Gatchaman #1 Review (Battle of the Planets)
I remember watching “Battle of the Planets” when I was kid back in the 80’s and this was one of my favourite series – I loved watching the adventures of Mark (Ken the Eagle), Jason (Joe the Condor), Princess (Jun the Swan), Keyop (Jinpei the Swallow) and Tiny (Ryu the Owl) who made up The Science Ninja Team as they protected planet Earth from the forces of Spectra (Galactor ) and their nefarious leader, Zoltar (Lord Katse). Good times indeed and when I heard that Mad Cave Studios were releasing a new series by writer Cullen Bunn and artist Chris Batista, I was hit by a wave of nostalgia. In other words, the heroes of my youth had returned and it was time to see them save the world again!
Also joining Bunn and Batista is colorist Carlos Lopez, letterer Buddy Beaudoin, editor Chas! Pangburn and book designer Camilo Sanchez who together bring their A-Game to G-Force! It’s definitely a stellar creative team so kudos to Mad Cave Studios!
The story starts with like a sci-fi Hollywood blockbuster as the city of Amegapolis is being attacked by a gigantic mechanical terror before we’re introduced to the Beta team (Jace, Haruto, Mara, Keiko & Sharo) who are involved in a training skirmish with the Science Ninja Team. This serves as a great re-introduction to existing fans or an introduction to newcomers which nicely sets up the characters in the story, including the B team. Best of all Ken (Mark), Joe (Jason), Jun (Princess), Jinpei (Keyop) and Ryu (Tiny) successfully channel their original animated counterparts well.
With Galactor threatening humanity again, it’s up to the Science Team Ninja to investigate this threat. However things go awry when their powerful ship, the God Phoenix is forced to crash courtesy to Galactor’s mechanical terror which is devastating everything in its path. And just like a cliffhanger, it ends with questions. Are the Science Ninja Team destroyed? Will the Beta Team step up to the plate and take the mantle? Unfortunately like all good comics, we will have to wait until the next issue but man, what a read!
The first issue of Gatchaman #1 is not only well written by Bunn but Batista brings this low resolution animated series to new heights in printed form. Dialogue, pacing and story go hand-in-hand with the panels of Batista. It’s also perfectly coloured and whether you’re reading this in printed form or digital, you are in for a treat, especially if you’re a fan of Battle of the Planets or the correct name, Gatchaman.
Final Thoughts?
Gatchaman #1 pays homage to the original TV series perfectly in comic book form – Bunn and Batista also bring the characters and excitement of Battle of the Planets to life, albeit in printed form but more importantly, add a touch of modernity to this classic that makes it stand on its own merits. All in all, this is a nicely produced comic and I for one cannot wait for the next issue… oh, and there’s some truly awesome variants available and ones that you can keep, unlike those found by the Time Variance Authority!
Gatchaman #1 Preview
And something for the purists until the next issue…
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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