We take a look at where you should start with Space Dandy.
Ad content continues below
Like any astro-rogue worth his salt, Dandy has a couple of colourful sidekicks.
The second episode is devoted to the quest for a decent bowl of ramen.
But at the same time,Space Dandyalso functions magnificently as pure sci-fi.
Another alien is able to transfer the consciousness of other characters into inanimate stuffed toys.
Gradually, however, common threads start to appear between each episode.
Dr Gels ship aptly sums upSpace Dandys mix of weird humour and sci-fi savvy cleverness.
Its essentially the head of the Statue of Liberty with thrusters attached to the back.
The statue also has a gigantic ball gag in its mouth, like the ones inPulp Fiction.
Is the ape-like Dr Gel and his chosen transport an irreverent homage toPlanet Of The Apes?
Episodes freely reference everything from 80s videogames (Galagasa regular touchstone) toGroundhog Dayto old Japanese henshin mecha shows.
It would be remiss not to mention thatSpace Dandyalso looks and sounds brilliant.
Most of all,Space Dandyworks because its characters are so immediately likeable.
I cant recall another animated series that Ive devoured quite as quickly as this one.
But even if there isnt, the 26 episodes that make up the currentSpace Dandysaga are damn near perfect.
An early example of just how flexible theSpace Dandyformat is.
One by one, the crew of the Aloha Oe are infected by a zombie virus.
The pooch turns out to be none other than Laika, the first dog in space.
A time-loop episode based onGroundhog Days concept,Theres Always Tomorrow, Babymakes the idea its own.
The episode exemplifies how effortlesslySpace Dandys writers can weave humour and thought-provoking sci-fi.
Heres an episode that shows off some ofSpace Dandys great animation.
