Shinichiro Watanabe’s “Cowboy Bebop” stands as one of the most impactful science fiction anime ever made. The show follows the journey of Spike Spiegel and the crew of the Bebob, who travel through space in pursuit of bounties. With its mix of soulfulness, humor, and emotion, “Bebop” offers a unique episodic adventure that resonates deeply with viewers, leaving many craving more once the final episode concludes. For those seeking an alternative to the unique atmosphere of “Cowboy Bebop”, we recommend “Planetes”.
The impact of “Cowboy Bebop” is evident in “Planetes” from the outset, as the manga was penned by Makoto Yukimura, the creator of “Vinland Saga”, four years before he would pen his acclaimed Viking drama. “Planetes” follows Hoshino, Tanabe, and their team in a space debris cleaning firm, detailing their daily corporate lives. The manga was swiftly turned into an anime in 2003, with Studio Sunrise – the studio behind “Cowboy Bebop” – handling the adaptation. However, it’s not just the animation that makes “Planetes” a spiritual successor to “Cowboy Bebop”. Instead, both share similar themes and narrative styles.
Planetes Perfectly Captures the Cowboy Bebop Vibes
It’s surprising how a series devoid of cowboys and bebop still mirrors the essence and ambiance of Watanabe’s classic. Despite sharing similar themes on the surface, their stories are distinctly different. “Cowboy Bebop” is an exhilarating space odyssey about flamboyant bounty hunters with questionable pasts who act without remorse. Conversely, “Planetes” is a more subdued production centering around a team of space junk collectors who harbor lofty aspirations but lack the means to realize them.
However, despite Planetes‘s seemingly ordinary storyline, it effectively encapsulates what made Bebop cherished by fans. Similar to its predecessor, Planetes prioritizes character development over grand narratives or unraveling mysteries in each episode. By today’s standards, many of its episodes could be categorized as “filler.” Yet, it is within these seemingly insignificant episodes that the show truly shines.
Among all the aspects that make “Cowboy Bebop” stand out, what leaves a lasting impression isn’t just the music, but the time we spend with the characters. Sure, Spike Spiegel’s flamboyant kicks are captivating, but it’s his somber moments and profound dialogue that fans remember most. On the other hand, “Planetes” is filled with intense space action, as the crew of Technora’s Space Debris Section risk their lives on every mission. However, much of the series focuses on exploring the characters’ inner worlds during their routine lives at work. For instance, Hoshina harbors dreams of owning his own ship, while Tanabe strives for corporate advancement, and their manager Myers seems to be counting down the days till retirement.
Planetes and Its Worldbuilding Is Believably Out of This World
One noteworthy aspect of Cowboy Bebop was its exceptional world creation. Regardless if it sparked a desire to be a bounty hunter in you or not, anyone who’s watched the show has probably fantasized about residing in the universe of Cowboy Bebop at least once. In Watanabe’s anime, hard science fiction was skillfully combined with realism, where people adapted their lives to the advanced technological advancements. Each fresh discovery was either commercialized or transformed into a form of amusement.
One of Planetes’ key strengths lies in its meticulous world-building that deeply resonates with human experiences. If you’re seeking a hard science fiction series, Planetes is an excellent choice. In the storyline, space has been extensively conquered and traveled. It now functions as a vast, interconnected highway for travel between planets. To maintain this transportation system, government-contracted workers are essential, and these characters form the heart of Planetes’ cast.
The Characters in Planetes Are Painfully Relatable
In the opening sequence of Cowboy Bebop, Spike Spiegel and Jet are seen struggling to make ends meet by consuming bell peppers devoid of beef. This quick snapshot served to underline for viewers that these aren’t just suave bounty hunters; they’re ordinary individuals striving for more, barely managing to get by from one day to the next.
In a fascinating intersection, both “Cowboy Bebop” and “Planetes” share a common theme: their characters traverse the cosmos, a dream many viewers can identify with. Yet, they are burdened by the harsh realities of life, such as monotonous jobs, bureaucratic red tape, corrupt officials, and workplace politics – elements that resonate deeply with viewers due to their stark similarity to everyday life struggles. Moreover, the characters in “Planetes” strike a chord because of their remarkable relatability within this science fiction setting.
You can watch the series “Planetes” on Crunchyroll, similar to “Cowboy Bebop.” However, unlike these shows, it was only produced for one season (let’s hope Netflix won’t remake it as a live-action version). In total, it consists of 26 episodes.
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2025-04-02 19:45