Genre: Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi (space)
- nine thousand - Dragonball Z
- dog - Inuyasha
- boxing - Hajime no Ippo
- Toyota - Initial D
- god - Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Story
In the future where people have abandoned earth and began colonizing other planets, on a planet called Centinel 3, Gene Starwind and Jim Hawking run their own freelance business. Gene tends to do a bit of bounty hunting on the side as the business isn't as lucrative as he had hoped. One day they receive a job providing some personal protection to a fairly suspicious woman; but is an Outlaw in disguise. The events following lead Gene and Jim down a spiraling road of trouble as they encounter pirates, other bounty hunters, a prototype spaceship, and a mysterious bio-android girl. The entire series, similarly formatted like Cowboy Bebop, comprise stories of episodic nature. This formula works well as different scenarios and circumstances are presented to the characters in a fashion where they can develop. Despite the episodic nature, it follows a fairly linear style with a hint of filler to break up more intense episodes.
Characters
Gene Starwind: The main protagonist with his crimson red hair and numerous battle scars, he's the target of many booty calls. He's simple-minded and an ass at times, but is loyal and sensitive when need be. 
Jim Hawking: Son of renown computer hacker, he handles the busy/tech work for Gene. He's the epitome of sidekick in every way; covering for Gene's shortcomings. It surprises me that he's only eleven--crazy child prodigies.
Melfina: the bio-android girl Gene and Jim discover during their protection "job". Unaware of why she was created, she is mild-mannered and curious of her surroundings.
Aisha Clanclan: part of the Ctarl-Ctarl empire. A mix between a human and a tiger, she is very proud of her race; often times announcing it nearly every opportunity she gets to. Possessing super human strength and tolerance for extreme conditions in her humanoid form, she can also transform into a beast (similar to wild cats)--furries rejoice.
"Twilight" Suzuka: A woman of very few words and also a super-class assassin, no one should be messing with her. Like Melfina, her past is unknown for the most part, but she has very distinct motives for sticking around with Gene. Don't worry, she's not related to any vampires or werewolves. Voice Acting/Sound
I was originally introduced to Outlaw Star on Toonami's old afternoon schedule so I have some bias towards the English voice actors here, and for good reason; they're voiced very well. I also managed to catch the entire series with the original voice acting, and is very good as well--no complaints. Basically you can't go wrong with either. Outlaw Star's soundtrack could never possibly compare to Cowboy Bebop's, but there are quite a few memorable tracks. I do have some reservations in regard to the translation of Melfina's song (first ed) into English; a prime example in which the original trumps the dub. One could write an entire dissertation on this issue refuting my unproven point, but a simple youtube search of each will have you agreeing with my point. Regardless, the two ending tracks from Akino Arai left me awestruck; perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit, but they're not to be overlooked.
Loved
Fred Luo: Gene Starwind's personal benefactor. He's always around to help Gene out in his time of need for weapons and supplies. The first time I watched the series, the notion of him being homosexual completely flew over my head. Perhaps I wasn't paying attention, but I just thought he was a super good friend. Since watching this the second/third time through, I finally get it... Poorman's Life: For those who have watched Cowboy Bebop, the life of a bounty hunter isn't easy as funds will often times be an issue, Outlaw Star is no different. You'll be seeing Gene and Jim penny pinching and looking to cut on costs whenever they can along with their continual badgering of their friend Fred for monetary help.
Hated
Inconsistent Animation: Over the course of the series, one will start to notice some inconsistencies with nearly all the characters. Facial expressions will seem off along with torsos and limbs looking slimmer than usual (especially with Gene). This is not to dismiss the animation altogether; most action scenes involving the ships are fluid and well done.
Episode 23: If anyone remembers the original Toonami airing of the series, the plot seemed to make an abrupt jump towards the last few episodes. This episode was purely a fanservice episode showcasing the ladies of Outlaw Star (especially Aisha) on a . Despite it being as such, the episode did offer information about the caster shell types and the aftereffects of the ones Gene received. Again, I'm not a big fan of random nudity tossed in for it ultimately alienates a set audience. The Lowdown: Nostalgia is a strong factor in my recommendation of Outlaw Star. Again, those expecting it to be as great as Cowboy Bebop might be a little disappointed, but anyone looking for a wholesome sci-fi adventure should look no further.
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