I don’t want this review to be nothing but comparisons to Samurai Champloo, but seriously, this has “Shinichiro Watanabe” written all over it. The two series feel very similar: a cast of flawed but likable characters, traveling from place to place, getting into trouble and as time goes by we come learn about their mysterious pasts. Jet is the quintessential big brother we all wish we had, Edward is hilarious, (I didn’t really care for Faye, she doesn’t seem to contribute much) and as for Spike? Oh Lord, Spike Spiegel is a BAD-ASS!!! He kicks all kinds of ass, he has a bad-ass spacecraft, and he’s a strong three-dimensional character who does everything with such gravitas. These are the people you wish were your friends in real life.
Another strong point of the series we can attribute to Watanabe is the atmosphere. The mish-mash of different genres, Western to Sci-fi and everything in between, gives this series an art style that has never been seen before. No other anime has dared to combine cigarettes and spaceships, and I don’t believe any other director could bring this concept to life. But who could supply the sounds necessary to accompany this visual feast? As always, Yoko Kanno delivers. I don’t think the music score is as memorable as Champloo’s, (the exception being “Green Bird” from episode five) but it was the perfect fit and helped to set the tone of the series. Side note: “Tank!” IS the greatest opening theme for an anime ever written.
As for the voice-acting, I watched the English Dub, and now I understand why this Dub gets so much attention. Not a single character is miscast. Not one. Every random Joe on the street, all the numerous side characters that come and go throughout the series, they all serve their exact purpose: sound realistic while not distracting from what else may be going on. Of course, the real stars of the show are the main characters. These are some of the most believable performances I think I've ever heard. Steve Blum’s role as Spike Spiegel truly speaks for itself. (No pun intended)
As much as I want to give this series a perfect score, there was one thing that didn’t sit well with me. Whenever I finish watching an anime, I ask myself “so what exactly can I take away from this series?” Honestly, I can’t really find an answer for that question. Perhaps, it will come to me at a later date, but for now I see this series as kind of pointless. By the end of Cowboy Bebop’s run, it doesn’t feel like much has been accomplished. Don’t get me wrong, I loved watching these characters interact; but as a narrative Bebop feels lacking.
They say it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey itself, and this jazzy space odyssey was one hell of a journey. Cowboy Bebop was loved in its time, it’s loved now, and it will continue to be loved far into the future. You owe it to yourself to watch this series.
Bang.
