Netflix provides a first look at the Weird Western anime Bass X Machina
Netflix continues to expand its anime portfolio through partnerships with major studios including MAPPA and Madhouse, increasingly blending Western and Eastern animation styles. Following the success of 2023’s Blue Eye Samurai, Netflix’s director of adult animated series Jermaine Turner showcased the streaming service’s commitment to innovative animated content at the Annecy Festival, introducing a new series titled Bass X Machina.
Bass X Machina is a “Weird Western” that reimagines the life of Bass Reeves, a historical figure who escaped slavery and became the first Black deputy U.S. Marshal. The series applies a science fiction twist to this historical narrative, incorporating futuristic elements such as a cybernetic arm. Turner’s presentation of this project demonstrates Netflix’s strategy of attracting audiences who engaged with Blue Eye Samurai’s blend of sophisticated storytelling and distinctive animation aesthetics. The announcement reflects growing industry momentum for anime that transcends traditional Japanese animation conventions, with streaming platforms funding experimental animated projects that incorporate diverse international influences and narrative traditions.