Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are wondering whether you can dive into this series without worrying about an eternal cliffhanger, the answer is yes. The main anime progression concludes with Project A-ko 4: Final. Because the series culminates in a titled “Final” installment, anime-only viewers can expect a satisfying conclusion to the overarching narrative without being forced to seek out the source material for a resolution.
If you enjoy the chaos and want more, there are manga adaptations and related parody comics, but they are not required to understand the ending of the anime story. You can find the Project A-ko manga here if you wish to explore the written world further.
What is Project A-ko All About?#
Project A-ko is a high-energy blend of action, comedy, and science fiction. Set in Graviton City—a metropolis built on the site of a massive alien ship crash from sixteen years prior—the story centers on the chaotic rivalry between the superhuman high school student A-Ko Magami and the diabolical genius B-Ko Daitokuji.
The heart of the conflict is a battle for the friendship of the sweet C-Ko Kotobuki, though the scale of their fights often escalates into city-level destruction. Adding to the madness is the arrival of another alien ship seeking its lost princess.
Who Should Watch This?#
This series is perfect for fans of:
- 80s Parody: The series heavily leans into parody and satirical humor.
- Over-the-Top Action: With themes of superpowers and mecha, it’s a wild ride.
- School-based Comedies: The dynamic between the three leads provides a classic high school rivalry with a sci-fi twist.
If you’re looking for a nostalgic, high-octane experience, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Recommended Watch Order#
Because this series has a specific progression and some alternate versions, following a structured order is key. For the most accurate path, we recommend referring to the relationship tree provided below the article.
Release Order (Recommended for First-Timers)#
For those who want to experience the series as it was originally presented, follow the release dates:
- Project A-ko (1986)
- Project A-ko 2: Plot of the Daitokuji Financial Group (1987)
- Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody (1988)
- Project A-ko 4: Final (1989)
Completionist Order#
If you want every single piece of animation, include the alternate retelling:
- Follow the Release Order above, then watch Project A-ko: Uncivil Wars (1990) as a separate, alternate take on the story.
Source Material Integration#
For those who don’t mind mixing mediums, you can integrate the manga. There is a manga adaptation of the second film, Project A-ko 2: Daitokuji Zaibatsu no Inbō, as well as an anthology and a sequel manga (Jishu Seisaku Butchigiri Project A-ko). These can be read alongside or after the anime for additional context and parody humor.
If you find our watch guides helpful, feel free to support the site on Ko-fi to keep the investigations going!
Useful Tidbits for Collectors#
If you are a physical media collector, there is some exciting news. Discotek has announced 4K releases for the original Project A-ko film, as well as its sequels: Plot of the Daitokuji Financial Group, Cinderella Rhapsody, and Final. Additionally, new Blu-rays have been recently released to keep this classic looking its best.
Beyond the films, you can also hunt for Project A-ko merchandise to commemorate this legendary piece of 80s anime history.
Project A-ko • anime • 1986
└─(sequel)→ Project A-ko 2: Plot of the Daitokuji Financial Group • anime • 1987-05-21
└─(sequel)→ Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody • anime • 1988-06-20
└─(sequel)→ Project A-ko 4: Final • anime • 1989
└─(adaptation)→ Project A-ko 2: Daitokuji Zaibatsu no Inbō • manga • 1987-05-01
└─(alternate retelling)→ Project A-ko: Uncivil Wars • anime • 1990-07-21 to 1990-08-21
└─(related)→ Anime Parody Project A-ko • manga • 1988-08-10
└─(sequel)→ Jishu Seisaku Butchigiri Project A-ko • manga • 1991-01-30
└─(related)→ Parody Comic Project A-ko Anthology • manga • 1986-07 to 1990-10
