The first issue of the series was due to be published by Com.x in 2003, but moved to Devil's Due in 2004 and was published in 2005. It was well received by critics and fans, but due to a very busy schedule, Thomas had decided to reprint and continue the series as an original graphic novel. The graphic novel was due to come out in 2009 and it was speculated that it would have feature a number of guest artists. However, the graphic novel has long since been put on hold, presumably cancelled in favor of reviving the project as an animated production.
Main characters
Philly the Kid - An outlaw and the youngest wanted criminal in the western regions of Gearbolt. He accompanies Samberry on her journey.Philly is also an immortal being.
Samberry - A young girl drone who is separated from her owner, Prince Toji. In the anime, her name is Sam.
Prince Toji - The prince of Gearbolt. In the anime, his name is Prince Kelby.
Lock - A very dark, mysterious man who is in search of the Last Heart which will unlock the secret of Gearbolt, and the power of Mora.
9ine - An alcoholic ronin who assists Samberry on her journey to find Prince Toji.
Casey Turnbuckle - An abandoned assistant and junk mechanic with an admiration for flying.
Supporting characters
12Welve - A member of the Red Ronin, and a former comrade of 9ine's. It is inferred the two shared some feeling for the other, but their honor and duty keep them going as Ronin.
Unit6273/Victoria - The assistant droid of 12welve, she becomes fast friends of Casey in episode "21 the Hard Way".
Issues
Cannon Busters #0
Cannon Busters #1
Cannon Busters #2
Animation
In 2014, LeSean Thomas started a crowdfunding drive through Kickstarter for an animated adaptation of Cannon Busters. Helping with the project are Tim Yoon who worked as a producer for shows and films such as The Legend of Korra and , comic book artistJoe Madureira who assisted with character designs. A pilot episode was released to backers on July 8, 2016. On August 2, 2017, it was announced that Cannon Busters would be released on Netflix. It is a 12-episode series. On July 6, 2018, Netflix announced a March 1, 2019 premiere date. However, the series was delayed as it was not included in the Netflix slate for March 2019. On May 30, 2019, British anime distributor Manga Entertainment appointed Reemsborko Ltd as the worldwide agent for Cannon Busters and that the series would be released on Netflix in late 2019. The series was released on Netflix on August 15, 2019. The 12-episode series was directed and written by LeSean Thomas, with Matt Wayne, Natasha Allegri, Anne Toole, Sib Ventress, Martin Pasko, and Nilah Magruder writing scripts alongside Thomas. Takahiro Natori debuted as a director with the series with LeSean Thomas himself acting as chief director; character designs were handled by Tetsuya Kumagi, and the series featured music composed by Bradley Denniston and Kevin Begg. Satelight and Yumeta Company produced and co-animated the series.
