
When you hear about spaceships, the Nicki Minaj song “Starships” would probably play in your mind, wouldn’t it? Truly, they’re meant to fly. In the anime world, particularly shows with sci-fi, robotic, and futuristic themes, spaceships are a common sight. Do you know which the most quintessential spaceships are in anime? PVP Live will explore right here, including a spaceship that looks like… a pet? Let’s find out!
White Base – ‘Gundam’
Ask anime fans around, and almost all of them will agree that the best and most iconic spaceship in anime is the White Base from “Gundam.” This beautiful spaceship is crewed by the anime’s heroes, which makes it even more legendary among avid fans.
While, if you look around on YouTube, you’ll more likely to see the White Base as a toy rather than a spaceship in action in the show, it still is the pioneer of the times. Many of its features and functionalities greatly influence not just “Gundam” but the entire sci-fi anime genre today. This incredible spacecraft helped catapult “Gundam” to fame.
The Bebop – ‘Cowboy Bebop’
The White Base is followed by the Bebop. Popular? Definitely. Hilariously enough, but cute at that, the Bebop was a former fishing vessel, but eventually bought and upgraded with an enhanced communications system, not to mention more robust engines thanks to bounty hunter Jet Black during his adventures throughout space. Now, every Bebop’s manning crew member has their quarters on the ship. Can you even believe that the Bebop also has general housing facilities, such as a living room and kitchen? Talk about an RV in space.
Outlaw Star – ‘Outlaw Star’
Can any other spaceship top the Outlaw Star, as it is the title of the anime it is from itself? This spaceship’s unique design sets it apart from other spaceships in the science fiction anime genre. During the creation of this vessel, two Grappler Arms were set up at the bottom of the ship, making it even more powerful. These allow its pilots to use hand-to-hand combat, pick up items, and even wield weapons.
Aside from the Grappler Arms, another interesting yet odd feature of the Outlaw Star is its navigation system, which takes the form of a mysterious and pretty android girl named Melfina. Overall, from its weaponry, and strange and state-of-the-art technology, the Outlaw Star is a dream.
Ryo-Ohki – ‘Tenchi Muyou! Ryououki’
“Tenchi Muyou! Ryououki” is rather a low-key anime, not as popular as the others. It revolves around the story of a teenager named Tenchi Masaki, whose life drastically changes as soon as he unleashes an ancient space pirate from seven centuries ago. That pirate is
The story follows Tenchi Masaki, a teenager whose life changes drastically as soon as he Ryoko Hakubi.
Now, Ryo-Ohki is also a unique anime spaceship because it functions not just as a spaceship. Aside from having the ability to transform into a sleek black vessel that can traverse the stars and fire laser beams, she also has this alter ego of a tiny, fluffy creature that resembles a mix between a rabbit and a cat but loves to eat dozens of carrots. True story.
Aloha Oe – ‘Space Dandy’
“Space Dandy” is not your typical anime. It is a sci-fi show that parodies and mocks the usual tropes of the genre even. Taking inspiration from other anime titles such as “Cowboy Bebop,” this anime follows the cool guy and alien hunter Dandy on his many quests in space. Together with his crew, he travels across the galaxy riding a bright yellow spaceship known as the Aloha Oe. Because of its design featuring striking colors and unique features, there’s no way you should miss this Hawaiian-inspired craft.
Moreover, it comes with every feature that every significant spacecraft needs, such as lasers for combatting aliens, boosters to reach high speed, and even an escape pod. Aloha Oe also transforms into a battle mech – yes, like Gundam – known as the Hawaiian Yankee. Dandy uses this to beat bad guys. With these features, this “Space Dandy” spacecraft is capable of anything.
Yamato – ‘Uchuu Senkan Yamato (Star Blazers)’
Alright, alright, calm down, calm down – as Taylor Swift would say. If you are a history geek too, you know that Yamato is the name of a vessel that’s part of modern Japanese history. Specifically, during World War II, the Yamato was the leading and flagship of the Japanese Combined Fleet. It was one of the heaviest and biggest ships, if not the biggest, ever constructed, but sank during the Battle of Okinawa. The anime continues that story. Spaceship Yamato in “Uchuu Senkan Yamato (Star Blazers)” was built from the remains of the original maritime vessel that would soon become humanity’s best hope after the Earth got invaded by aliens. The merging of real history and anime story here is what amazes us.
Super Galaxy Dai-Gurren – ‘Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann’
Not Samsung Galaxy, but Super Galaxy. This spaceship comes from the anime “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann,” hailed as one of the best mecha animes ever. Watching the anime, you’ll be treated to not just one, not just two, and not just three, but multiple epic battleships and mecha.
The fearsome Lordgenome once owned this colossal spacecraft, but in the last act of the series, the anime’s hero, Simon, claims it, turning it into the flagship of Team Dai-Gurren on their mission to rescue Nia Teppelin, Lordgenome’s daughter, who he disowned.
Super Galaxy Dai-Gurren is among the most powerful spaceships in the series, bestowed with several promising abilities. Like some of the other spaceships here, it also transforms into a humanoid mech.
Behold, seven of the most iconic spaceships in anime history. These spaceships are necessary to transport not just the animes’ characters, but also the fans to a setting beyond your imagination – the space, the universe. As you remember some of the most popular animes of all time, you also reminisce the spacecrafts that shaped its battles and adventures.