Makoto Yukimura is a particularly accomplished and meticulous mangaka known for his seinen manga, most famouslyVinland Saga, but his previous acclaimed series wasPlanetes.WhileVinland Sagais a thoroughly researched sword and sandal period epic,Planetesis a similarly humanistic take, but in a grounded science fiction universe for those seeking variety in Yukimura’s works. Thanks toCrunchyroll’srecent confirmation on August 18, 2025,Planeteshas joined the Crunchyroll streaming platform for viewers who had previously missed out.
Planeteswas not nearly as prominent in North America, amounting more to a beloved cult classic similar toSerial Experiments LainandDarker Than Black, critically just as well-received as its manga. The series follows the crew of the DS-12Toy Boxand their lives as space debris collectors, including the protagonist, Hachirota Hoshino.Planetesis a compelling and cerebral exploration of humanitytold in a concise twenty-six episodes, available to stream on-demand now on Crunchyroll.
Acclaimed Anime Planetes Joins Crunchyroll’s Library
Sunrise Studio’s Adaptation of Vinland Saga Creator’s First Manga
Planetesis the 2003 anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura’s first ongoing series with Kodansha, predatingVinland Sagaby approximately six years, with a chance to get renewed exposure on Crunchyroll.The series is well-received for its deep philosophical themes and insight into the human condition, which is unsurprising given the creator’s later works. But a series about what is essentially trash collection to prevent harm to Earth’s space vessels becomes a poignant examination of politics, finding purpose in one’s work, and the fatally alluring rewards of ambition.
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ThePlanetesseries currently has an admirable 8.25 score onMyAnimeList, with people noting its criminally underrated and multifaceted qualities. The anime has more of a slow burn to its appeal,yet it boasts more romance than the hard science fiction angle might suggest. What’s more fascinating for fans of Makoto Yukimura’s meticulous style is how thePlanetesseries was created with a more freeform, creatively free approach inspired by A Garbage Problem in Space: Space Debris.
Planetes Is Different Enough to Tie Over Fans Waiting for Vinland Saga Season 3
Similarly Humanistic Yet Exploring Different Qualities
As Makoto Yukimura is prone to exploring more grounded storytelling, much of the focus inPlanetesis on its philosophical themes, similar to inVinland Saga. UnlikeVinland Saga’sfocus on its protagonist’s path to redemption through pacifism,Planetesexplores the role of the individual in the space age, along with the power dynamics of political entities, and finding importance in one’s role. GivenSunrise’s prominence as theGundamandCowboy Bebopstudio, its sci-fi chops are more refined than simple spectacle, withPlanetesas a critical anime darling hopefully more fans will soon discover.
Planeteswill be available on the Crunchyroll store and various online retailers and will be released on August 17, 2025.
Anime physical media enthusiasts will also be delighted to know that Crunchyroll has opened preorders for the Blu-ray release.Planeteswill be available on the Crunchyroll store and various online retailers and will be released on June 30, 2025. This allows fans to enjoy a piece of beloved anime history withPlanetesin its highest quality since release.
Planetes
Cast
Set in 2075, this anime series follows a team tasked with collecting hazardous space debris in Earth’s orbit. As humanity expands its space exploration, the crew faces dangerous challenges, ethical dilemmas, and personal struggles, reflecting the complexities of technology’s impact on human life and the cosmos.
