Bass X Machina: First 5 Minutes Reveal Steampunk Western's Bloody Opening

The highly anticipated anime series Bass X Machina gave fans an exclusive, action-packed preview at Anime NYC, revealing the show's gritty steampunk western aesthetic and its formidable protagonist. The first five minutes, shown to an excited crowd, immediately plunged viewers into a visually stunning and violent world, setting a high bar for what's to come.

Executive producer and star Brian Tyree Henry took the stage to discuss the series, co-created by LeSean Thomas (known for Cannon Busters and Yasuke) and produced by Studio Mir (the powerhouse behind Devil May Cry and Skull Island). Bass X Machina reimagines the legendary story of Bass Reeves, the first Black U.S. Marshal, casting him as a slick, deadly bounty hunter navigating a dangerous frontier filled with outlaws, colossal war machines, and supernatural threats. The preview footage delivered on this promise with a dazzling, high-octane sequence.

A Brutal Introduction to Bass Reeves

The opening moments depicted a snow-swept landscape where Bass Reeves, his face obscured by a cloth, expertly pursues a speeding train. The train has been hijacked by a mob of criminals who have already graphically dispatched the security detail in pursuit of a gold shipment. Reeves boards the train with cold precision, demanding the outlaws disarm. When one criminal foolishly draws a weapon, Reeves swiftly and brutally eliminates everyone except his intended target, revealing that his quarry is one of two twin brothers. The stunned twin's exclamation, "But you're a lawman," is met with Reeves' chilling retort, "Not a lawman. Bounty hunter," immediately establishing his morally ambiguous and lethal nature within this unique world.

What This Means for Series Fans

This explosive introduction is precisely the kind of kinetic, character-driven action that fans of LeSean Thomas and Studio Mir have come to expect. The steampunk western fusion is a bold creative choice, promising a visually distinct experience that blends historical inspiration with fantastical elements. The early reveal of Reeves' bounty hunter persona, rather than a traditional lawman, suggests a narrative that will explore darker themes and complex motivations. For viewers who crave intricate world-building and unflinching action sequences, Bass X Machina is shaping up to be a must-watch series that offers a fresh perspective on a historical figure through a hyper-stylized lens.

What's Next

While a specific release date for Bass X Machina has not yet been announced, this tantalizing glimpse suggests production is well underway. Fans can anticipate more details and potential further previews as Netflix gears up for the series' eventual launch on the platform.