The Epic Comeback: A Sneak Peek into the New Cowboy Bebop Revival

Cowboy Bebop, with its 26 episodes and a feature film, has been recognized as a timeless masterpiece in anime and a defining work of Shinichiro Watanabe. Its reputation as a complete work has made the prospect of any continuation seem like a futile attempt that is destined to disappoint. However, if a sequel were to be considered for Bebop, what elements would be necessary to make it successful?

There is no denying that the previous live-action adaptation of Bebop fell short of expectations, and fans are understandably hesitant about any future attempts. However, just because a sequel may not be necessary does not mean it cannot be successful. Many beloved franchises have continued with multiple sequels, such as Mission Impossible, John Wick, and Toy Story, despite potentially concluding their stories earlier on. Additionally, there have been instances where sequels have exceeded expectations, such as Blade Runner 2049 and HBO's Watchmen series. Therefore, a new Bebop adaptation is not out of the question, and it is important to remember that not all unnecessary sequels are created equal.

Familiar, But Different

Sequels of a certain flavor often showcase significant changes while maintaining a subtle connection to the original story. The lead characters are usually different, and the passage of time between the stories reflects the real-life experiences of the audience. These "spiritual" successors serve as a gateway for new viewers to join the series.

Diebuster is a prime example of a successful anime legacy sequel. Evangelion director Hideaki Anno's debut OVA, Aim for the Top! Gunbuster, was a beloved classic in the Mecha genre. Fast forward 17 years and Kazuya Tsurumaki, who directed FLCL, helmed Diebuster, a story set thousands of years in the future. Although Diebuster shared some terminology and themes with the original, it felt like a fresh and innovative incorporation of Gunbuster's messages.

Diebuster excels by using the original's foundation as a starting point, where comparable characters undertake comparable roles, but then subverts those factors by infusing fresh concepts. The outcome is a distinctive artistic vision that appropriates an established universe to convey a new message. Diebuster not only enhances both storylines but also showcases the creator's unique perspective.

However, the FLCL sequels have been widely criticized for not living up to the original. While it's not solely a matter of having different creators, that's not the only factor at play. A successful legacy sequel should be fueled by the same passion that birthed the original, but that doesn't mean it has to replicate the exact same circumstances. As the anime industry and audience tastes change, the sequel's success cannot be solely based on whether it looks or sounds the same. As previously mentioned, what truly matters is the passion and creativity that goes into the work. FLCL earned its legendary status not just because of its bizarre story or cryptic symbolism, but because of the unique way it was crafted.

The essence of FLCL lies not only in the art itself but also in its creation process. Conversely, the follow-up installments lack the same emotional depth that made the original series so captivating. The mere presence of a Yoko Kanno soundtrack or a returning voice cast cannot justify the existence of a new Cowboy Bebop. It is the unique vibe of the series that requires ample time to fully appreciate and comprehend what makes it truly exceptional.

Hello Again, Space Cowboy

Fans of the game have a clear understanding of the desired aesthetic. The game is set in space, yet the cities on the different planets in our solar system are designed to have a modern and grounded appearance, while maintaining a touch of retro charm reminiscent of the 90s. In addition, the weapons in the game are inspired by the iconic firearms featured in popular Hollywood action movies from the 80s and 90s, which can be easily recognized by players.

The atmosphere of the series was a unique blend of martial arts cinema, film noir, westerns, and 1970s films, all without the confines of space. While it had its moments of levity, the show also displayed a patient approach to its dramatic scenes, offering a deeper look into the layers of its characters. Each character represented a specific fantasy, but as the story progressed, it revealed their flawed human nature. Despite its noir elements, Bebop had a spiritual side that gave its hero's journey a mythical quality. The show explored the loneliness of its characters, as they struggled to escape their past and grappled with the blurred lines between reality and dreams. The bittersweet ending felt fitting for the story it was telling.

The continuation should have its own distinct feel, with a fresh set of characters taking the lead. Whether they're bounty hunters or not is up for debate, but the world they inhabit should reflect familiar conventions that have evolved over time. While these principles should guide the development of the sequel, they shouldn't feel like mandatory additions.

There's no need to shoehorn in callbacks if they don't serve a thematic purpose. Diebuster waited four episodes before referencing a character from Gunbuster, allowing it to establish its own unique identity. Well-executed cameos can be appreciated, but whether or not Spike survived the original series is irrelevant to the sequel's narrative. The focus should be on telling a compelling story, not simply catering to fanservice.

For many fans of Cowboy Bebop, the idea of a sequel focused on Ed and her further adventures has been a topic of discussion for years. It raises intriguing questions about who Ed would have become as an adult, unburdened by the weight of her past. If the original series was about characters struggling to reconcile their dreams with reality, a sequel could offer the chance for characters to finally awaken and move forward.

With the right creative team and animators, a potential sequel for Cowboy Bebop could be vastly different yet still hold promise. The key would be to maintain the human depth of the story while exploring new avenues for the characters. Despite the uncertainty of its success, the possibilities are endless.