So much of an anime is changed during the adaptation process to make it more grounded, or seem less ridiculous.
When Cowboy Bebop is good, it's really good.
The story is by Dan Watters and art by Lamar Mathurin.
The numerous locales which the crew of the Bebop visit are rendered in stunning detail, adding a surreal sense of realism to the show, whilst the character designs were a work of brilliance, and allows each character a mark of individuality even before they spoke.