WhenCowboy Bebopfirst debuted in 1998, it wasn’t particularly popular. In fact, during its original run, it received mixed reviews and failed to gain widespread recognition. However, thanks to a dedicated and passionate fanbase who championed the show whenever they could,Cowboy Bebopeventually achieved cult classic status, to later be recognized as a revolutionary work with timeless relevance. While its transformation from an overlooked anime to a must-watch masterpiece might surprise some, it certainly didn’t come as a shock to its creators, especially director Shinichiro Watanabe, who shared in an interview what he believes is the secret behind the series' enduring popularity.
Not all cult classics are considered “revolutionary,” and even fewer can be described as “timeless.” However,Cowboy Bebopstands out for its unique elements, especially in the United States, where it resonated deeply with fans once they had the chance to experience it. Its retro-futuristic blend of science fiction, westerns, andfilm noircaptivated audiences.Cowboy Bebop’s exploration of serious themeslike ambition, revenge, and existentialism gives the series a timeless quality, making it relatable to viewers across generations. Its soundtrack, featuring music that remains as popular today as it was thirty years ago, adds to its lasting appeal.
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Cowboy Bebop’s Director Challenged The Production Crew To Think Differently
Naturally, these iconic elements did not appear on their own but rather are the outgrowth of the production staff’s creativity – a creativity that was galvanized and nurtured bydirector Shinichiro Watanabe’s innovative approachto letting the staff channel their inner selves. In anAnime News Networkinterviewwith theCowboy Bebopproduction crew before the series’ 20th-anniversary panel at the 2018 New York Comic Con, co-screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto recalled Watanabe’s unorthodox directive: encouraging the crew to indulge in a degree of self-absorption.
Our target audience was not kids, but ourselves and our peers. - Keiko Nobutomo
The immediate result ofWatanabe expanding the production crew’s creative licensewas that they didn’t have to focus on creating something that simply catered to children and teenagers – the primary audience for most anime. As Nobutomo further reflected, “Our target audience was not kids, but ourselves and our peers.” At that time, most of the production crew, including director Watanabe,music director Yoko Kanno, and co-scriptwriter Dai Sato,were between 28 and 35 years old. This age group traditionally leads pop-cultural trends, making them the trendsetters in popular culture.
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By empowering the production crew to create a series they’d enjoy watching, Watanabe allowed them to tap into their personal interests and expertise. This approach freed them from trying to tailor every line and design to appeal to a hypothetical teenage audience. Instead, they drew from their own experiences, which often aligned with those of their colleagues. As Nobumoto noted, the main characters – Spike, Jet, and Faye – were also in their thirties, making it easier for the crew to relate to and craft more authentic portrayals.
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Choosing an Adult Target Audience Made All the Difference
With the production crew essentially writing, drawing, and designing themselves into the series, it’s easy to see whyCowboy Bebopbecame so successful and remains iconic to this day. While Watanabe maintained overall control of the series, the opportunity for each member to “co-own” their specific area of responsibility seems to have unleashed the creative energy that ultimately madeCowboy Bebopthe cultural landmark it is today.
A prime example of the crew’s creative freedom is the series' distinctive title, which captivated American anime fans. According to the interview, the staff had settled on “Bebop” early on but struggled with what to pair it with. Co-scriptwriter Keiko Nobumoto found inspiration in Jamiroquai’s song “Space Cowboy,” realizing “space” and “cowboy” are compatible concepts. To be sure, the music video of the song exudes cowboy bebop vibes. Subsequently, she championed adding “cowboy” to the title, and the iconic nameCowboy Bebopwas born.
There was an initial fear within the production crew that focusing on their personal vision for the series might alienate younger viewers while failing to connect with adults — a possibility that proved true during its original run. However, they believed that a series about adults, by adults, and for adults would ultimately resonate with a mature audience seeking something different. They further believed that if the series could capture the attention of the peer group, the trendsetters, it was only a matter of time before the younger fanbase caught on. As Nobumoto surmised,“The truth is that kids want to watch what adults are watching.”
In retrospect,Cowboy Bebop’s unique blend of background elements positioned it for success with an international anime audience, which was just beginning to take shape at the time. As a creation of both Japanese and internationally-minded artists, it foreshadowed the global anime phenomenon that would soon emerge. Although its genius took time to be fully appreciated,Cowboy Bebopconvincingly demonstrated the benefits of empowering young creators to take ownership of their work.
Source:Anime News Network
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a 1998 animated series set in 2071, where humanity has colonized the Solar System following a catastrophic event. As crime surges, bounty hunters known as “Cowboys” are employed by the Inter Solar System Police to capture criminals in exchange for rewards.
