Mad Cave And Tatsunoko Production Have Partnered To Publish ‘Gatchaman’!
by Anton Kromoff
Welcome to the table,
Five teenage champions! G Force! Guardians from space!
or
Who’s that? Who’s that? Who’s that? The shadow dancing high in the sky
With white wings, it’s Gatchaman
or
Battle of the Planets! G Force! Five incredible young people with superpowers!
If you grew up in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s, you probably have come across some incarnation of these technologically modified teenage superheroes in colorful bird-themed super suits wielding razor-sharp boomerangs and fighting invasions of giant monsters and aliens from the far reaches of space.
I was well into my teenage years before I realized that Gatchaman, G-Force, and Battle of the Planets were all similar, but thanks to various countries’ censors, additions of robots, and robot dogs ( I’m looking at you 1-Rover-1 ) were not exactly the same thing.
Around the time Top Cow Comics dropped their Battle of the Planets comics using lore from both Gatchaman and Battle of the Planets, as well as crossing over with Thundercats of all things, I was fairly sure that whatever the actual original material of the franchise was I was going to remain totally confused about the exact origins.
This was okay though because the memories of a bed sheet cape flowing behind me as I fought imaginary space monsters with tiny fists clad in blue socks for gloves tells me everything I need to know about the series… it’s action-packed, delightfully nostalgic, and full of fun and memorable characters, and soon! SOON! It will be coming to a comic shop near you!
Mad Cave Studios and Tatsunoko Production have officially partnered to publish Gatchaman comics for adult and teen readers!
For those who are not aware, Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (科学忍者隊ガッチャマン) is a Japanese animated franchise about a superhero team created and produced by Tatsunoko Production, with the original anime series debuting back in 1972. It centers around five young superhero ninjas employed by Kōzaburō Nambu of the fictitious International Science Organization to oppose Galactor, an international terrorist organization of technologically advanced villains who are trying to control Earth’s natural resources, such as water, oil, sugar, and uranium. Recurring themes of Gatchaman involve conservation, environmentalism, and the responsible use of technology for progress.
Under the agreement, Mad Cave Studios will be publishing new Gatchaman stories taking place in the world of the original series setting, staying true to the timeless classic.
“Mad Cave couldn’t be more excited to partner with Tatsunoko and bring Gatchaman back to North America,” said Mark Irwin, Mad Cave Studios Senior VP of Business Development. “We have big plans for the science ninja team, and look forward to sharing their fantastic adventures with readers, new and old.”
“Gatchaman has entertained and influenced fans around the world for over 50 years, and it could not be a better time to introduce their futuristic world to a new generation of readers,” said Kaz Haruna, Tatsunoko Production Director of International Business. “Tatsunoko is absolutely excited to work with the team at Mad Cave Studios.”
The first Gatchaman release is slated for 2024 and I for one can’t wait for this series to drop as Mad Cave has a history of excellence and I fully believe they are going to be able to handle this series with the respect and excitement it rightfully deserves!
Until next time, always five, acting as one!
