In the far future where space travel and colonialization have become the norm, humanity has expanded its living space to the far reaches of the known galaxy. One hundred years before the beginning of the series, several colonies, eager to gain their independence, rebelled against their masters in the Stellar Alliance Colony Federation. The government of one of the newly colonized planets, Sea of the Morningstar in the Tau Ceti system, recruited Space Pirates to bolster its fighting forces, legalizing their actions by issuing them letters of marque. In the midst of this conflict, a Galactic Empire arose and absorbed both the Stellar Alliance and the border worlds, but allowed the colonies to run on an independent government. Despite peace having been achieved, the Space Pirates remain respected figures in Imperial society, even though their activities are now reduced to more legal jobs in which their knowledge of the system's wild space proves particularly useful. At the time the series begins, their cessation of illegal activities is gradually causing them to pass into local legend. Marika Kato is a high school girl living a rather ordinary life as a member of the space yacht club and a part-time job at the high-class retro Lamp Café. One day, Marika learns of her recently deceased father, Gonzaemon, who is revealed to have been a Space Pirate. In order for her father's ship, the Bentenmaru, to continue legal operation, Marika, Gonzaemon's direct descendant, is chosen to become the ship's new captain, thus beginning her life as a Space Pirate.
Characters
Main characters
The Bentenmaru
Hakuoh Academy
Serenity Kingdom Star System
Space Pirates
; Ironbeard
Others
Media
Light novels
The first three of the seven novels were published in October 2008, April 2009, and November 2009 respectively. As of January 2018, twelve novels have been released.
Anime
The anime adaptation, under the title Bodacious Space Pirates is produced by Satelight and directed by Tatsuo Satō. The anime aired on Tokyo MX, MBS and TVK between January 8, 2012 and June 30, 2012 and was also simulcast by Crunchyroll. The anime has been licensed in North America by Sentai Filmworks and released to digital outlets in February. The series was released on Blu-ray Disc and DVD with an English dub on January 8, 2013 and March 5, 2013. MVM Films have licensed the series in the United Kingdom and will release the series in two DVD boxsets from February 4, 2012. The opening theme song is "Mōretsu Uchū Kōkyōkyoku Dai 7 Gakushō "Mugen no Ai" by idol group Momoiro Clover Z and ex-Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman. The ending theme song is "Lost Child" by Momoiro Clover Z.
Film
A film adaptation was announced following the end of the series. The film, titled Bodacious Space Pirates: Abyss of Hyperspace, was released on February 22, 2014, with Satō returning as director and screenwriter.
Manga
A manga adaptation illustrated by Hiro Tōge began serialization in Asahi Shimbun's Nico Nico Asahi Comic Fantasy web manga publication on Nico Nico Seiga from June 2, 2012. A manga adaptation of the film illustrated by Chibimaru began serialization in Media Factory's Monthly Comic Alive from February 2014. The manga will be licensed in English by Seven Seas Entertainment, who will release the first volume in August 2015 and will be based off the film version.
