25 Years Ago, This Underrated Space Western Premiered on Toonami

by

The 1990s were a fantastic time for science fiction and anime fans, with incredible shows like Trigun, Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Cowboy Bebop. These series are still widely enjoyed today. Cowboy Bebop, especially, is often considered the best space western anime ever created and consistently appears on lists of the greatest anime of all time. Its unique jazz soundtrack, compelling characters, and perfect mix of thrilling suspense and humor made it a hit. However, another show quickly gained a dedicated following after being broadcast on Toonami in the early 2000s: Outlaw Star.

While often forgotten today, the debut of Outlaw Star on Toonami on January 15, 2001, was a big deal for the anime block. It brought something new and exciting to viewers, replacing Superman: The Animated Series and airing alongside popular shows like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and Ronin Warriors. For many young fans, Outlaw Star became a cherished part of their after-school routine, and it remains a nostalgic favorite for those who grew up watching Toonami.

Though it doesn’t have the same lasting impact as some anime classics, Outlaw Star is a unique and enjoyable series. It’s full of exciting gunfights, lighthearted romance, comedic moments, and a grand treasure hunt reminiscent of One Piece. The show’s vibrant colors and distinctive character designs continue to influence creators, and its quick start makes it easy to get hooked. Sadly, when Outlaw Star was released in Western markets, a lot of its original nuance and appeal were lost in translation.

Outlaw Star Was a Unique Addition to the Toonami Lineup When It Debuted on January 15, 2001, but Tons of Content Was Cut

The anime Outlaw Star takes place in a future where humans can travel faster than light thanks to a newly discovered material. However, this advancement didn’t bring peace – instead, the universe quickly became overrun with criminals like pirates and assassins, making space travel dangerous for ordinary people. Gene Starwind and his partner Jim are just trying to make a living with odd jobs when they unexpectedly acquire a powerful spaceship called the Outlaw Star. This ship can lead them to the legendary Galactic Leyline, a place rumored to hold immense treasure, knowledge, and power. But they’re not the only ones searching for it, and danger lurks everywhere they go.

Fans of classic anime might recognize some of the ships and vehicles in Outlaw Star, as they were designed by renowned mecha artist Shoji Kawamori (known for Macross and Gundam), including the main spaceship itself. The music, while not as famous as Yoko Kanno’s work on Cowboy Bebop, was composed by Kow Otani, who also created the iconic soundtrack for the game Shadow of the Colossus. Even those with only a hazy memory of Outlaw Star probably remember its powerful theme song, which combined a strong sound with striking 90s animation.

Many anime series on Toonami were censored, but Outlaw Star faced particularly extensive editing during its 26 episodes. Nudity and suggestive content were changed or removed, swear words were replaced with milder terms, and violent scenes were significantly shortened, ultimately altering the tone of the show. One entire episode, number 23, which featured the crew visiting a planet with hot springs, was completely cut and wasn’t shown in the West until 2018, when it aired on Adult Swim’s late-night programming.

Outlaw Star Was Overshadowed by Cowboy Bebop, but It Differentiated Itself From Other Entries in the Genre

Despite borrowing familiar themes from space westerns and appearing during a time when the genre was already crowded, the characters in Outlaw Star remain memorable. The crew is far from ordinary: Gene, the captain, ironically has a deep fear of space, which adds constant tension to their journeys. Aisha Clan-Clan is a strong, feline member of the Ctarl-Ctarl race, Melfina is a bio-android discovered hidden in a suitcase, and Suzuka is a skilled ninja assassin who wears traditional kimonos. This unique and diverse group likely contributed to the series’ popularity with international audiences, as Outlaw Star seemed to prioritize individuality and freedom.

After the anime series began airing, viewers quickly noticed striking similarities to Joss Whedon’s classic 2002 live-action show, Firefly. Many pointed out that the character River Tam in Firefly and Melfina in this anime share nearly identical origins and story reveals. The spaceships in both shows also have a similar design, leading some to believe Whedon borrowed heavily from the anime when creating Firefly. While Whedon himself says he was inspired by Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels, the rumors of a connection continue. If you’re a fan of Firefly, this anime is definitely worth checking out.

Space operas aren’t as widely popular as they once were, but recent shows are introducing a new generation to classic series from the late 1990s. For example, Knights of Sidonia (2014) centers around Nagate Tanikaze, a pilot tasked with protecting humanity’s final home from dangerous aliens. If you enjoy a blend of steampunk and space westerns, check out Appare-Ranman or Gun X Sword, both available on Crunchyroll.

Read More

2026-01-17 04:06