Rating: 
Summary: Hardly a substitute for the anime, but still a great read.
Review: "Cowboy Bebop" has been dubbed one of the greatest anime series ever, and rightfully so. Its plots are original and action-packed, its dub has been called one of the best ever done, and its characters are some of the most beloved characters in the anime community. So it's no surprise that TOKYOPOP decided to bring the "Cowboy Bebop" manga to the States. Using TOKYOPOP's new "100% Authentic Manga" format, the manga is a set of stories told within the universe of "Cowboy Bebop" before the final set of episodes. Sadly, the manga is nothing compared to the anime masterpiece; even so, fans of the series and fans of manga in general owe it to themselves to give this manga a look at least.The anime series follows an episode-like format for the most of its 26-episode run (meaning episodes don't have overlapping storylines), and the manga is no different. The first volume of the "Cowboy Bebop" manga presents four different stories that deal with the characters of the "Bebop", following their adventures and misadventures as they try to nab bounties so they can collect the reward money and get food in their stomachs. Almost any "Cowboy Bebop" fan will praise the anime series as having highly original stories and adventures that define the series. Unfortunately, that same fan will most likely look at the stories in the manga and say they are formulaic. Also, the stories has odd pacing issues in several areas, making the volume feel a little unbalanced. Even so, the stories are quite entertaining and do capture some of the charm of the anime. But anyone hoping the manga will hold over as a substitute for the anime until the "Cowboy Bebop" movie arrives on American shores will be sorely disappointed. Visually, some fans might be put off by the artist's interpretation of the characters. Characters in the manga do resemble their anime counterparts, but sometimes they can look a tad-bit distorted. And seeing Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein in chibi-like forms can be a little awkward, considering this rarely happened in the anime. Still, the visual artwork of the manga isn't anything to be disgusted at, but fans of the anime will wants to approach this with caution. In terms of translation, I can honestly say that TOKYOPOP is getting better. Previous efforts such as "Cardcaptor Sakura" and "Gundam Wing" used text that was most likely typed in a machine, resulting in several horrible typos, and TOKYOPOP has always been known to deliver mediocre translations. With "Cowboy Bebop", the text appears to be drawn and not typed, resulting in fewer typos; I couldn't find any at all in this volume. While the translation might be questionable to some people, it doesn't sound static and flat; I actually consider this one of TOKYOPOP's better efforts. And with TOKYOPOP's new "100% Authentic Format", the volume is read right-to-left, giving it a more authentic feel. It also makes the artwork clearer to see; since it hasn't been photo-reversed, the artwork isn't blurred, dimmed, or distorted. All in all, "Cowboy Bebop" is a good manga series, but only for the right kind of person. Fans of the anime will want to be careful with this series, and manga readers unfamiliar with the anime should also be wary. Still, the manga is very entertaining and is good enough to hold the "Cowboy Bebop" name. And thanks to TOKYOPOP's better-than-normal translation and their "100% Authentic Manga" format, the manga can be enjoyed even further. Until volume 2, "SEE YOU, SPACE COWBOY..."
Rating:
Summary: Hardly a substitute for the anime, but still a great read.
Review: "Cowboy Bebop" has been dubbed one of the greatest anime series ever, and rightfully so. Its plots are original and action-packed, its dub has been called one of the best ever done, and its characters are some of the most beloved characters in the anime community. So it's no surprise that TOKYOPOP decided to bring the "Cowboy Bebop" manga to the States. Using TOKYOPOP's new "100% Authentic Manga" format, the manga is a set of stories told within the universe of "Cowboy Bebop" before the final set of episodes. Sadly, the manga is nothing compared to the anime masterpiece; even so, fans of the series and fans of manga in general owe it to themselves to give this manga a look at least. The anime series follows an episode-like format for the most of its 26-episode run (meaning episodes don't have overlapping storylines), and the manga is no different. The first volume of the "Cowboy Bebop" manga presents four different stories that deal with the characters of the "Bebop", following their adventures and misadventures as they try to nab bounties so they can collect the reward money and get food in their stomachs. Almost any "Cowboy Bebop" fan will praise the anime series as having highly original stories and adventures that define the series. Unfortunately, that same fan will most likely look at the stories in the manga and say they are formulaic. Also, the stories has odd pacing issues in several areas, making the volume feel a little unbalanced. Even so, the stories are quite entertaining and do capture some of the charm of the anime. But anyone hoping the manga will hold over as a substitute for the anime until the "Cowboy Bebop" movie arrives on American shores will be sorely disappointed. Visually, some fans might be put off by the artist's interpretation of the characters. Characters in the manga do resemble their anime counterparts, but sometimes they can look a tad-bit distorted. And seeing Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein in chibi-like forms can be a little awkward, considering this rarely happened in the anime. Still, the visual artwork of the manga isn't anything to be disgusted at, but fans of the anime will wants to approach this with caution. In terms of translation, I can honestly say that TOKYOPOP is getting better. Previous efforts such as "Cardcaptor Sakura" and "Gundam Wing" used text that was most likely typed in a machine, resulting in several horrible typos, and TOKYOPOP has always been known to deliver mediocre translations. With "Cowboy Bebop", the text appears to be drawn and not typed, resulting in fewer typos; I couldn't find any at all in this volume. While the translation might be questionable to some people, it doesn't sound static and flat; I actually consider this one of TOKYOPOP's better efforts. And with TOKYOPOP's new "100% Authentic Format", the volume is read right-to-left, giving it a more authentic feel. It also makes the artwork clearer to see; since it hasn't been photo-reversed, the artwork isn't blurred, dimmed, or distorted. All in all, "Cowboy Bebop" is a good manga series, but only for the right kind of person. Fans of the anime will want to be careful with this series, and manga readers unfamiliar with the anime should also be wary. Still, the manga is very entertaining and is good enough to hold the "Cowboy Bebop" name. And thanks to TOKYOPOP's better-than-normal translation and their "100% Authentic Manga" format, the manga can be enjoyed even further. Until volume 2, "SEE YOU, SPACE COWBOY..."
