Trigun is a “sci-fi western” series that was developed in the 1990s by then-fledgling mangaka Yasuhiro Nightow, and the “western” elements that are sometimes more thematic in Cowboy Bebop are full setting overtones in Trigun (although the two are independent series, Bebop and Trigun have always been seen as spiritual companion pieces). Following the exploits of the infamous-yet-pacifist outlaw Vash the Stampede who takes on criminal heists in a futuristic wasteland, the series is known both for its manga and anime incarnations. Across its various incarnations, the specifics of each entry play a big role in getting the most out of this underrated gem of a series.
RELATED: Why Trigun Needs the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Treatment
The Original Trigun Manga
The initial Trigun manga was serialized for the Monthly Shōnen Captain manga magazine in 1995 and 1996; by the time the magazine had shut down in early 1997, there had been enough for three full volumes of the serial story, published by the magazine’s parent company Tokuma Shoten with extra bonus chapters.
In English, a translation was printed in not three, but two longer volumes by Dark Horse Comics in 2003. The manga’s translations from Dark Horse are still available, also taking digital availability in more recent years.
Trigun Maximum: The Longer “Sequel” with a Different Name
Because the shōnen manga magazine printing the original Trigun series had closed in 1997, Nightow was approached by another legendary manga publication, Yangu Kingu Awāzu. While the new publication was interested in starting a new series for their older demographic, Nightow’s interest in continuing the unfinished saga of Trigun led to its continuation under a new name, Trigun Maximum. While the target demographic for the magazine was typically a little more mature, Nightow has stated that there was little to no difference in the content beyond just continuing the story as he saw fit.
RELATED: New Trigun Anime Series Announced for 2023
Perhaps ironically, Trigun Maximum has braved serialization for considerably longer than the original Trigun, going from another decade of 1998-2008. Translations are readily available by Dark Horse similarly to the original, and they’re collected in 14 volumes for a total of 17 between Trigun and Trigun Maximum.
The Trigun Anime Series (And New Series Announcement)
The anime is regarded to respectably adhere to the source manga both in terms of its plot arcs and its tone, although there is a recurring judgment among fans that the manga goes into more complex, plot-intensive details while anime makes the most out of its comedic dialogue. Likewise, the series has a strong reputation for its soundtrack(s), which feature compositions by Japanese guitarist Tsuneo Imahori and are available in three separate Japanese releases.
In June 2022 it was announced that there is going to be a new anime series, Trigun Stampede, animated by Studio Orange with the involvement of Nightow. More information on this new project is set to be unveiled at Anime Expo 2022 in Los Angeles this July, and it’s sure to invigorate the fandom of this anime classic.
Trigun: Badlands Rumble
Lastly, the success of the Trigun anime prompted the creation of a feature-length film, Trigun: Badlands Rumble, that was released in 2010. The first piece of Trigun media since the completion of the manga in 2008, the film is a strong dose to, perhaps even a good introduction to, the series’ endearing balance of action and comedy. The animation is similarly handled by Madhouse, with strong 2D animation only sometimes interspersed with semi-noticeable CGI during the more dynamic action sequences. Badlands Rumble is widely available, streaming on Hulu, free on Tubi in its English dub, and with both dubs and subs available to stream on Crunchyroll.
If you’re interested in giving the Trigun franchise a go, Badlands Rumble may prove to be the strongest and most approachable starting point. Those who want to see more of the world and dynamics would enjoy the anime, and fans who want more plotting and involved characterizations would take a liking to the anime. The franchise is regarded by its fans to be very consistent across its different iterations, perhaps excepting the vaporware PS2 game that was announced by Bandai Namco in 2002 and never came out, despite having technically never been officially canceled. Safe to say, you should be able to weave your way through the franchise before we ever see more of that part.
MORE: How to Get into Naruto: Everything You Need to Know About the Anime & Manga
