The first images of the upcoming CG-animated Sly Cooper movie have been released.

Set for release in 2016, the "kinetic and comedic heist" will focus on the titular Sly Cooper (or Sly Raccoon, as he's known in Europe) as he discovers that despite being an orphan, he actually comes from a long line of successful thieves. What follows is a "global adventure" as he tries to get his hands on The Cooper Clan's book of secrets.Along the way he''ll face off against "evil Russian metallic owl" Clockwerk, going "from romantic Parisian backdrops to the lush mountains of China." As for the tone, apparently we should expect "gritty film noir meets bright, colourful graphic novels in this origin story of the world's greatest thief-turned-hero."

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Junior Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter