Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are searching for a direct anime adaptation of Future-Retro Hero Story (also known as Uchuu Eiyuu Monogatari, Space Hero Story, or Space Hero Tales), there is an important distinction to make: the original Future-Retro Hero Story is a manga that debuted in June 1989, not an anime.
However, if you are looking for the animated experience within this universe, you will likely be looking for Outlaw Star. The Outlaw Star anime aired from January 8, 1998, to June 25, 1998. Because it is a legacy title, you can find it across various platforms; for instance, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to see the story unfold.
Audience and Appeal#
Based on its genres, this series is a perfect fit for fans of Science Fiction and Comedy. It blends the vastness of space with humorous elements, making it ideal for viewers who enjoy lighthearted yet imaginative interstellar adventures. If you love the aesthetic of space-faring crews and comedic timing, this is a series for you.
While you’re getting excited for the journey, you might want to pick up some Outlaw Star merchandise to complete the experience!
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Because this series has a complex relationship between its original manga, spinoffs, and adaptations, the order in which you consume the content depends on your goals. Please refer to the relationship tree provided on this page for a visual guide to these connections.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the content as it was released to the general public in animated form:
- Outlaw Star (Anime)
- Angel Links (Anime)
Completionist Order#
For those who want every single detail and the full history of the universe, we recommend following the chronological progression of the source material and its derivatives:
- Future-Retro Hero Story (Manga)
- Outlaw Star (Manga)
- Outlaw Star (Anime)
- Angel Links (Anime)
Source-Material Path#
If you don’t mind reading to get the full story before diving into the animation, start by buying the Future-Retro Hero Story manga, then move to the Outlaw Star manga before watching the Outlaw Star and Angel Links anime series.
Additional Information#
Over the years, the availability of these titles has shifted. News reports indicate that Outlaw Star has appeared on various services including Hulu, Funimation, and Toonami, though it has also been removed from platforms like Crunchyroll in the past. Always check current regional availability when searching for the series.
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Future-Retro Hero Story • manga • 1989-06
└─(spinoff)→ Outlaw Star • manga • 1996 to 1999
└─(adaptation)→ Outlaw Star • anime • 1998-01-08 to 1998-06-25
└─(spinoff)→ Angel Links • anime • 1999-04-07 to 1999-06-30
