The Gist:
In a future time, and after a catastrophic accident on Earth, mankind has branched out into the Universe, living on other planets and moons throughout the solar system. To curb crime, the government has implemented the Old West style of bounty hunters, known as "cowboys."Spike Spiegel is just such a cowboy and, along with an unusually diverse crew, he travels the solar system on his ship "Bebop" looking for bounties to bring to justice.
The History:
Released in 1998 in Japan, Cowboy Bebop is the brainstorm of the same gurus who brought you Macross Plus. Directed by Shinichiru Watanabe, Bebop was the first anime show to be aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block and premiered in the U.S. on September 2, 2001.The music is rich (score by Yoko Kanno) and is heavily influenced by early jazz and rock from the '50s, '60s and '70s. As a result, episodes are called "sessions" and many titles are musically-influenced as well, either borrowing from a song title or reflecting what kind of music you'll hear in the session.
How to Watch:
Every now and then, you can catch a Cowboy Bebop marathon on Adult Swim or late night cable. However, if you don't want to wait, there are a whole slew of Cowboy Bebop DVDs available for your viewing pleasure.Check out Cowboy Bebop DVDs
Genres:
Action, drama, science fiction, futuristicLearn more about anime genres and themes
Studio:
Sunrise, Bandai EntertainmentRating:
Mature - Learn more about anime age ratingsThe Review:
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.
Cowboy Bebop is a fun and simply extraordinary anime series with plenty of action and a little comedy and romance thrown in for good measure. This is one of those classics that just never loses its appeal.
