[[quoteright:224:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/27617.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:224:An interesting callback to the early days of Lupin III.]]

Released on April 3rd, 2002, ''Lupin III: Return of the Magician'' (Japanese: ルパン三世『生きていた魔術師』) is the second OVA of the ''Franchise/LupinIII'' series. Also known as ''Return of Pycal'', this special revolves around the return of Pycal, the magician shown in the [[Anime/LupinIIIPart1 first series]], as well as seven crystals from Ancient Greece with certain powers. There are quite a few throwbacks to the early days of Lupin scattered throughout this special.

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!!Contains the following tropes:
* BackFromTheDead: Pycal is back, now with seemingly genuine magical powers and a bone to pick with Lupin.
* ContinuityNod: Of sorts. The entire premise of the OVA revolves around the literal return of Pycal, who fought against the team in the second episode of [[Anime/LupinIIIPart1 Part I of the anime]], which was inspired by the seventh chapter in the original manga series.
* DoingInTheScientist: The original manga story and its TV adaptation had explained Pycal's abilities with science. Here, however, they seem to be almost pure magic, with little, if any science involved.
* FanserviceExtra: In the beginning, a trio of magician girls perform at the party, changing into a series of card suits-themed outfits, only to suddenly appear stark naked as a sign that Lupin has struck. All three of them are uniformly buxom and attractive, as well as averting the NippleAndDimed trope.
* InvincibleVillain: This time, Pycal seemingly is an invicible, powerful sorcerer.
* MediumBlending: Flashbacks to the original story aren't shown as clips of the episode in question. Instead, pages from the original manga story are shown.
* MsFanservice: There's a very noticeable amount of it, not only from Fujiko (who is shown twice in naked form), but also from a couple of minor characters.
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: Zenigata, in the first act, actually tries to murder Lupin, revealing that he actually is an impostor.
* OurVampiresAreDifferent: Halfway through, the group theorize that Pycal has, somehow, become a Vampire, because ne never appears before sunset. [[spoiler: In the climax, Pycal's seemingly WeakenedByTheLight and falls to his death while trying to fly away from his lair over the sea.]]
* ShamefulStrip: Lupin reveals his presence by suddenly depriving the three girls performing at the party (implied to be the owner's daughters) of their clothes mid-show, causing them to squeal embarassed and cover themselves.
* ShoutOut: To various [[Myth/GreekMythology Greek myths]], such as Orpheus' harp and the Sirens' song from ''Literature/TheOdyssey'', in lampshaded form.
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