Plot: An empire known as the “Galactic Empire” expanded its influence across the galaxy, which was then met with resistance from planets willing to stand against their invaders. Our heroine's home planet, Sea of the Morningstar, fought against their overseers in a war for independence. Due to being a lone planet against this mighty empire, they passed a law that granted them the assistance of space pirates in order to win their fight for independence. A hundred years later and now we are in present time of the series' heroine, Katou Marika. One day, two pirates, part of our heroine’s recently deceased father’s crew, appear to notify Marika and her mother that she is the one that must inherit her father’s ship and position as Captain. Thus begins Marika’s adventure into the wonders of traversing the galaxies as a (bodacious) space pirate captain! The plot feels like any ol’ sci-fi story with some interesting qualities that capture a viewer’s attention, but the way scenes are presented make viewers think the plot can develop into something extraordinary.
Characters: A lovely, but ordinary girl with some likable qualities is what Katou Marika is so far. Her greatest strength as a character is the appeal of her super-relatability and that she shows the courage and interest to question things and take action because of the events occurring in her life. Marika displays an instinctive urge for expansion and growth, which leaves viewers with pleasant feelings for our lovable heroine. In contrast to the ordinary and admirable Marika, there is also another heroine in Bodacious Space Pirates, Kurihara Chiaki.
Chiaki is dark, cold, and mysterious, almost even an antithesis to Marika. She does however have a moment where she breaks out of her cold demeanor through something that many would not be able to shield themselves against, a chocolate parfait. Through this one moment, viewers now know she must have soft side underneath her shroud of secrets. Our two heroines, Marika and Chiaki, serve as excellent foils to each other and this relationship makes for some enjoyable interaction between the two.
As for the supporting characters in Bodacious Space Pirates, there isn't much disclosed about them in the span of two episodes, but they have eye catching designs that promise to make sure the whole cast enjoyable to watch. An example of the great character design in Bodacious Space Pirates is how Marika’s mother, Katou Ririka, is a strong and affectionate mother that can hold her own in a gun fight. After all, how many mothers in anime can you name that start off a series by shouting “Time for some piracy!” alongside her crew members guns blazing? The voice actors do quite well in bringing these characters to life (Hanazawa Kana fans, Chiaki’s there for you).
Art and Animation: Top tier grades all around for Bodacious Space Pirates in this category. An excellent level of detail is put into the character designs and backgrounds. The animation feels very fluid and smooth with well done camera movement. The anime also displays some very interesting concepts of futuristic technology which adds well to sci-fi feeling of the anime.
Music: All of the tracks played so far fits well with the anime’s sci-fi theme. The OP and ED songs reflect the series quite well.
Overall: A very promising show that deserves some praise for what it has shown so far. Anybody looking for something to watch from this season should definitely give Bodacious Space Pirates a try!
Author's Personal Statement: Yuri plz between two main heroines, kthnxbai.
