What is Planetes?#
Planetes is a compelling blend of science fiction, drama, and psychological exploration. The story follows Hachimaki Hoshino, a space garbage man whose daily job involves collecting everything from discarded satellites to tiny screws. This might sound mundane, but in the vacuum of space, these fragments can punch holes through innocent spaceships at high speeds.
While his current job is grueling, Hachi dreams of owning his own spaceship. He sees a golden opportunity to earn the necessary funds by joining the crew for the first manned trip to Jupiter. However, his journey is fraught with obstacles, including armed terrorists, his own inner demons, and the looming presence of the grim reaper. Along the way, he is supported by his friends Yuri, Fee, and Tanabe.
If you are looking to dive into this world, you can watch the anime on Prime Video, which often collaborates with Crunchyroll in various regions.
Is the Anime Finished?#
Yes, the Planetes anime is a completed series that aired from October 2003 to April 2004. Because it is an adaptation of a manga that concluded its run in 2004, viewers can expect a cohesive experience.
While the anime provides a structured narrative, those who want the most comprehensive version of the story may wish to explore the original source material. The manga provides the foundation for the anime’s events, and for those who find the anime’s conclusion leaves them wanting more, buying the Planetes manga omnibus volumes is a great way to fill in the gaps.
Who Should Watch Planetes?#
This series is best suited for audiences who enjoy “hard” science fiction and character-driven dramas. Unlike space operas focused purely on galactic war, Planetes focuses on the psychological toll of space travel and the romance and relationships that bloom in the isolation of the void.
Its appeal lies in its grounded approach to space exploration, combining adventure with a reflective look at human ambition. If you enjoy stories about the working class in extraordinary settings, Planetes is a must-watch. To support our research into these series, feel free to buy us a coffee on Ko-fi.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on your preference for how you consume stories, there are a few ways to approach this franchise. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page for a visual breakdown of the connections between the works.
Release Order#
For those who want to experience the series as it was originally released to the public:
- Planetes Manga (1999–2004)
- Planetes Anime (2003–2004)
Completionist Order#
If you want the full experience including all available context and depth, we recommend reading the manga first and then watching the anime adaptation. This allows you to appreciate the nuances of the adaptation process. After finishing both, you can hunt for Planetes merchandise to commemorate the journey.
The “Anime First” Path#
For those who prefer visual storytelling, starting with the anime is perfectly viable. Once you’ve finished the series, you can transition to the manga to see the original vision of the story and any details that may have been altered for the screen.
Additional Information#
For those who prefer physical media or specific localizations, Planetes has seen various releases over the years, including Blu-rays from Anime Limited. Additionally, Crunchyroll has recently added the anime with an English dub, making it more accessible to a wider audience than ever before.
Planetes • manga • 1999-01-13 to 2004-01-08 (irregularly in Morning, 1999 #7 - 2004 #6)
└─(adaptation)→ Planetes • anime • 2003-10-04 to 2004-04-17
