About Appleseed#
Set in the 22nd Century, Appleseed takes place in a world decimated by a non-nuclear Third World War. As traditional powerhouses like France, China, and Great Britain struggle to maintain order, new international organizations have risen from the ashes, most notably “Poseidon” and the “Sacred Republique of Mumna.”
Blending elements of high-stakes police work with mecha technology, Appleseed offers a gritty look at a futuristic society attempting to rebuild itself.
Is the Anime Finished?#
Whether Appleseed is “finished” depends on which version you are watching. Because the franchise consists of several different adaptations of the original 1985 manga, there isn’t one single linear anime series to complete.
If you watch a specific adaptation path, you will find a conclusion to that particular retelling. However, since these are adaptations of a larger body of work, those seeking the most comprehensive version of the story should look toward the original source material. You can buy the Appleseed manga to fill in any gaps left by the various anime versions.
Who is This Anime For?#
Appleseed is a must-watch for fans of the Science Fiction and Action genres. Specifically, it will appeal to viewers who enjoy:
- Mecha: High-tech machinery and futuristic combat.
- Police Procedurals: Stories focusing on law enforcement and maintaining order in chaotic environments.
- Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic Settings: Exploring how humanity reorganizes itself after a global catastrophe.
If you enjoy complex world-building centered on the tension between different global political entities, this series is for you. If you’re ready to jump in, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Recommended Watch Orders#
Because Appleseed has several different timelines and adaptations, the “best” order depends on what you are looking for. Please refer to the relationship tree below the article for a visual guide to these connections.
The Release Order#
For those who want to see how the franchise evolved over time, follow the release dates:
- Appleseed (1988)
- Appleseed (2004)
- Appleseed: Ex Machina (2007)
- Appleseed XIII (2011)
- Appleseed Alpha (2014)
The Narrative Paths#
If you prefer a more focused story, you can choose one of these specific paths:
- The Modern Continuity: Start with the 2004 Appleseed movie and follow it up with the sequel, Appleseed: Ex Machina.
- The XIII Path: Watch Appleseed XIII, followed by its remix, Appleseed XIII: Tartaros & Ouranos.
- The Alternate Retelling: Watch Appleseed Alpha for a standalone reimagining of the story.
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every piece of the puzzle, we recommend starting with the 1985 manga. From there, you can explore all the anime adaptations (1988, 2004, XIII, and Alpha) and their respective sequels or remixes. For the ultimate experience, you can even dive into the Appleseed α manga spinoff.
If you find this guide helpful in navigating the complex world of Appleseed, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi to keep our research going!
Further Reading and Collectibles#
Beyond the anime, Appleseed has a rich history of publications. Dark Horse has announced Deluxe Editions of the original Appleseed manga, the Appleseed Companion, and the Shirow Masamune Anthology.
Whether you are looking for the manga to get the full story or official merchandise to celebrate the series, there are plenty of ways to dive deeper into the 22nd century.
Appleseed • manga • 1985-02-15
└─(adaptation)→ Appleseed • anime • 2004-04-17
└─(sequel)→ Appleseed: Ex Machina • anime • 2007-10-20
└─(alternate retelling)→ Appleseed Alpha • anime • 2014-07-15
└─(spinoff)→ Appleseed α • manga • 2014-07-22 to 2015-11-21 (serialized in Monthly Morning two)
└─(adaptation)→ Appleseed • anime • 1988
└─(adaptation)→ Appleseed XIII • anime • 2011-06-03 (Nico Nico Douga online streaming)
└─(remix)→ Appleseed XIII: Tartaros & Ouranos • anime • 2011-06-13
