Two New Gatchaman Series Coming In June From Mad Cave Studios

Fans of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman have been salivating since Mad Cave Studios announced their partnership with Tatsunoko Production to produce Gatchaman and Gatchaman—Ken: Deathmatch for adult and teen readers. Now, the first new Gatchaman is on the way, with a Free Comic Book Day offering to wet your whistle before the official series premieres for both titles scheduled in June. 

“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 Gatchaman ongoing Teen+ series features a collaboration between writer Cullen Bunn and comics artist Chris Batista, with Cover A by Inaki Miranda, colors by Carlos Lopez,and letters by Buddy Beaudoin.

The ongoing series is the triumphant return of Gatchaman, an iconic Japanese animated franchise of a five-member, bird-themed superhero team.

The world’s greatest scientists are disappearing as a mechanical terror descends on numerous cities. The world’s only hope lies with Science Team Gatchaman. As they battle machinations from the international terrorist organization known as Galactor, their strength, willpower, and even vehicles are pushed to the absolute limit. If they fail… there’s no one waiting in the wings to take their place. 

Connecting B covers are provided by artist Sanford Greene. The issue also features Cover C by Chris Batista, Cover D Blank Sketch Cover edition, and two retailer incentive covers including Cover E by Francine Delgado and Cover F by Mike Deodato. 

“Was I born to write this series? I was certainly forged in the Phoenix-technique fires over the course of my life to be here now,” said Bunn​​. “Gatchaman is loved by so many, and it is humbling and exciting and a little scary to be telling new stories in that world now. 

“I’m emboldened by the amazing people I’m working with—Chris Batista, Tommy Lee Edwards, Steve Orlando (who’s working on the upcoming Galactor miniseries), and the Mad Cave Studios team. Each and every one of us loves these characters and this world. And we’ve had such tremendous support from the Tatsunoko team. 

“This isn’t just an adaptation. We’re not just painting by numbers. These are new, in-continuity tales with exciting, game-changing elements that enhance and expand this already rich storyline.”

“The cartoon that left the most lasting impact on me as an artist, is without any doubt, Gatchaman,” added Batista. “It was like nothing else, so vibrant, dynamic and unique. As much as I loved the heroes of Marvel and DC, there was just something cooler about the Gatchaman team. I’ve been obsessed ever since. 

“Gatchaman has always been at the very top of my creative bucket list…a dream project that could never happen….until now. I could never have imagined we would be doing this project in conjunction with Tatsunoko and the amazing team at Mad Cave Studios. I am truly honored to be a part of this incredible creative team that shares the same love for Gatchaman that I do. I hope fans get the same jolt of electricity I get whenever I read the new script from Cullen. I’m equally thrilled and terrified to be a part of the return of this unmatched and timeless property!”

Gatchaman—Ken: Deathmatch comes from writer Tommy Lee Edwards, artist Mindy Lee, colorist Giada Marchisio, and letterer John Workman.

In this one-shot, Ken goes undercover to infiltrate an underground gambling ring where martial artists from around the globe fight to the death. There, the winners are captured and brought to a secret Galactor recruiting base. If they refuse to join, the captives are dropped in the jungle and hunted as prey for Galactor’s training program. Can anyone make it out alive?

Cover A by Tommy Lee Edwards and Cover B “The Breakfast Club homage” cover by Chris Batista. 

“I’m so excited to be writing Mad Cave’s first Gatchaman special issue focusing on one specific member of the Science Ninja Team,” said Edwards. “Deathmatch is my love letter to Ken the Eagle, a heroic and idealistic anime character that helped shape my childhood. We’ve crafted this comic as an adventure tale to satisfy a deeply familiar fanbase, while introducing unique stories and completely new characters. I honestly feel like I’ve been training for this challenge my whole life!”

“I’m having such a good time drawing Gatchaman!” added Lee. “I’ve enjoyed Tommy’s script so much—it’s provided wonderful opportunities to work with the franchise’s iconic designs!” 

Gatchaman #1 and Gatchaman—Ken: Deathmatch both hit local shops June 26th, 2024.