Coming out in 1981, the sequel, Adieu Galaxy Express 999 is a fantastic classic. Directed by Rintaro, whom also directed the first Galaxy Express movie, made another with top notch space action. This is a direct sequel of our main protagonist Tetsuro Hoshino, now, back on Earth fighting the machines for survival. Tetsuro is now older, and just as loud and reckless as before. He continues to fight, and throughout the beginning of the movie really sets the mood in how Earth and the universe are all trying to survive against human immortality by mechanization. Then, a message from the blond bombshell herself, Maetel, reaches Tetsuro.She tells him to once again board the 999 train, and the real journey begins. Much like the previous show and movie, the underlining plot is hidden in mystery, and only Maetel knows what is in store for our loud-mouth protagonist.

The music consistently sets the mood perfectly and the detail in animation is breathtaking. It is also a great representation of the era this was made in, as well as a leap in animation itself. All things from the stars reflecting off of the train’s glass to the neon lights emanating throughout the cities brings nothing but pure animated beauty to the eyes.

Sure this is much like the last movie in story with some good old repeated action sequences. However, do not let such small things take away from the setting and greatness that is Adieu Galaxy Express 999. This is the prettiest thing to date in 1981, with an amazingly deep story of humans, androids, and what it means to truly live.