Cobra's New Chapter with French Studio: The Legend Returns

The Long-Awaited Announcement of Cobra

During the prestigious Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France, the French animation company Mangouste Anim surprised fans with an exciting announcement: the production of a new animated adaptation of the iconic Space Adventure Cobra. This project represents a much-anticipated return for this science fiction saga that has captivated generations. Although details about the format and release date are scarce, Mangouste Anim has confirmed they have acquired the rights to produce the animated work. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser image that further fueled fan expectations.

A Studio with Galactic Ambitions

Mangouste Anim, a relatively new studio founded in Paris in 2020, is quickly gaining recognition within the European animation scene. Before embarking on this ambitious project, they demonstrated their capabilities by distributing the anime Grendizer U in France, which debuted in July 2024. Their acquisition of the rights to Cobra demonstrates their interest in revitalizing classic franchises and bringing them to new audiences, solidifying their position as a studio with significant aspirations within the industry.

The Story of Space Adventure Cobra

Space Adventure Cobra, created by the legendary Buichi Terasawa, was originally published in Weekly Shonen Jump between 1978 and 1984. An initial anime series aired in Japan from 1982 to 1983, followed by a film released just three months prior. Later additions include OVAs, a 2010 anime adaptation, and now, a new video game.

The story follows Cobra, a space adventurer with a mysterious past and a hand that can transform into a weapon, as he flees from bounty hunters and criminal organizations in his constant pursuit. The unique combination of fast-paced action, science fiction elements, and a pulp style have made it a cult classic. Adapted to animation in 1982 with a 31-episode television series and a subsequent film, Cobra has maintained its popularity over time.

Beyond Animation: The Video Game 'Cobra - The Awakening'

The French studio Microids will release 'Cobra - The Awakening', a side-scrolling video game developed by Magic Pockets, on August 26, 2024. The game will be available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC through Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com, do attracting both established and new generations of fans with this title.

A Legacy Beyond Galaxies

While Buichi Terasawa sadly passed away in September 2023, his legacy continues through this exciting new animation project and the upcoming video game. The original series enjoyed previous releases on DVD via Nozomi Entertainment, with streaming availability on YouTube and Crunchyroll before rights expired. Discotek Media has also released both the series and film on Blu-ray, including a 4K UHD version in 2019, and RetroCrush currently features it in their catalog – providing accessible avenues for fans to revisit this classic.