I can't believe I haven't reviewed this yet, it's Outlaw Star.
Gene Starwind and Jim Hawking run a jack of all trades business doing anything from bodyguarding to deliveries, Gene himself refuses to go into space after an incident that claimed his father's life, leaving a scar that would never heal.
A renowned outlaw named Hot Ice Hilda hires Gene as a bodyguard but after Hilda is killed, Gene finds himself in possession of her cargo, the spaceship, the Outlaw Star and it's bio android computer Melfina; the ship is said to be capable of reaching the Galactic Leyline, a place said to contain riches, power and knowledge.
Forced to face his fear knowing he now has a target on his back and needing money to operate the huge running costs of his ship and gun, Gene sets off into space with Jim and Melfina, then later joined by Twilight Suzuka and Aisha Clanclan to venture to the Leyline.
A worthy space adventure that really gives that late 90s feel and yet unfairly compared to Cowboy Bebop who came out at the same time, the two run on different energies.
The key difference is that Gene is not a Bounty Hunter and Outlaw Star as an anime is a continuous narrative, this suits Outlaw Star better as Gene and the rest grow with the series reaching to a satisfying climax, also you can't help but love the set pieces that includes Gene's Caster Gun, the most awesome gun in anime.
And of course that killer opening theme, a lot of fun can be had watching Outlaw Star.
Only minor nitpick is the occasional mood whiplash.
Dubbing is strong and worth a watch.
Final Verdict: Outlaw Star never feels bogged down by plot and lore, it's a fun space western that anyone can get into and a good anime to start for new fans.
As a sequel to the Disney version and to remember that this is an Anime site I present to you the top 10 anime that would benefit from Cartoon Network.
Special Mention: Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt who already uses Cartoon Network's Animation style.
10. Medabots
While the concept is very Japanese the appeal is very international and would fill a gap which seems to elude Cartoon Network which is of course the robot cartoon.
9. Martian Successor Nadesico
A ship full of anime fans and various normal people with extraordinary skills, sounds like a good recipe for a cartoon.
8. Lost Universe
Also known as the Sci-Fi Slayers, an adaptable cast and a wide sandbox full of gags makes Lost Universe work.
7. Trigun
Strange choice but justified, thinking about how often a show starts off with hardcore slapstick before switching to a more darker tone, (Looking at you Adventure Time) Trigun suits the mold very well.
6. Ninja Nonsense
Onsokumaru is made for this, he's the type of character who'd work well in any scene seeing as he reminds me of the Red Guy from Cow & Chicken crossed with Jake the Dog from Adventure Time.
5. Black Butler
When this show is funny it's really funny, I mean how could you keep a serious face in a show about a Demon Butler that fights with silverware. Plus a 19th century setting would be a change of pace for Cartoon Network.
4. Outlaw Star
Considering the cast consists of a spaceship pilot scared of space, a pint-sized mechanic, a bad tempered Catgirl, a ship battery in the guise of a human female and a samurai girl, you'd be pushed to think of a better setting. Plus Outlaw Star is a former Toonami show.
3. Black Cat
And yet Black Cat is capable of doing exactly that, the manga more so than the anime. Two broke bounty hunters along with a shape-shifting girl fighting for their next meal is a well used concept but has it's merits if done well and Black Cat can do that.
2. Riding Bean
Considering there wasn't really much to work with it definitely has potential, plus I've been looking for a jack of all trades driver in cartoons, the industry could use with one and would open up hundreds of potential plotlines.
1. Squid Girl
But Cartoon Network's history of failed villains would certainly liven up Squid Girl from it's one joke status to a series of hilarious fails as a cartoon about a worthless villain joining such favorites as Mandark, Mojo Jojo, Red Guy, Evil Con Carne & the Many Many Kids Next Door Villains.
