Arsène Lupin, a fictional character created by French author Maurice Leblanc, has been a popular figure in literature since the early 20th century. Known as the "gentleman burglar," Lupin is an elegant and clever thief who targets the wealthy, leaving behind a calling card as a signature of his crimes. Leblanc's stories, which include 17 novels and 39 short stories, as well as five plays, continue the tradition of the French detective novel begun by Émile Gaboriau. The character has influenced a range of literary figures, including the detective Rouletabille and the villain Fantômas. The Lupin series, which has been adapted for television, is currently preparing for its fourth season, set to debut on Netflix on October 23, 2026. The show, starring Omar Sy, has brought renewed attention to the character and his adventures. A new story, Le Bouchon de cristal, has been added to the collection, expanding the Lupin saga with a new chapter in the character’s life. This story is accompanied by a documentary dossier that explores the real-life inspirations behind Lupin, including Marius Jacob, an anarchist and master thief known for committing hundreds of thefts with his accomplices, the "Workers of the Night." Jacob’s criminal career came to an end when an incident resulted in the death of a policeman, leading to a life sentence of forced labor. Although he escaped the death penalty, he was never able to return to a normal life. The story Le Bouchon de cristal draws from the Panama scandal, a major political scandal that shook the French elite at the end of the 19th century. In the story, one of Lupin’s accomplices is accused of murder and faces execution, prompting Lupin to seek out someone who can help him navigate the situation. The adaptation of Le Bouchon de cristal by Jérôme Félix preserves the original story’s twists and the character’s signature arrogance, while maintaining Leblanc’s sharp irony. The illustrations by Alain Janolle, inspired by the Franco-Belgian comic tradition, vividly capture the settings, costumes, and atmosphere of the Belle Époque era. More than a century after the original story was written, Le Bouchon de cristal continues to showcase Arsène Lupin’s charm and cunning, proving that classic tales can still captivate and unsettle modern audiences.