Was Cranky Kong The original Donkey Kong?

Was Cranky Kong The original Donkey Kong? The Donkey Kong Country instruction manual states that Cranky is the original Donkey Kong character featured in the 1981 arcade game. The current Donkey Kong (introduced in Donkey Kong Country) was initially described as his grandson, with Cranky having relinquished his name to him.

The Donkey Kong Country instruction manual states that Cranky is the original Donkey Kong character featured in the 1981 arcade game. The current Donkey Kong (introduced in Donkey Kong Country) was initially described as his grandson, with Cranky having relinquished his name to him.