Well, you had to guess this one would make the list.  It’s incredibly popular and well-reviewed.  I think the popularity and praise is definitely well deserved.  This series features a rag-tag group of bounty hunters, traveling the universe in their run-down starship.  But it’s more than that.  I give you:

Cowboy Bebop

This amazing series mixes spaghetti western themes with a noir mood and a jazz infused style.  And it’s all in a sci-fi setting.  It may sound crazy, but the formula definitely works.  The series is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, who later directed the aforementioned Samurai Champloo. 

The animation is incredible - stylish and fluid.  No detail is left unfinished and nothing ever feels out of place.  The fight scenes are excellent.  In particular, the depiction of gunplay is absolutely amazing. [click to continue…]