Space Dandy

Space Dandy is simply awesome. It manages to stand out by focusing more on being entertaining than anything else. Most anime these days focus each episode on continuing an ever-evolving story that spans the whole series. Space Dandy, however, spends each episode telling a self- contained, stand alone story. The basic premise, which is explained in the pilot episode, is that Space Dandy is searching the universe for new aliens to register and earn a reward. Each following episode just shows the crew's encounters with different aliens and situations. Like I said, there isn't much episode-to-episode continuity, but each episode is meant to be extremely enjoyable, and it succeeds there.

As of this writing, the series still isn't over. If anything drastically changes throughout the course of the series, i'll update this review.

I thought this anime was going to be like Cowboy Bebop, or similar action based shows with a continuous beginning and ending plot, instead, and so far for the first 10 episodes I've seen it has been mostly single story based, kind of like watching The Simpsons Tree House of Horror within The Simpsons show.

The characters are funny, the plots are interesting. What I don't get yet is the antagonist characters chasing Dandy, Why? Maybe there's a hint this series might have a continuous plot after all instead of individual plots in future episodes, who knows.

I like this show, it's not tedious to watch like most stuff on TV is now a days.

I hope new episodes come out soon, 10 episodes is not enough!!.

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Visually stimulating. Catchy opening sequence with an equally upbeat theme song...really puts you in the mood for an adventure. Very fun characters. Doesn't take itself too seriously, though at least two of the episodes I've seen were rather somber if not sad at times. You never know what you're going to get. Dandy is just a typical testosterone-laced, over-sexed but under-serviced young man. The cat guy seems to have about six ears...or maybe it's just his hat. The little robot has a girlish voice that squeaks; she is usually the voice of reason.

I've read a few people who bash this as a sub-par "Cowboy Bebop" ripoff. I wouldn't know, since I don't watch much anime.

But I do know if you're in the mood for something that's funny, visually energizing, and a bit thoughtful at times, there are worse things you could do with the 30 minutes you'll spend watching an episode.

Not sure how long it will last, but I am looking forward to more seasons.

Fingers crossed.

If you go into Space Dandy expecting Cowboy Bebop you'll be disappointed by what you find. Rather then the action/drama/space thriller these writers blessed us with in the past you will instead get a colorful, humorous, and unique show that loves making jokes but can still take itself seriously every once in a while... and that's why I love it.

Sure there isn't a consistent story line, and every now and then an episode falls flat but when the show hits bulls-eyes it hits them with style. The beautiful, and highly detailed environments Dandy and his crew explore always tell a new story; some (most) of them tickle the funny bone, others tug on the heartstrings, and almost all of them involve an extra character that can range from quirky and bizarre to sweet and lovable.

The main complaint I've heard about the show is that it isn't Cowboy Bebop. I find that a bit ridiculous because the answer to this problem has been apparent since the very beginning; it wasn't meant to be. Space Dandy was, is, and will always be it's own thing, and it's unfair that a lot of people judge the show for this reason only. I can understand people not liking the show if they find it's lack of story, and almost constant humor off-putting; but when you complain about a show simply because it isn't like another show chances are you won't be taken seriously.

In conclusion I believe that Space Dandy is a fantastic show, but it won't appeal to everybody.

If you're into humor, eccentric characters, and don't mind a few crew members that come back from the dead, this show is right up your ally. If you're big into deep story lines/arcs, characters with back stories, or are easily offended by scantily clad waitresses it's probably best to skip this one.

I'll be honest, the show has remained largely episodic so far. But that isn't a bad thing. I'll make this short:

Art: The art in this show is absolutely incredible. Colors are trippy, vibrant, and stand out. Character designs are flawless and a treat to look at.

Sound: Equally interesting techno/jazz soundtrack that in no way takes away from the experience. Watanabe continues the trend of top-notch soundtracks for his works.

Story: As psychedelic, funny, and nonchalant as it's main character, Space Dandy. Stories don't go too deep, but are usually jam packed with crazy, sometimes logic-defying stories that combine humor with a bit of gold old Bebop-style action and some self-ridiculing satiric "fanservice" that says a lot more about the industry of fanservice itself (on purpose) that the overall quality of the show itself.

Overall:

Hilarious (the English version is even funnier, more culturally aware, and better flowing than the Japanese version), beautiful to look at and listen to, and a real ride from start to finish. No direction or overarching story overtly detectable so far, but honestly, none is needed.