Fans of the classic anime series Cowboy Bebop can once again own Spike Spiegel's iconic ship.
The Good Smile Company, a Japanese manufacturer of hobby products, is now accepting preorders for the rerelease of its 1/48 scale replica of the Swordfish II for "the cowboys who haven't woken from the dream." Designed by Kimitoshi Yamane, the ship "has been faithfully captured with fully articulated parts, light-up elements and highly detailed paintwork."
Measuring in at roughly 360mm (14.17 inches) in length and 300mm (11.81 inches) in width, the Swordfish II "features articulated folding wings, landing gear that can be displayed both retracted and deployed, swiveling ailerons, a telescoping and swiveling plasma cannon, an articulated air brake, removable cockpit unit, a canopy that can be opened and closed, an included pilot figure and a special stand." Moreover, "removable and interchangeable parts to display the maintenance hatches opened are also included. Lights on the ship and the engine thrust reverser light up using the included LEDs."
Cowboy Bebop made its debut on April 3, 1998, and its original run lasted until June 26, 1998. The 26-episode series was created and animated by animation studio Sunrise (Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blood Orphans) and directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (Blade Runner: Black Lotus). The show received near-universal praise from critics and went on to win several prominent science fiction and anime awards.
Bebop's story about an eclectic group of space bounty hunters has inspired a myriad of adaptations and spinoffs, including two manga series, multiple video games and a tie-in animated film, titled Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' On Heaven's Door. Most recently, Netflix released a 10-episode live-action adaptation of Cowboy Bebop. Developed by André Nemec (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, Alias) and written by Christopher Yost (The Mandalorian, Thor: Ragnarok), it stars John Cho, Mustafa Shakir, Daniella Pineda, Alex Hassel and Elena Satine.
There has been a recent surge in product re-releases and new merchandise for Cowboy Bebop thanks to Netflix's live-action adaptation of the series. Don't Panic Games, Mana Project Studio and Fumble GDR are collaborating on a new Cowboy Bebop tabletop roleplaying game (RPG), which will seek funding through a Kickstarter campaign next year. Furthermore, companies like Funko, YouTooz, First4Figures and Cucu Covers are releasing a wealth of Cowboy Bebop products like vinyl figures, resin figures and even credit cards.
The Good Smile Company's Swordfish II retails for a price of $395.99. Preorders will be available through Jan. 5, 2022, and shipping is expected to begin sometime in February 2022.
Source: The Good Smile Company
