Overview of Sunabozu (Desert Punk)#
Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic future, Sunabozu (also known as Desert Punk) takes place in the arid and desolate Kanto desert. The story follows Sunabozu, an infamous hired gun and mercenary known for his unorthodox tactics and clever tricks. Whether he is working as a bounty hunter or taking on other mercenary contracts, Sunabozu is always ready for a job in the expensive desert environment.
If you are looking for a blend of adventure and comedy in a wasteland setting, this series is a great choice. You can watch the anime on Prime Video to see Sunabozu’s antics in action.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When asking “is the anime finished?”, the answer depends on whether you are looking for a production end or a story end. The anime adaptation aired from October 2004 to March 2005 and has completed its broadcast run.
However, if you are looking for a satisfying conclusion to the overall narrative, watching the anime alone may not be enough. The source material, the Sunabozu manga, began long before the anime in 1997 and continued for many years after the anime concluded, finally ending in October 2020. Because the manga continued for over a decade after the anime’s finale, viewers who want the full story and a definitive conclusion will need to buy the manga to see how the journey truly ends.
Themes and Audience Appeal#
Sunabozu is best suited for audiences who enjoy:
- Post-Apocalyptic Settings: The desolate Kanto desert provides a unique backdrop for survival and mercenary work.
- Action-Comedy: The series balances its adventure elements with humor, focusing on the protagonist’s clever (and often unorthodox) methods of completing his jobs.
- Mercenary Tropes: If you enjoy stories about bounty hunters and hired guns navigating a lawless land, this series will appeal to you.
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Recommended Watch and Reading Order#
Depending on how much of the story you want to consume, here are the best ways to approach the series. For more details on how these versions connect, you can refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
The Release Order#
For those who want to experience the series as it was released to the general public:
- Desert Punk (Anime) - Released 2004-2005.
- Sunabozu (Manga) - Read the remaining chapters leading up to the 2020 conclusion.
The Completionist Order#
If you want the most comprehensive experience from the very beginning:
- Sunabozu (Manga) - Start with the original 1997 publication to get the full context of the world and character development.
- Desert Punk (Anime) - Watch the adaptation for a different perspective on the early story.
The “Source Material” Path#
For readers who don’t mind switching mediums to ensure they get the full story:
- Watch the Desert Punk anime.
- Transition to the Sunabozu manga to follow the plot through to its final chapters in October 2020.
Additional Resources#
Beyond the show and the books, you can find various collectibles to commemorate your time in the Kanto desert. Check out the latest Desert Punk merchandise to complete your collection.
Sunabozu • manga • 1997-08
└─(adaptation)→ Desert Punk • anime • 2004-10-04 to 2005-03-28
