What If Kurasshu Bandikū Had His Own Anime Series?

Kon’nichiwa! To appeal more to the PlayStation players in Japan, Crash Bandicoot was given a cuter design exclusively for the Japanese version of his interactive debut back in 1996 [12]. As a result of this difference, the design was kept for the Japanese versions of many other instalments throughout the years [18]. Moreover, some Japanese fans of the loveable bandicoot may recall the manga based on the first game’s events [10], as well as the Japan-exclusive slot machine known as “Interactive Pachislot Crash Bandicoot” in English [11]. Reflecting on his peak in Japan [12], I suspect that a way to restore Crash’s cute cred in Japan would be to establish a new anime series that should hopefully be the opposite of the poor sales of the Xbox and its successors, along with the very little popularity of The Simpsons in the nation [21] [22] [23] [42]. This could make up for the cancellation of the cartoon referred to as “Crash Bandicoot N-Sane Cartoon” [25], which only managed to be seen as two versions of a pilot [65], along with the whacky animated musical cutscene that was sadly scrapped from the final outcome of the first game [1] [14]. Moreover, let us proceed to theorise how a Crash Bandicoot anime can honour his heroic deeds to foil what scheme Dr. Cortex can think of while fans of the Back To The Future trilogy celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first film [4] [5].

I believe there was a greatly missed opportunity to feature a VIP Bot based on Crash’s cutesy Japanese design in the Japanese version of Astro Bot [39] [46]. Perhaps that can be established in an official Astro Bot manga series [60] [61]. [39]

Almost as much as I believe that Deadpool can appear in a Marvel anime for the third time if there were to be some more appreciation for Sakura Spider, Spider-Man’s female counterpart in Japan [33] [34] [51] [52] [53], I believe Japanese Crash can receive some more love in an anime of his own. [10]

Compelling animation is essential to those who yearn to experience the vibes of a Crash Bandicoot anime. The result of Crash’s design for players in Japan being adapted into an anime will result in him being adorably animated with his beady black Pac-Man eyes [12]. Of course, Coco Bandicoot’s eyes could be brown instead of green [12] [16] [24] [49] [50]. Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss may stick to the simplicity of four fingers for gestures within animation [30] [32] [36], but it would be vital that Japanese Crash sticks to the virtuous display of five fingers as a four-fingered hand would be considered insensitive to those affected by accidents in the meat packing industry in Japan and the punishments for Yakuza members who strayed out of line [20] [56] [57]. There may have been a missed opportunity to introduce the heartbroken wife of a parody of Ned Flanders from The Simpsons and Mister Rogers from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in the fifth minisode of Helluva Shorts [37] [58] [59], but there could be the opportunity to either welcome back the goofy bandicoot’s Japanese counterpart and his cutesy essences in what can be considered a modern adaption of his look in the classic manga series from the second half of the ‘90s [7] [9] [10].

You may have thought of the cutscene in Crash: Mind Over Mutant in the animated style inspired by Dragonball Z once you read the term “Crash Bandicoot anime” and I do not blame you [6] [64]. If the budget for a new anime cannot be grasped, there can always be a fourth official manga series as an alternative way to flaunt Japanese Crash’s lovability again [7] [9] [10]. [7]

It can be argued that a CGI animated film centred on the modern era of Crash Bandicoot ought to be created instead [24] [66], which I can understand why since it worked for Mario and Luigi’s origin story in The Super Mario Bros. Movie [48], but I am still up for the incarnation of Crash that helped his games sell well in Japan receiving a new wave of love [12] [18]. [24]

So, should a new Crash Bandicoot anime or manga be based on a specific game’s storyline much like how Crash Bandicoot: Dance! Then Jump! Na Daibōken was loosely based on the events of Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back or feature a unique one like Crash Bandicoot: Kattobii! Spin World did aside from some inspiration from Crash Team Racing [7] [9]? Personally, I think a new anime or manga can be loosely based on the next game that takes place after the events of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time [49] [50], especially for promotional purposes...in a an alternate universe, that is, despite how Crash’s Japanese design is not on the game's Japanese cover in this one [31]. So, a plot that is not based on the events of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time or Crash Team Rumble could be more inspiring [49] [50] [66], leading to new character exploration, such as the reveal of Nina Cortex’s parents to find out if Dr. Cortex is her uncle from her mother’s side or her father’s side of the family [64]. Besides, Sonic and the Blade of Courage is following its own story with a new human ally for Sonic the Hedgehog named “Yuuta” [45]. As thrilled as I would be to witness some new depth for certain characters in an anime or manga series featuring a unique storyline outside of the games, I understand the importance of an adaptation being faithful to the original source in certain ways as it may be easier to base the plot on the latest instalment, especially for promoting it.

