Gatchaman Comics - Mad Cave Studios

 Back on Free Comic Book Day this year, I was over the moon to see a new Gatchaman comic. Depending on where and when you grew up, you might know Gatchaman as G-Force or Battle of the Planets. Those are both Americanized, edited version of the original Gatchaman anime.

I hadn't heard of Mad Cave Studios before but they're also bringing back Flash Gordon and Defenders of the Earth in comic form. I've read the first two issues of Gatchaman and am loving it so far. You can actually get the FCBD comic from their website. 

 

Thanks to this comic coming out, I finally decided to make my way through the BluRay set of all 105 episodes. I've probably seen every episode of Battle of the Planets multiple times as a kid but the original, unedited series is not quite the same.

If you've seen any version of the cartoon, you'll no doubt recognize this sequence from the first issue. They've done a fantastic job of making it feel like you're watching the show. The art style, bright colors, and kinetic action scenes will make you want to grab a bowl of cereal before reading. 

 

One thing tI'm really interested in about this comic series is that back at the Gatchaman base, there is a backup Science Ninja Team in training.

In addition to the on-going Gatchaman series, there are two more titles!

 

The first one is a mini-series that focuses on the evil Galactor. Personally, I prefer their Americanized name, Spectra. It just sounds cooler, don't you think? The first issue is out now but I haven't cracked it just yet. I'm sure it's going to be interesting to see things from the other side, much like Image's recent Cobra Commander and Destro books.

 The second is titled Ken: Deathmatch Island. It's the first in a series of one-shots that focus on the individual team members. In this one, Ken goes undercover to infiltrate a deadly martial arts fighting ring that's a secret Galactor recruiting program. How cool is this alternate Breakfast Club tribute cover?

When I was collecting comics as a kid, I was really into mini-series and one-shots because they gave certain characters more time in the spotlight and more Gatchaman is always a good thing!