Cowboy Bebop
Unknown Status(0% Complete)
A space western anime series following the adventures of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop in the year 2071. The series blends genres including westerns, noir, and jazz, creating a unique and influential work that explores themes of loneliness, the past, and redemption.
Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
1997
Origin
Japan
Tags
space westernnoirjazzbounty huntersdramaaction
Detailed Overview Information
Basic Information
Full Name
Cowboy Bebop
Aliases
Cowboy Bebop
Type
Anime
Release Year
1997
Status
Completed
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creation Information
Creator
Shinichiro Watanabe
Publisher
Sunrise
Original Work
anime
Genre
space western, noir, jazz, bounty hunters, drama, action
Content Information
Synopsis
Bounty hunters aboard the Bebop pursue criminals across the solar system while confronting their pasts, blending noir, jazz, and space western elements.
Main Characters
Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Edward, Ein, Vicious
Setting
Solar system in 2071; Mars, Ganymede, Earth; Bebop ship
Themes
existentialism, redemption, loneliness, past and memory, jazz
Target Audience
young adults and adults
Characters
Spike Spiegel
protagonistmale27
A laid-back bounty hunter with a mysterious past involving the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate. Known for his martial arts sk...
Abilities: martial arts mastery, gunfighting, piloting...
Quotes:
"Whatever happens, happens."
"I'm not going there to die. I'm going to find out if I'm really alive."
"See you space cowboy..."
character
Jet Black
mechanic and Bebop captainmale36
A former ISSP officer and captain of the Bebop. He serves as the father figure of the group and is known for his mechani...
Abilities: mechanical expertise, piloting, investigation...
Quotes:
"Men only think about the past right before their death."
"Everything has a beginning and an end."
"Life is just a dream, you know."
character
Vicious
crime syndicate leader and nemesismale27
Spike's former partner in the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate who became his nemesis. A ruthless and ambitious criminal.
Abilities: swordsmanship, tactical planning, ruthlessness...
Quotes:
"Angels that are forced from heaven have to become devils."
"There is nothing to believe in anymore."
"Do not fear death. Death is always at our side."
character
Faye Valentine
con artist and bounty hunterfemale23 (physically)
A con artist and bounty hunter with amnesia about her past. She joins the Bebop crew and struggles with her identity and...
Abilities: gambling, piloting, gunfighting...
Quotes:
"The past is the past and the future is the future."
"I'm just a woman with a past."
"Survival of the fittest is the law of nature."
character
Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV
hacker and crew memberfemale13
A young, eccentric hacker with an androgynous appearance and childlike personality. Known for her computer skills and un...
Abilities: elite hacking, computer programming, pattern recognition...
Quotes:
"Ed will help! Ed is a good girl!"
"Lesson, lesson! If you see a stranger, follow him!"
"Ed made up the name Edward. Nice name, don't you think?"
character
Ein
data dog companionmaleunknown
A genetically enhanced Welsh Corgi with human-like intelligence. He becomes the crew's pet and occasional helper.
Abilities: enhanced intelligence, problem solving, loyalty...
Quotes:
"Woof!"
"*intelligent barking*"
"*meaningful stare*"
character
Julia
tragic lover entangled in syndicate conflictfemale25
Spike's former lover and Vicious's current lover, caught between the two former partners.
Abilities: survival instincts, marksmanship, emotional strength
Quotes:
"It's all a dream."
"Spike, you're going to carry that weight."
"I was supposed to take you away from all this."
character
Media Forms
Original Medium
anime
Adaptations
type:anime series
title:Cowboy Bebop
year:1998
status:completed
description:Original 26-episode anime series
type:film
title:Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
year:2001
status:completed
description:Theatrical film set between episodes 22 and 23
type:live-action series
title:Cowboy Bebop (Netflix)
year:2021
status:cancelled
description:Live-action adaptation that was cancelled after one season
type:manga
title:Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star
year:1997
status:completed
description:Manga adaptation and side stories
Cross Media Presence
anime, film, manga, live-action, video games, music albums
Commercial Information
Licensing Info
Licensed worldwide with multiple language dubs and subtitles
Merchandise Revenue
Soundtracks, figures, models, clothing, collectibles
Box Office
$3M worldwide (The Movie)
Fan Culture
Fandom Size
Large international fanbase spanning multiple generations
Demographics
Appeals to anime fans, jazz enthusiasts, and general audiences
Fan Activities
soundtrack appreciation, cosplay, fan art, episode analysis, jazz music covers
Community Hubs
Reddit communities, anime forums, jazz music communities, conventions
Fan Creations
fan art, music covers, cosplay, analysis videos, tribute works
Cultural Impact
Considered a gateway anime that introduced many Western viewers to the medium; influenced countless creators in animation, music, and storytelling
Historical Development
Creation Background
Created during the late 1990s anime boom, designed to be a more mature and internationally appealing series that could showcase anime as sophisticated entertainment
Development Process
Developed by Sunrise with Shinichiro Watanabe directing, Yoko Kanno composing music, and a team focused on creating cinematic quality animation
Key Milestones
year:1998
event:Anime series premieres in Japan
year:2001
event:Theatrical film "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" released
year:2001
event:Adult Swim begins airing series in the US
year:2003
event:Series wins multiple international awards
year:2021
event:Netflix live-action adaptation premieres and is cancelled
Evolution Over Time
Gained cult status and critical acclaim, becoming more influential over time as its artistic merits were recognized
Legacy
Established new standards for anime storytelling, music integration, and international appeal
Related Links
cowboybebop-anime.com
www.bandai.com
www.enjoyip.com