Chances are that a Crash Bandicoot anime following a unique storyline will ultimately be non-canon like the old Instagram stories of the pre-season incarnations of all the sinners and demons from Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss [3] [36], but as long as there is coherent writing that results in decent storytelling to give said storyline a passable execution, the same light-hearted humour from the game as a sign of faithfulness within an adaptation and new character development for certain characters as someone worth praising the series for, I am up for it. [9]

I suppose Spyro the Dragon can make a special guest appearance in at least one episode of the anime to make up for his failure in Japan [43]. After all, the two protagonists have encountered one another more than once [16] [26]. [47]

Any other possibilities for a Crash Bandicoot anime in terms of writing? Well, the Japanese dub might as well consist of mild profanity for the sake of that faint edginess from the first official manga, but it ought to be absent in the English dub [10]. As previously mentioned, a completely original storyline can provide the opportunity to establish some new forms of character exploration and another example can be Crunch Bandicoot beginning a romantic relationship with one of the trophy girls from Crash Team Racing and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled and the classic incarnation of Tawna Bandicoot reflecting on her relationship with Pinstripe Potoroo before a (satisfying) breakup [13] [16] [18] [19]. It may be more likely that a new anime series based on a video game will be another adventure for Princess Peach that might as well be based on a direct sequel to Princess Peach: Showtime! for the Nintendo Switch 2 or perhaps a midquel to Catherine: Full Body in Catherine’s perspective as she seduces a few other men besides Vincent Brooks [17] [54] [55] [62] [63], but the chance to let Crash Bandicoot’s Japanese counterpart stand out in what can be considered the definitive way would be a dream come true for Japanese ‘90s kids [12].

Here is the second volume of Crash Bandicoot: Dance! Then Jump! Na Daibōken [7]. Can you imagine Dr. Cortex referring to himself as “Cortex-sama” in an egotistical manner once again? [7]

Reflecting on the Japanese canon of the classic trilogy explaining the original incarnation of Tawna’s absence in Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back [7] [13], I suspect that the awesome version of her from an alternate universe who debuted in Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time might have been in a relationship with an alternate version of Pinstripe until the two broke up [49] [50]. [13]

Surely, there ought to be something quite memorable in association with the Crash Bandicoot franchise’s 30th anniversary in 2026 [8]. I am not saying that an anime or manga series starring Crash Bandicoot should definitely be produced with an engaging storyline and the witty nature the games have been known for since 1996 as it is more likely that Sonic the Hedgehog will star in his third official anime (that could be based on his new manga [45]) at some point in the future and Captain Astro, the adorable hero from Astro Bot probably needs an animated series or manga more than Crash does [51] [52] [60] [61], but we can always hope for an exceptional follow-up to Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time that could introduce an alternate version of Crash in his design from Crash of the Titans who also has his voice and ironic intelligence from Skylanders Academy [16] [49] [50], thus giving the two incarnations a second chance, but fused together…if it was not for its alleged cancellation! Despite that, keep expressing your creativity and count the blessings, even during a difficult time you may be going through [35]. Lastly, we can look forward to promotional animations that are definitely happening, such as the highly promising animation that will be released alongside Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds this September [44]. In the meantime, no toy gets left behind…unless there is a race in the fourteenth season of Disney Speedstorm [29]. Sayonara!

Aside from the notably different personalities of the two interpretations of Crash demonstrated by two guys in notably different costumes when it came to advertising Crash Team Racing [19], I do not doubt that he will still be his goofy and adventurous self, whether you prefer his design aimed at Western players or his design aimed at Japanese players. [12]

Aside from the possibilities of a third anime for Sonic [51] [52], could Amy Rose star in her own video game someday [2]? It worked for Princess Peach three times [40] [41] [62] [63], right? Speaking of princesses, I still suspect that Princess Elise can still be redeemed as a panromantic and asexual ally [51] [52]. Even though Pride Month is over, let us continue to show our support for all the awesome LGBTQIA+ gamers and animation admirers out there as we rise above bigotry and continue to celebrate Disability Pride Month [15] [27] [28] [38]. [45]

 
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