I have a ridiculous backlog of television, comics, manga and anime. Cannon Busters had to be moved to the front. Only because I kept seeing horrible reviews of it. "Professionals," who get paid to review anime just ranting about how people like it because LeSean Thomas is "supposedly black." I can't say I've ever met Mr. Thomas in person, but I am 100% sure he is actually black. I mean actual reviewers got paid to write those reviews.
I don't get paid for this. If you want me to get paid, buy a book, read Exsanguinate and leave a tip or something. Shameless plug, I know. But, I'm about to give you an honest review for free. Not some racist garbage about SJWs ruining anime. Nor am I going to tell you that you're anti-black if you don't watch Cannon Busters. With that being said, let's dive in.
Cannon Busters takes place in the wild west, of outer space. Guns, magic, robots and samurai are all common place around the world of Gearbot. Our story picks up after the city of Botica is attacked. Separating Prince Kelby and his companion bot Sam. Sam goes on a mission to reunite with Prince Kelby. Sam finds her own team of travel companions. Casey Turnbuckle who is an abandoned and outdated repair droid that rescued her, Philly The Kid an immortal that does not bathe and occasionally the alcoholic ninja known as Nine. All roads lead to Lock, a magician using forbidden magic claiming to be the son of the king and Prince Kelby's brother.
That sounds like a lot, but it plays well. They don't overwhelm you and give you everything at once. Some cities have the occasional bot and are more wild west. Others seem like magical towns. Still there are some that seem futuristic. The technology and fashion blend together well. Take Philly for instance. He dresses like this is the wild west and carries a revolver. But, he drives Bessy a car that transforms into a mech, the gun he caries clearly has some modifications on it so he comes off more as a space cowboy.
Character wise, they've all got their flaws and that makes them a little more likeable in my eyes. Sam, overly positive, and can be confused like a child. Sometimes things like humans needing to eat have to be explained to her. Casey, extremely gullible and was willing to commit suicide because a rusted old junk bot said she was useless. Philly, is just a jerk, he stinks, he's a liar and a cheat. I guess he doesn't have many redeeming characteristics, he's still likeable. Everyone has one character they hate, mine is Prince Kelby. He's starts as this idealistic brat that knows everything. Then he tries to be super tough and just gets captured. Figure your life out buddy. That's not even getting into some of the characters who aren't in the main cast. Just know, all of the characters are done well and have their flaws. Nobody in this show is perfect, except Bessy.
Let's talk about actual flaws of the show. There's only 12 episodes, but a lot of unanswered questions. I remember talking about Cannon Busters when it was a comic book in maybe 2010. Then I remember there was talks of anime for sure, around 2015. First it was Crunchy Roll, then there were rumors of Hulu. Finally Netflix puts it out in 2019. I'm only mentioning that because of how long people have waited. With that said, there are way too many unanswered questions for a season 2 that isn't promised. We know Botica probably killed Philly's family, and he sold his soul for immortality to seek revenge. We don't know why they would have killed his family. The villains know of Philly on a personal level, not just because of his bounty, but we don't know why. In the last episode it is revealed that Sam is a Cannon Buster, and there are others like her in Botica. We only get maybe twenty seconds of explanation of what Cannon Busters are. Why does Botica have cannon busters, but had no defenses the night they were attacked? Why did so many of the kingdoms agree to outlaw magic. Is Lock really The King's son? How did he become so disfigured. I wouldn't care about so many open ended questions if a season 2 was guaranteed, but there hasn't been any announcement. We didn't really know season 1 was coming out until it was in our hands. There's just too many questions to sleep easily at night.
I like Cannon Busters and not just for the incredible ending theme. So do I think it lived up to all the hype? No, this has been nearly a decade in the making. Nothing can live up to that much hype. I am excited and hoping for a new season to come as soon as possible. There's a lot of cliffhangers I want and need answers to. If there's isn't a second season, I'll settle for the comics to return. At this point, I'm invested in the story and need to see where we head from here. I'm locked in and you should be too.
You can check out some of my fiction at 12 AM Fiction or follow my web serial Exsanguinate and of course hear me on the Powerbomb Jutsu podcast.
Follow @OriginalKingD
