Netflix has become a powerhouse for adult animation, from raunchy comedies to sweeping fantasy epics. Now, Bass X Machina enters the fray, a steampunk Western that fuses American history with sci-fi spectacle. With Oscar-nominated Brian Tyree Henry at the helm and the acclaimed Studio Mir (known for X-Men '97) handling animation, this series aims to be your next binge-worthy obsession. Does it hit the mark? Absolutely.
A Fresh Take on the Old West
Set in an alternate post-Civil War America, Bass X Machina introduces us to Bass Reeves (Henry), a bounty hunter with a cybernetic arm, still haunted by the loss of his first family. He's offered a lucrative government job: track down a missing scientist whose experiments could threaten the nation. Reluctantly teaming up with Dana (Tati Gabrielle), the scientist's sharp-witted niece, Bass uncovers a conspiracy that hits close to home.
Creator LeSean Thomas, a veteran of The Boondocks and The Legend of Korra, crafts a world where the scars of war and the promise of technology collide. The real-life Bass Reeves, one of the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshals, serves as inspiration, grounding the fantastical in a painful reality.
More Than Just Gunfights
While the action is thrilling, Bass X Machina shines in its quieter moments. A standout train-set episode becomes a philosophical debate on revenge and identity. The show doesn't shy away from the moral complexities of its characters, making the villains more than just mustache-twirling bad guys. This depth might slow the pace, but it's a worthy trade-off for such elegant storytelling.
Steampunk Done Right
The steampunk elements aren't just window dressing. The resistance to cybernetics mirrors our own anxieties about AI, allowing the world to evolve organically. From robot bartenders to Dana's high-tech notepad, the details build a society on the brink of a leap. The animation is stunning, with intricate environments like Etta's workshop and a climactic showdown in a robot-filled construction site. It's a visual feast that never forgets to serve the story.
Henry and Gabrielle Shine
Henry, who also executive produces, delivers a commanding performance. His deep voice can intimidate, but he also brings vulnerability to Bass, a man torn between the soldier he was and the father he wants to be. Gabrielle's Dana is the perfect foil—idealistic, clever, and often funny, her gadgets don't always work, but her heart does. Their mentor-mentee dynamic is the soul of the show.
If you're looking for more animated gems on Netflix, check out our list of under-20-episode series that pack a punch. Or, if you're in the mood for a live-action Western, Jason Momoa's The Red Road is hitting the streamer soon.
Verdict
Bass X Machina is a triumph of animation and storytelling. It's a show that respects its audience, blending action, history, and heart into a package that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. With a stellar cast and gorgeous visuals, it's easily one of Netflix's best animated offerings this year. Don't sleep on this one.
