In America, the former is better known as Battle of the Planets. Although this series wasn’t the same as the Japanese broadcast because of editing out problematic elements for Western audiences, as a kid, I wasn’t aware and still enjoyed it! Even though some aspects don’t stand the test of time (namely the inclusion of the robot narrator), I fondly think back to this series because G-Force’s plane could transform into a bird of fire; I even made a LEGO model that’s loosely based on that design! (but I won’t dare set it on fire)
I can’t wait to see what this East Coast publisher is preparing. To whet fans’ appetites, the publication offered during Free Comic Book Day shows readers what to expect. There’s three stories in all, and none of these prologues are vital to know what’s coming.
There’s lots of material being offered, since not only is there the regular series, but there’ll be two one-shots too; Ken and Jun are getting some kind of solo adventure. The chart presented at the back is perfect to let fans know when these comics are due out.
According to the official synopsis, there are a lot of elements to be excited for:
A mechanical terror has descended upon many cities and the world’s greatest scientists are disappearing. Our only hope: Science Ninja Team Gatchaman! As they battle these machinations from the international terrorist organisation known as Galactor, their strength, willpower, and even vehicles are pushed to the absolute limit. If they fail…who’s waiting in the wings to take their place? The first exciting issue in an ongoing series that expands upon the original!
Cullen Bunn (A Legacy of Violence) gets to show off his love for this franchise in what I’ve seen so far. Along with Batista (Justice League), colourist Carlos Lopez, and letterer Buddy Beaudoin, Mad Cave promises to expand on everything fans can fondly recall. I’m glad what’s coming isn’t geared on following up on everything. The one-shots may well deal with how Joe survived. In Gatchaman II, he is found, and now has some cybernetic augmentation since his saviour “fixed” him.
According to the official synopsis:
Galactor is under siege by a threat from within! After a secret attempt on his life, Berg Katse sets about to uncover a conspiracy within the ranks, born of their earliest days. Galactor’s second-in-command goes undercover to hunt, identify, and ruthlessly dispense a revolution growing within Galactor’s ranks. Issue one of a miniseries that directly ties into the first volume of Gatchaman!
The team creating this story consists of Steve Orlando, Kath Lobo, and Frank Cvetkovic. When considering the last story in the Free Comic Book Day issue is a lead up to this tale, I can’t wait!
In the meantime, I’ll have to decide if I really need to buy the original series on Blu-ray (Amazon link) to remind myself about all that’s forgotten, or simply rely on online summaries to get back up to speed with all that’s happened. The series stands the test of time as it deals with some classic themes, and I really dug the bird motif. The American take is butchered enough such that I don’t need to see 7-Zark-7 again and I’m glad there’s no mention at all in this upcoming series.
Gatchaman #1 is available to pre-order at
Mad Cave Comic’s Web Store, and will be available
at (select) comic book stores on June 26, 2024
Watch Gatchaman the Movie (1978)
