I feel author Tommy Lee Edwards had Enter the Dragon in mind when writing Gatchaman Ken: Deathmatch. And I’ll get confirmation of that feeling is true when issue number two is released. Here, this seminal leader of the Science Ninja Team gets kidnapped while undercover, investigating a fight club of sorts.
The costumes these fighters wear are as wacky as those WWE costumes and the memories this comic book brings are why I’m paying attention! Other than offering a sharper design to the series, what’s shown is as wonderful as those classic moments from the Gatchaman series. For the tale at hand, the story is familiar. Artist Mindy Lee and colorist Giada Marchisio really nail the dynamics that I fondly recall from the cartoon.
After all these fighters get kidnapped, Ken realises that unless they all join Galactor, they’ll all be killed. But how they’ll get slaughtered brings back recollections of another film, namely Predators. But I’m snickering. Just how good is this evil organisation’s current crop of military personnel? Unlike Stormtroopers of yore, they’re supposed to be good. Also, unlike those B.A.T.S. from Cobra (GI Joe), how well they can take down anything is the other question I have after reading issue #1.
As for what’s next, anyone who picked up the Free Comic Book Day teaser will know the schedule. While I’m inclined to pick up digital editions as they’re easily available, I’ll gladly purchase the inevitable trade paperback just to have them all. Although the solicit is listed on their website, my hope is that this publisher will include the one-shots in a similiar package, and I’ll be a happy camper.
5 Stars out of 5