Spike Spiegel was Cowboy Bebop's main protagonist and one of the oldest, most fondly regarded characters in anime history. His roguish mannerisms and devil-may-care disposition enthralled audiences everywhere, making him a flawed though compelling individual. Moreover, his demise was one of the most powerful notes to end a series on, especially since it concluded on a realistic, albeit somber, note.To pay homage to the legendary bounty hunter, many fans have devised stunning cosplays by which to remember him. Through appreciating their work, we can further understand the creativity, beauty, and passion that is integral to the series' fanbase.
10 Breaking News
Molza presents Spike at his most comfortable; with a drink in his hand and his feet kicked back. His yellow shirt is reminiscent of its canon counterpart, frequently obscured through the hefty blue coat he wears over it.
An interesting detail of this piece is that it's well within Spike's character to read the newspaper. By staying connected to the world's events, he has a better understanding of his next bounty—and the payday to come with it. Though he may present himself as aloof, Spiegel is constantly aware of his surroundings.
9 Loitering
Timbo0220Â presents his take on Spike's character. Every detail is meticulously accounted for, from Spike's dress shoes even to the fold on his jacket. This demonstrates an attention to detail and a skill in bringing the bounty hunter to life.
Perhaps his most profound resemblance to the mercenary is through how his green hair falls perfectly over his face. It is a sound replica of the original's style, one which he could not have achieved without a great deal of effort and passion for the anime.
8 Alley Drifter
Greptile_ covers Spike's nonchalant attitude, using an intelligent combination of outfit and backdrop in order to pull the scene together. Despite the wealth his bounties accrue him, Spiegel frequently finds himself drifting through the alleys and bars as he morosely contemplates the fate which befell Julia. It was a subtle though palpable theme throughout the series, only coming to a head near its conclusion.
The cosplayer has a cigarette perched between his fingers, one which reflects the cowboy's own personal vices perfectly. Considering how many details are captured in the image, this costume excels for the effort invested in it.
7 The Gang's All Here
Joebeastmccoy captures the full Cowboy Bebop cast in his excellent group cosplay. From right to left, we have Faye Valentine, Spike Spiegel, Ed, Jet Black, and Julia - the latter of which may be less identifiable among fans.
Nonetheless, each cosplayer shares the likeness of the character they are imitating through a cunning usage of props and makeup. Though Spike may have been in the back of the group, his position is appropriate given how he prefers to remain out of central focus in photographs. Whether or not it was intentional, it provided an excellent nod to his inclinations.
6 Just Like Old Times
AGflower depicts the touching relationship between Spike and Julia in this piece. Their fingers are minced in one another's, evincing their inexorable love and trust for their union.
Unfortunately, this bond would be tragically severed through the machinations of Vicious and his syndicate on two separate occasions. The first turned Spiegel away from his companion for years, whereas the second culminated directly with her death. Though he would die at peace, his final days were spent fixated on revenge, making him one of the few anime heroes to flagrantly perish over a character flaw.
5 Meeting His Fay-te
Timbo0220Â presents another outstanding cosplay, this time with an accomplice to pull the image together. Alongside him is Faye Valentine, the fast-talking, sly, and conditional ally of the Bebop crew.
Considering that she has Spike's cigarette and what mannerisms she has displayed in the anime, it wouldn't be out of character for her to have snatched it from him. Regardless, the cosplayer's outfit is just as immaculate as his own, possessing all of the alluring and seductive characteristics that make Valentine who she is.
4 Crying Over Spilled Milk
Isadorada references the first episode in their creative and original piece. It regarded an encounter between Spike and a woman—who would later become relevant to the plot—and how they had "accidentally" bumped into one another.
Before the bounty hunter had an opportunity to abscond from the scene, she had realized some of the goods she was carrying had disappeared. After confronting Spike on this issue, he had confessed to his crime and pulled his stolen treats out of his mouth—much to her disgust.
3 In Another Life
evaneutron depicts a steampunk version of classically beloved Spike Spiegel and Faye Valentine. While these costumes are strongly redolent of the original design, there are a few fundamental differences that distinguish them.
Most prominently is for the fact that Spike's outfit is better kept; instead of his jacket parting to the side, it is neatly tucked in and buttoned. Faye's leggings have also been altered from the short pants she wore to a frilly dress that remains true to her personality and taste. Through their combined ingenuity, we can imagine both characters in an entirely new universe.
2 Great Days
echoing-artemis presents another breathtaking cosplay, one accompanied by Spike Spiegel's other crewmates. Joining him are the coy Faye Valentine and wry Ed, relaxing at a diner as they scope out their next target.
Character behavior is captured just as well as outfits in this piece, from Spike's iconic feigned aloofness to the goofy smile plastered across Ed's features. Between that and how authentic the outfits are to their original design, it could almost believably be a scene from a live-action reiteration of the anime series.
1 Out With A Bang
Juggernaut-Art captures Spike Spiegel's final moments and last line of dialogue in his work. The "blood" trickling down his face, resigned smirk across his lips, and his fingers bent into the likeness of a gun all illustrate his bittersweet goodbye to the world and fanbase which had come to adore him.
His surcoat is a particularly nice touch since he wore it in the final confrontation with Vicious. It stored many weapons on his person that would otherwise be impossible to carry. Given how many villains he would mow down before he found his target, he would need them all.