“Cowboy Bebop,” is an iconic anime series that was released in 1998. Even now, it continues to captivate its audience with the unique blend of genres present in its world building. Set in a futuristic world where bounty hunters travel space in pursuit of criminals for the purpose of money, the story follows enigmatic Spike Spiegel and his crew aboard the spaceship, Bebop. Throughout the show, Spike is constantly compared to a cowboy, his lifestyle being free and nomadic while being connected to a dark past. The show follows him on his journey to reckon with his past, trying to leave it behind while also not being able to let go.

What I believe sets “Cowboy Bebop” apart from other Japanese television of the time is the seamless combination of sci-fi, drama, and western elements present in tv shows, as well as all the music being American jazz. It creates an atmosphere around the show that feels excitingly original. The futuristic setting as well as the “cowboy” aspect provide a drama filled yet visually interesting watch. The animation, despite being over two decades old, is still impressive, especially for its time. The show has fluid action sequences and detailed design in a time where most animation in anime was stiff and static. 

Yoko Kanno’s incredible soundtrack deserves mention for perfectly matching the mood of the show. The jazz largely takes inspiration from the west, with the intro, “Tank!” being a song many people recognize despite never even seeing the show. 

Overall, “Cowboy Bebop,” was an amazing show for its time and continues to be even decades later. The show contains many references from across Hollywood, from Antonio Desperado to Alien and many others. It’s relatively short, with only 26 installments, but is action packed in every episode and never lacks in entertainment.