a) people of colour outnumber white characters
b) a character has vitiligo
The show is already noteworthy for those reasons. It's simply refreshing to see something so different. One of the strengths of anime as a medium is its variety. There is an amazing variety of characters, premise, themes, you name it. Yet often, despite stories set in fantastical worlds where the creators have the freedom to make up any characters they want, they can still be lacking in diversity. Quite frankly it can be tiring when an entire cast of characters are the same race (white usually), or even the same body shape. So kudos to LeSean Thomas for putting out something different, and it never calls attention to itself either, its simply noteworthy for me as a veteran anime fan.
Is Cannon Busters a classic? No. I gave it a 7. That just means I was sufficiently entertained, it's above average but not great. But I was very close to giving it an 8. It's close to greatness. What lets it down are the main villain who is painfully generic, and the main narrative does sometimes feel a bit aimless without much momentum. Then it rushes towards a climax (begging for a sequel) with some contrived writing, but the characters are so fun it keeps you engaged.
However, the tone and structure of this show is no different than the ones that inspired it. Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, Outlaw Star, Samurai Champloo, etc. Exactly like most of those shows, this one is mostly episodic, with a main plot running in the background. Critics who bemoan this show for being a "shameless copy" must have rubbish memories or are actually lying about being fans of shows like Cowboy Bebop.
Philly is nothing remotely like Spike Spiegel. Philly is a terrible fighter, a terrible shot, he literally dies in every single episode because of how dumb he is. Unlike Spike, Philly is an unemployed immortal bum who is the target of bounties. Unlike Spike, Philly is an actual anti-hero. Spike, despite his curmudgeon attitude, is deep down a good guy from the beginning of Bebop. Philly is a piece of shit for the entirety of Cannon Busters, constantly trying to get away from his robotic companions, and that is what makes him compelling protagonist. You're not supposed to like him. He is an amusing contrast to the androids. His is a typical character arc, we are witnessing a damaged guy slowly give away inch by inch to the travelling companions around him until they become friends. In that respect, the show is more similar to Samurai Champloo than it is Bebop, but even then Cannon Busters has its own DNA.
The main narrative involving Kingdoms, princes and political intrigue is actually the least interesting thing about the show for me, the comedic episodic stuff are the highlights, as are the adorable Casey and hilarious SAM. The English dub is brilliant too, highly recommended.
If you're a fan of 90s/00s anime like those inspirations mentioned above, bounty hunter tropes, a 'badlands' landscape, episodic shenanigans, a diverse cast, an amazing opening and ending credits music, then give this show a chance. Ignore modern hyperbole, just because something isn't a masterpiece does not automatically make it a dumpster fire.
