The Ultimate Guide to Cowboy Bebop's Unforgettable Sequel: An Absolute Must-Watch for Anime Beginners

Anime fans often struggle to find the best anime to recommend to newbies. With so many options available, it's difficult to narrow down the choices. However, Space Dandy, often referred to as the "secret sequel" to Cowboy Bebop, serves as a comprehensive introduction to the anime world.

Even though it's older, Space Dandy remains captivating. Created by Shinichiro Watanabe, the mastermind behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, the stunning artwork, intricate characters, and an otherworldly soundtrack set Space Dandy apart. While it may not be as serious as Cowboy Bebop, its lightheartedness allows for creative storytelling. This makes it the ideal series for curious viewers to explore the anime genre.

Space Dandy's Format Makes It Perfect For New Anime Fans

There is no clear overarching plot in Space Dandy until the end of the series. Instead, the show takes advantage of its episodic format and explores various styles. Although it is categorized as a sci-fi comedy, it incorporates elements from different genres, such as a zombie apocalypse, slice-of-life romance, or classic teenage musical. Each episode is a mix of laughter and heartbreak, appealing to a wide range of viewers.

The episodic nature of Space Dandy offers flexibility to the audience. The connection between episodes is minimal until the later part of the series, where the apparent randomness is explained, making it all cohesive. Viewers can start watching at any point without impacting the storyline. If an episode doesn't suit their taste, they can easily skip to another one. While watching in order helps with the introduction of recurring characters, it doesn't take long to understand the overall plot, regardless of where one starts watching.

Space Dandy, the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, takes viewers on a mind-bending journey through the cosmos, delighting in its own absurdity. This series serves as an anthology of fantastical short films, exploring a multitude of themes including robot romance, identity crises, space-themed eateries reminiscent of Hooter's, existential ponderings, and much more. The disconnected storylines allow for a non-linear viewing experience, enabling audiences to hop around and still savor each episode without fear of missing crucial details. Whether newcomers or seasoned fans seeking fresh recommendations, Space Dandy's flexible formula caters to all, making it the ultimate entry-level anime for everyone to relish.