It is violent with its action packed sequences, there is bad language, nudity – but none of it is gratuitous, they simply help and develop the story instead of trying to entertain spotty, sweaty teenage fan-boys of hardcore manga. No, this is for those that appreciate a good film, good directing (high artistic styles and knock out camera tricks), music (jazz, blues, opera, rock, hip-hop, you name it), characters and stories. The medium of animation should by no means put you off but introduce you to what it is capable of.

Originally only 12 episodes of this series were broadcast in Japan. Only after this the entire series was shown uncut on their satellite channels. There is a distinct style that is reminiscent of the pulp 60’s shows with its stylistic intro and jazz style music and Cowboy Bebop is one of the most human and involving dramas you will ever see. Set against a futuristic backdrop you almost forget you are on another planet due to the sophisticated stories and subtle designs of the environments – each planet closely resembling different countries of today instead of out of this world concepts.

There aren’t really any aliens, no robots as such, it is almost as though it could be now - only man has visited all the surrounding planets in our solar system through gateways which resemble highways of space. The future is very close. Storylines, and characters are highly developed and surprisingly deep (rare in anime), the voice talents both in the original Japanese language and dubbing are excellent. It will take a lot out of you and by the time you have finished watching the series in its entirety you will sit there quite happily for and extra ten minutes stunned. Every episode is a mini movie yet an ongoing story runs throughout which is well thought out. Already having had its run in Japan is the Cowboy Bebop movie Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door which will (if they have any sense) have at least a limited run in the States and here in the U.K. and then eventually be released on DVD as have the Original Sessions on region 1, which I urge people to try and get hold of. Do not view the Cartoon Networks heavily cut version.

The makers of this series are hugely talented and have achieved what they set out to do. I quote -

‘The work, which becomes a genre itself, will be called... COWBOY BEBOP’.

Yes, it’s that perfect.

Article by Richard Johnson, edited by Ross Liversidge

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