin becomes more than a thief, but a detective. The differences between Holmes and Lupin also become more definitive: Holmes wants to be seen and recognized, Lupin wants to be a ghost whose work speaks for itself.
I love this description from Grokopedia: “Beneath his gallant exterior lies a moral code marked by ambiguities: Lupin adheres to personal honor by keeping promises and returning ill-gotten gains when they serve justice or sentiment, yet he displays ruthlessness toward corrupt elites, such as confiscating treasures from murderers to punish wrongdoing. His chivalrous tendencies extend to romantic involvements, …with delicate gestures, prioritizing their protection and dignity over personal gain. This code distinguishes him …as a principled opportunist who navigates ethical gray areas with unyielding self-assurance. “
Leblanc was an inspiration for writers like Walter B. Gibson, creator of The Shadow, who cited Lupin as a key influence on the portrayals of elusive criminals who outsmarted authorities with flair and intellect.American author Sam Siciliano wrote The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – The Gentleman Burglar (2024), which casts Lupin as an unlikely ally to Holmes in a transatlantic treasure hunt. In Lupin III, the manga created by Kazuhiko Katō in 1967 in Japan, the titular character is imagined as Arsène Lupin’s grandson. My own introduction to the master thief came through the anime adaptation of the manga, and later through the Netflix series Lupin, starring Omar Sy.
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