Is Space Adventure Cobra Finished?#
Whether Space Adventure Cobra is “finished” depends on which version of the story you are following. The original manga run concluded in 1984, and there was a subsequent manga sequel, Space Adventure Cobra: Seinaru Kishi Densetsu, in 1988.
On the anime side, there are multiple iterations of the story. You have the classic 1982 film and TV series, and a more modern reimagining starting with Cobra The Animation: The Psychogun in 2008, followed by Time Drive and a 2010 series. While these provide distinct experiences, fans seeking the complete narrative arc and the full breadth of the space-pirate’s journeys will likely find that the source material offers the most comprehensive conclusion.
If you want to dive into the original written adventures, you can buy the Space Adventure Cobra manga here.
What is Space Adventure Cobra About?#
Space Adventure Cobra is a high-energy blend of adventure and science fiction. The plot follows the legendary space-pirate Cobra, a man who once had to surgically alter his face and erase his own memories to hide from his enemies. After using a dream-machine to recover his past, Cobra reunites with his ship, the Tortuga, and his android partner, Lady Armaroid.
The series is characterized by its pulp-fiction appeal, featuring treasure hunts—such as the famous quest for the map hidden within the bodies of the Royal sisters—and clashes with diverse foes across the galaxy. It is a perfect fit for viewers who enjoy retro sci-fi aesthetics, charismatic protagonists, and sweeping space adventures.
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Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Because of the various retellings and remakes, the order in which you consume Space Adventure Cobra can change your experience. You can refer to the relationship tree below the article for a visual map of these connections.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the franchise as the world did, follow the release timeline:
- Space Adventure Cobra - The Movie (1982)
- Space Adventure Cobra TV series (1982-1983)
- Cobra The Animation: The Psychogun (2008)
- Cobra The Animation: Time Drive (2009)
- Cobra The Animation TV series (2010)
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every piece of media, we suggest starting with the roots and moving through the iterations:
- The Source: Start with the original manga (1978-1984) and its sequel manga, Seinaru Kishi Densetsu (1988).
- The Classics: Watch the 1982 movie, then the 1982 TV series (which serves as an alternate retelling).
- The Modern Era: Watch the remake cycle: The Psychogun $\rightarrow$ Time Drive $\rightarrow$ Cobra The Animation (2010).
For Those Who Prefer the Anime#
You can watch the anime on Prime Video to get a feel for the character. If you are only watching the anime, the most streamlined experience is to watch the 1982 movie first, followed by the modern Cobra The Animation trilogy/series for a updated take on the character.
Useful Extras for Fans#
Space Adventure Cobra continues to see new life through licensing and gaming. Recent news indicates that Discotek has licensed both the movie and the TV anime, and the series has been added to platforms like RetroCrush and Funimation.
Additionally, the franchise is expanding into gaming, with a side-scrolling game announced for 2025 and other titles for consoles and PC. There is even news of France’s Mangouste Anim acquiring rights for new animated work as of 2025.
To celebrate the legendary pirate, you can buy Space Adventure Cobra merchandise here to add some space-pirate flair to your collection.
Space Adventure Cobra • manga • 1978 to 1984 (Shonen Jump 1978 No.45 to 1984 No.48)
└─(adaptation)→ Space Adventure Cobra - The Movie • anime • 1982-07-03
└─(alternate retelling)→ Space Adventure Cobra • anime • 1982-10-07 to 1983-05-19
└─(remake)→ Cobra The Animation: The Psychogun • anime • 2008-08-29
└─(sequel)→ Cobra The Animation: Time Drive • anime • 2009-04-24
└─(sequel)→ Cobra The Animation • anime • 2010-01-02 to 2010-03-27
└─(sequel)→ Space Adventure Cobra: Seinaru Kishi Densetsu • manga • 1988-12
