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A little adventure, a little romance and some sci-fi thrill seeking just for good measure.  Interested?  Well, welcome to the world of Cowboy Bebop (DVD/VHS).

The Basics

Set in Universe Century 2071, we find ourselves on the spaceship "Bebop", zipping through space, looking for adventure.  Our leader (and main man), Spike Spiegel, is a bounty hunter or, "cowboy" if you will.  Partnered with Jet Black, they take assignments where they can find them.  Faye Valentine is the gutsy and mysterious sidekick with a story all her own.  Who is she?  Where does she come from?  No-one knows for sure.  But she's a wanted woman, which makes her the perfect partner for Spike and Jet.  Edward is the brilliant albeit weird hacker (Ed's a girl by the way) who gives Spike a little technical assistance from time to time.  Together, they make a fantastic anime story.

You'll also find Vicious, the expected bad guy (what good anime doesn't have one?).  Vicious is, well... vicious.  Cold and calculating, he always seems quite determined to do our sexy Spike in.  Julia is the woman who haunts Spike's thoughts and, from time to time, his adventures as he searches the galaxy to find her.  Sadly, he is always one step behind, one day late.

Released in Japan in 1998, Cowboy Bebop is the brainstorm from the gurus who brought you Macross Plus.  It is classic anime, with the feel of a futuristic James Bond movie.  With a new adventure each week, Spike and the gang visit a host of new lands, some very flashy and high-tech while others give you a blast from the past and send you soaring back to the 1950's.  The music is rich (score by Yoko Kanno) and the storyline is a delight.  Spike is sensitive but selfish, hunky but odd.  He's a loner and yet, he is never alone.  I know, I know... deep isn't it?  I promise, you won't regret watching.

Credits

Directed by Shinichiru Watanabe

Music Score by Yoko Kanno,

Screenplay by Keiko Nobumoto

Produced by Masahiko Minami 

 

 

"Jet Black"              John Billingslea

"Spike Spiegel"        David Lucas

"Faye Valentine"      Wendee Lee

"Ed"                      Melissa Charles

"Vicious"                George C. Cole

"Julia"                    Melissa Williamson

 

Where to watch

 

Adult Swim (Cartoon Network) Saturday night.  (Check the times - sometimes 10:30pm, sometimes 11:00pm.  And sometimes... you get a mini-marathon!)