Rating: 
Summary: Sorry to be Such a Downer...
Review: Don't get me wrong folks, I am an avid Bebop fan, but I was a little disappointed in the first gaphic novel. After watching the television series and buying three soundtracks (all of which were amazing), I expected to be completely blown away by the comic books.
Unfortunately, the plots for the most part are pretty weak and do not really hold the reader's attention. I also noticed the character designs in the manga have changed, especially for Spike and Faye (not really for the better in my opinion). In addition, the story "We Will Rock You" is probably the only one in the book that remotely lives up to the name Bebop.
I would only recommend this graphic novel for die -hard fans who aren't likely to let it ruin their impression of Cowboy Bebop. Otherwise, you are better off spending your money on the second book of the manga series.
Rating:
Summary: 3,2,1, lets jam!
Review: Great! while there is a lack of action scenes, and the couple don't last long, it's still a good read. The personality of each character is displayed well, which must be hard with these characters.
Overall it's a must get, wether you've seen the bebop or not you can get right into it and begin. see you space cowboy...
Rating: 
Summary: A LITTLE CONFUSING
Review: I am a big fan of Cowboy Bebop so I was highly disappointed when I read this manga produced by Yutaka Nanten and Hajime Yatate. It seemed to be missing all the elements of the anime that made the series a classic. There are 4 stories in this first book. "It's Showtime" is about the conflict that occurs when the Bebop crew tries to work alone but finds out that all their seperate bounties are all in the same place at the same time. In "We Will Rock You" Spike has to infiltrate and find a bounty already in prison, if that makes any sense? A rich man becomes so bored in the next story that he puts a bounty on himself to add spice to his life in "Cheap Trick". "Black Diamond" is the last story in which Faye Valentine becomes the hunted. There were 2 things working against this book. The stories seemed contrived and lazily written. The whole reason the anime was successful was because it never went down a previously trodden path. This manga was like a hollywood production of Bebop. Superficial and dumb. Another thing working against it was the art itself. When action occurs the artist doesn't draw it coherently. Half the time, I was wondering exactly what went on in a panel because it was so unclear. Also, the book really wasn't funny and lacked the Bebop trademark humor of intelligence and irony and sarcasm. It seemed like it was written by someone who had never seen the show...
Rating:
Summary: Stylistic Surprise
Review: I bought this volume of the Bebop manga at Anime Expo 2002 out of laziness since I didn't want to order online or go to a bookstore to get it. Go figure. ^_^ But anyway, most hardcore Bebop fans are in for a shocker since the artwork doesn't closely resemble that of the anime series, except for Jet, Ed, and Ein, who still look pretty much the same. Spike and Faye look a lot younger here, but who cares?! Story and character-wise, the manga series stays true to the Bebop anime, retaining that "cool" style and humor. Plus, what makes the manga even more desirable is the fact that none of the stories in here are a retelling of the anime -- it's a collection of original side adventures that the Bebop crew embark upon. In addition, since this is the translated, unflopped, Tokyopop release, I must say that they did an excellent job in the translations and comic wording department. It'll take newbies some getting used to since you have to read this book right-to-left, as goes with all Japanese manga. But after the first time around, you pick the reading format up easily, so it shouldn't be much of a problem afterwards. In the end, is it a must for Bebop fans? Oh yes, most definitely. *Side Note* I think this graphic novel is worth getting for the 2nd story alone, "We Will Rock You." Check out Spike trying to escape the clutches of a male-prisoner-turned-Marilyn-Monroe-wannabe. It's too hilarious to miss out on. Seriously.
Rating:
Summary: utterly marvalous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: i could image all the stories in this manga being draw out and made into new episodes for the series. if your as sad as i am about the swift end to this remarkable series and are craving a little more, i highly recommend that you check out this manga.
Rating:
Summary: What the........!?
Review: I love this! If you are a fan of the series, you will love this.
It takes a few panels to get used to the different style of animation. Don't get me wrong, it's all good, but it's just a change from what you are used to seeing them as. That difference melts away as you get enveloped by the stories. It's great to see something like this. I can't wait to see more volumes.
And in this one Faye makes the guys' jaws drop. She gets a little more flirty in the manga, and it's really funny.
Ed is written well, I'd imagine it would be pretty hard to write Ed, but in this, she is perfect.
And Spike has to undergo a body cavity search(what?!)..
Ahem!
I recommend that anyone who watched the anime and loved it, please please read these, they are great, and in a way pretty darn refreshing.
-Sephariel
Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!
Review: I think the manga is GREAT!
ANY BEBOP FAN WILL ENJOY IT!
The stories are original and the art is EXCELLENT,
Any Bebop fan should pick it up!!!! :D
Rating: 
Summary: Likely good
Review: I was shocked when I saw the price tag usually new manga is alot more expensive but this isn't a bad price. I heard alot about Cowboy Bebop the anime series, but never got around to watch it. When I went shopping the other day I saw this manga at the store and descided to get it. I liked it! The art and characters where great! I had some good laughs in a couple of the chapters. I think I found myself a new manga series. So go buy it! You will like it!
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