Ever since Gatchaman returned to the anime fandom’s radar, I’ve been paying attention. Not only did I want to remind myself of what went on in the animated front before touching the comic book continuation, but also my love for this Space Ninja Team got reignited. Who knows, maybe I can find a model of the God Phoenix at a reasonable price.
The first trade paperback collecting the first six issues is out (Amazon link), and although that did not include the one-shots, that’s okay. I flipped to the back and found out that it will be released later this year. This publisher has been steadily releasing individual issues every month, and what I offer is a quick recap, information about upcoming releases, and/or a review. Spoilers are ahead.
In Gatchaman: Ken–Deathmatch, the leader infiltrates a fight club only to learn it’s a front for Berg Katse to recruit. With the release of Gatchaman: Jun–Apex Heart, the team finds there’s a gang of bikers working for Galactor. They are kind of like the Dreadnoughts from G.I. Joe, and instead of being random vagrants who are comedic relief, they are skilled racers. And at long last, the next series Gatchaman: Only One Earth will show how all these independent arcs come together! That tale will put Ken Washio and Joe Asakura’s conflict front and centre. It’s due to be in comic shops in early Feb.
From the official synopsis:
Berg Katse is ravaging the country of Atrena for rare mythical elements that create a psychic link between Galactor pilots and their weaponized mechs. As Joe and Ken’s friendship is pushed to the limit during a mission to save Atrena’s princess, the Science Ninja Team uncovers an ancient temple that may hold the key to defeating Galactor once and for all.
But in what fans know so far, I’ll have to examine the latest releases:
Jun’s story shows some tension is in the air between the two alpha males, and she has no time for it. That’s because of the news going on. Biker gangs are becoming a nuisance and she suspects Riku Takeda, a motorcycle idol she looks up to, may be involved. This new group rides like him, and she needs to know what’s going on. Although he died in last year’s Grand Prix, the mystery only deepens after finding out the family has been in dire straits lately. Writer Tommy Lee Edwards keeps the mystery tight and while I knew what was coming, I enjoyed this one-shot.
Even reading Gatchaman: Galactor proves Berg Katse is no simple adversary. He’s a tough nut to kill and not even the Lupos family can do the job! This mafia link helps show how the terrorist organization began, but when the purple people eater severed the link, he killed the don! The story by Steve Orlando is comparable to some of the greatest Joker (Batman) stories ever told because of the extreme lengths both characters would go through to dispense retribution.
I kept reading to determine if this super criminal can be two steps ahead. He’s much smarter and competent when compared to other well-known cartoon terrorist leaders. While I don’t understand why he must cover all of his tracks, including when he needs aid, perhaps further explanation is required to explain why he’s unhinged. The script conveys a small sense of his madness.
Although this organization is controlled by Leader X (Sosai in the anime), it’s this pointy eared individual who commands the troops! He’s a man showing religious devotion to the alien who saved him. I’m glad some enigma concerning who Katze is as a person kept in because to expose him fully would spoil the series.
While I know something of his past (as known from the animated series) I suspect a different origin story is still being developed. After reading this book, this individual deserves to break into the top 20 of the greatest super villains ever lived. By making these terrorist leaders much more ruthless and removing that cartoon cowardice, what’s planned can show to readers these villains are worthy of even taking on Ethan Hunt of Mission Impossible fame!
4 Stars out of 5
Gatchaman: Galactor Teaser Trailer
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