Review of Space Dandy

This is an unusual anime. It does not take itself seriously and bears similarities to... galaxy angel and many other works. In essence it is based on a loos idea of space adventures - the old kind of space adventures where universe can be magical and anything possible. The protagonist - "space dandy" is looking for previously unknown aliens for profit. And in that setting all kind of things happen. Sometimes the anime is comedic. Sometimes it gets sad. And very often it si surreal and even psychodelic. It doesn't take your breath away, but it is definitely enjoyable, and unusual enough to watch it. Detailed breakdownbelow:

Story: 6/10
The story is episodic in nature, and has similarity to galaxy angels. Meaning that episodes are separate from each other, and on occasion next episode completely dismisses previous one. Basically, it is not as extreme as galaxy angel's "story reset" at each next episode but it is quite close to it.

The anime is quite ironic, on occasion self-references, and break 4th wall in couple of places. The overall feeling is that somebody just took the idea and tried to have fun with it, in somewhat silly and humorous manner.

The theme of an episode can be anything. From serious, to silly, and to surreal. Some of the alien landscapes and locatiosn were quite amazing. And were indeed, very alien.

If that makes sense.

Art: 8/10:
It didn't make me go wow, but it is very solid and high budget. This animation is extremely fluid along with visual style. Here it is hard to find even a single frame where somebody stays tsill and only opens/closes mouths - as it happens in many cheaper animes. Characters, even minor ones have life in them. I would say that it even bears resemblance to miyazaki's movies in terms of animation quality and attention to characters.

The anime does use CG in couple of occasions, but it is very well done and nearly impossible to spot.

Very solid art work, and very good animation.

Sound: 7/10:
It is good. it is not breathtaking, but it fits atmosphere of anime well, and doesn't get in your way. It is also unique enough. Basically, you won't find anything similar to "hall of mountain king" or "night at the bald mountain", but it blends very well with the atmosphere and story of the anim, and it works.

Characters: 6/10:
They're walking jokes/caricatures, pretty much. however, within bounds of a single epsidoe they can be complex and lifelike. Despite constant jokes, watching interactions between them is enjoyable.

Enjoyment: 7/10:
I liked it, but wouldn't say I was utterly amazed. Maybe I saw a too much stuff.

Overall: 7/10:
It is a very good anime with high production values. I wouldn't put it at the same level as some of the masterpieces worth watching, but it is definitely worth a watch, mostly due to amazing animations, psychodelic sequences, and humorous story.

Overall the anime looks like as if it was something from 1990s that was done today instead - with better technologies and animation qualities. There's minor amoutn of what some people could consider fanservice (mostly cute girls and certain cafe), but it doesn't really go overboard with it.

It is worth a watch. Definitely.