Movie
Description
Coco is a recurring parrot character from Osamu Tezuka's Jungle Emperor series, appearing across multiple adaptations including the original manga, the 1965 anime, the 1989 television series, the 1997 film Jungle Emperor Leo, and the 2009 special Jungle Emperor: The Brave Can Change the Future. In the English dubs of the 1965 series, the character is known as Pauly Cracker or Pauley Cracker. Coco is established as a childhood friend of the white lion protagonist Leo, also known as Kimba, and his mate Lyra or Kitty.
The character's background varies across different versions of the story. In the 1965 anime, Coco was originally the pet of a hotel owner. He attempted to rescue an attractive female parrot and other captive birds, but the plan ended in disaster with most of the escaping birds perishing, including the female parrot. This traumatic event is suggested as the cause of his erratic and somewhat unstable behavior. In the 1989 series The New Adventures of Kimba, Coco provides a different backstory, explaining that he once belonged to a human named Nick and lived outside in a birdcage. The only human phrases he learned were Thank you, Thank you! and I know, I know!. During a hunting trip, his friend Tommy saved Nick from a leopard attack, and witnessing Tommy's freedom inspired Coco to leave his cage and make his way to the jungle.
Coco's personality is characterized by a blend of comic relief and unwavering loyalty. In the 1965 anime, he is depicted as a crazy and somewhat comical jerk, yet he holds a strong and loyal belief in Leo's abilities. In the 1989 series, he is described as a bossy, self-appointed advisor to Leo, though one who is notably incompetent and annoying. His close companion is Tommy, a gazelle also known as Bucky or Toni, who serves as his foil with a simpler and more down-to-earth nature. Throughout most appearances, Coco is not portrayed as exceptionally intelligent; he sometimes confuses Leo's son Rune with Leo himself. Despite his flaws, he remains a constant presence by Leo's side, helping the young lion rule the jungle and always reporting danger.
Coco's role in the story is primarily that of a supporting friend and occasional comic relief. He is often the first to announce important events. In the 1997 film Jungle Emperor Leo, he announces the birth of Leo and Lyra's cubs. As the cubs grow older, he acts as an uncle figure to them, and in one notable scene, he attempts to teach Lune how to fly, though he does not succeed because Lune's wings are merely leaves. In the 1989 series, his ability to fly allows him to serve as an aerial scout, making him the first to detect distant dangers in the jungle.
Character development varies by adaptation. The 1965 anime provides a tragic backstory that explains his unstable and erratic behavior, rooted in the trauma of losing the female parrot he tried to rescue. The 1989 series offers a more hopeful origin story of choosing freedom over captivity. The 2009 special Jungle Emperor: The Brave Can Change the Future presents a significant departure from previous versions, reimagining Coco as a female character who resembles a hummingbird rather than a parrot. In this adaptation, she harbors a secret romantic affection for Leo.
In terms of notable abilities, Coco can fly, which in the 1989 series makes him an effective scout capable of traversing the jungle quickly. He also demonstrates the capacity to learn and repeat human phrases. Beyond these physical traits, his most notable ability is his persistence and dedication to Leo and the jungle community, even when his actions are clumsy or comically misguided.
The character's background varies across different versions of the story. In the 1965 anime, Coco was originally the pet of a hotel owner. He attempted to rescue an attractive female parrot and other captive birds, but the plan ended in disaster with most of the escaping birds perishing, including the female parrot. This traumatic event is suggested as the cause of his erratic and somewhat unstable behavior. In the 1989 series The New Adventures of Kimba, Coco provides a different backstory, explaining that he once belonged to a human named Nick and lived outside in a birdcage. The only human phrases he learned were Thank you, Thank you! and I know, I know!. During a hunting trip, his friend Tommy saved Nick from a leopard attack, and witnessing Tommy's freedom inspired Coco to leave his cage and make his way to the jungle.
Coco's personality is characterized by a blend of comic relief and unwavering loyalty. In the 1965 anime, he is depicted as a crazy and somewhat comical jerk, yet he holds a strong and loyal belief in Leo's abilities. In the 1989 series, he is described as a bossy, self-appointed advisor to Leo, though one who is notably incompetent and annoying. His close companion is Tommy, a gazelle also known as Bucky or Toni, who serves as his foil with a simpler and more down-to-earth nature. Throughout most appearances, Coco is not portrayed as exceptionally intelligent; he sometimes confuses Leo's son Rune with Leo himself. Despite his flaws, he remains a constant presence by Leo's side, helping the young lion rule the jungle and always reporting danger.
Coco's role in the story is primarily that of a supporting friend and occasional comic relief. He is often the first to announce important events. In the 1997 film Jungle Emperor Leo, he announces the birth of Leo and Lyra's cubs. As the cubs grow older, he acts as an uncle figure to them, and in one notable scene, he attempts to teach Lune how to fly, though he does not succeed because Lune's wings are merely leaves. In the 1989 series, his ability to fly allows him to serve as an aerial scout, making him the first to detect distant dangers in the jungle.
Character development varies by adaptation. The 1965 anime provides a tragic backstory that explains his unstable and erratic behavior, rooted in the trauma of losing the female parrot he tried to rescue. The 1989 series offers a more hopeful origin story of choosing freedom over captivity. The 2009 special Jungle Emperor: The Brave Can Change the Future presents a significant departure from previous versions, reimagining Coco as a female character who resembles a hummingbird rather than a parrot. In this adaptation, she harbors a secret romantic affection for Leo.
In terms of notable abilities, Coco can fly, which in the 1989 series makes him an effective scout capable of traversing the jungle quickly. He also demonstrates the capacity to learn and repeat human phrases. Beyond these physical traits, his most notable ability is his persistence and dedication to Leo and the jungle community, even when his actions are clumsy or comically misguided.