#b: the billions of arsène lupin

[badlydrawnarsenelupin]

// *stumbles out of the depths of google search covered in blood*

Well, I've finally found an English version of Victor of the Vice Squad that wasn't some $500 vintage first edition on Ebay. Here's the full scan of it by u/lowsee3 on reddit.

There has also been a recent release of The Billions of Arsène Lupin in English. However, to be frank, I don't recommend buying it. This story, the last Lupin tale to be officially, partially serialized before Leblanc's death, is written in a choppy, unfinished manner. Many of the story elements parallels The Crystal Stopper. Yet Lupin does not have the same charm here, and is downright atrocious in some parts. The Girlfriend of the Week is like a weaker version of Clarisse Mergy at best.

The translation does attempt to edit and enhance upon the unfinished work with numerous footnotes, it is probably the most worthwhile part of this edition.

So yeah, I do not think it's worth it. I recommend just google translating the original French if you're real curious, at least you'll still have the "policier de mon cœur" line from Lupin to Béchoux (which this translation changed to "my dear friend" for reasons unknown).

[badlydrawnarsenelupin]

Some additions, now that I've actually read it (and sleep deprived):

Victoire: he still sleeps like a child when he's in his 50s... Lupin: jumps up from his nap NO STOP SWEARING AT ME I'm not even 30 yet >:'(

Lupin goes to a fair, has fun riding the carousels, threatens a guy, listens to the orchestra, beats people up

there's a Mr. Tall-and-Insufferable at the fair who faces the wrath of Lupin's superior eggshell shooting skills

Lupin: that's it! no more adventures! no more romance! no more women! in fact, I hate all of them! time to live out my best life as a snobby rich man!

Lupin, the very same chapter: pretty blonde ????

the tiger did nothing wrong

get behind me tiger, I'll protect you from the big bad Lupin and the mean policemen

Patricia 🤝 Aurelie, getting harassed by men where ever they go (Lupin (derogatory))

terrible ending, really really bad on all levels

Les Milliards d'Arsène Lupin, a summary by someone who can’t read it:

there’s a tiger

Lupin flirts w Béchoux, calls him “policeman of my heart,” gives him job promotion

Béchoux: wow I’m so grateful… really really thankful Lupin: :) Béchoux: I will now proceed to show my gratitude by arresting you Lupin: >:OOOO!?!?? shoot me yourself then you coward

o yea the tiger

uh ppl died, not related to tiger i think(?)

something something about a organization of criminals

Béchoux vs tiger, tiger wins

I’m saying that like it can even be called a competition, Béchoux and co. just ran and hid under bed from tiger

Lupin: fine, you can arrest me just bring me the warrant Béchoux: :0!! gives him the arrest warrant Lupin: rips up warrant Béchoux: >:OOOO!?!??

Some guy gets executed

Lupin threatens to leak underwear pics of Béchoux or Ganimard

The End.

[badlydrawnarsenelupin]

Les Milliards d'Arsène Lupin, a summary by someone who can’t read it:

there's a tiger

Lupin flirts w Béchoux, calls him "policeman of my heart," gives him job promotion

Béchoux: wow I’m so grateful... really really thankful Lupin: :) Béchoux: I will now proceed to show my gratitude by arresting you Lupin: >:OOOO!?!?? shoot me yourself then you coward

o yea the tiger

uh ppl died, not related to tiger i think(?)

something something about a organization of criminals

Béchoux vs tiger, tiger wins

I’m saying that like it can even be called a competition, Béchoux and co. just ran and hid under bed from tiger

Lupin: fine, you can arrest me just bring me the warrant Béchoux: :0!! gives him the arrest warrant Lupin: rips up warrant Béchoux: >:OOOO!?!??

Some guy gets executed

Lupin threatens to leak underwear pics of Béchoux or Ganimard

The End.