Watching this through a second time, this show is just one of the best pieces of story telling and animation in general of the new millennium or any time.

It just all works. The characters, story, every bit of drama, action, comedy. Although it has anime influences, it has more of the feel of a western cartoon but has much better pacing and goes into some heavy themes. Such as war, death, interpersonal drama, and struggling to find oneself.

Seriously, it's up there with long fantasy journey sagas, such as Star Wars and Lord of The Rings.