At long last, the moment has finally arrived. From its very first episode, Bodacious Space Pirates has been promising an absurd mixture of high schoolers and space derring-do, echoing the heady and largely anime-specific combination exemplified by titans like Girls und Panzer, or like a dozen different ‘80s cybercrime OVAs. “Cute girls and scifi stuff” might stand as anime’s most enduring promise – directors across anime history have noted the necessity of “mecha and moe,” whether they’re lauding this trend or raging against it.
Rather than an absurdist stretch, Bodacious Space Pirates is actually one of the more grounded examples of the form. Frequently, it’s just sort of a default anime assumption that everyone is going to be young, beautiful, and wildly out of their depth, with only the occasional Evangelion wondering why this is the state of affairs. But Space Pirates’ own characters are surprised and amused by its improbable turns, lending the show a sense of realistic weight and self-effacing humor that amplify its distinct appeal. Space Pirates never indulges in the pandering its title might imply; it is as respectful of its female characters as it is of its hard scifi mechanics, drawing deadpan comedy out of the contrast between its concept and execution. The show’s straight-faced tonal contradictions are never more prominent or hilarious than when Marika is leading the yacht club to glory, so I’m eager to see her new crew board the Bentenmaru. Let’s get to the action!