We've reviewed a lot of different anime collector's boxes here over the past few years, and generally you see the exact same thing time and time again. Cut and paste Photoshop boxes that tend to look good, but there isn't necessarily anything awe inspiring with many of them. I've seen some fantastic anime have some rather plain and ordinary collector's boxes and I've also seen some atrocious anime have some of the most beautifully eye-catching boxes available. When you're dealing with a series that not only is over thirty years old like Gatchaman but has a fan base years later, not just in Japan but all across the world, having something impressive should be at the top of the list, but to say that the first collector's box of Gatchaman is impressive would be an understatement.

Here in North America, many people already know and love the series from the days that it was known as Battle of the Planets while others discovered it even later after it was renamed G-Force, but what many of us haven't seen are the original, uncut Japanese episodes, but ADV is more than willing to take care of that problem. As we've seen many times, you could simply buy the first two volumes of the series and be happy, or you could spring a little extra and get the first collector's box, and honestly, it's going to be money well spent.

The first Gatchaman collection is going to come with not only the first DVD, but the second, giving you plenty of episodes to follow the Science Ninja Team try and stop the devious Galactor from taking over the world, and when you're not too busy watching the series, you can take in the brilliance that dominates the collector's box. Instead of simply taking images of the characters from within the series or from production sketches, or even getting some big name in anime to come in an work on the box, ADV has brought in the talents of Alex Ross known for his work not only on comics but for film and just about any other medium that he can lend his talents to. This has to be without a doubt one of the most beautiful collector's boxes that I have ever laid eyes on.

The entire Gatchaman collector's box is a single wrap around image that is brilliantly detailed in every way and captures the look of the original Gatchaman series, but in a more modern and much different look. As you look across the image from face to spine to reverse face you will find the Science Ninjas themselves in their regular clothing (that includes those snazzy 70's t-shirts with the numbers on them.) But, the image soon gives way to the team as we known them; in their super-hero attire and more than ready to fight the good fight with Galactor. What I really love about the image though is the portrayal of the God Phoenix which has the ship also engulfed in the firebird flame. This without a doubt is one of the best points of the box.

You will find a little more here however than just a box, but it's not something like a white t-shirt with a replica of the Science Ninja's uniform insignia on it (though that's not a bad idea, and if ADV plans on ever making those, make sure to print up a special black one and send it my way.) The collector's box contains a separate DVD filled with additional material for all aspects of the series. The first volume does have a focus on Ken of course, and you will find a profile of the Gatchaman team leader as well as a collection of character sketches, but there is much more.

With Ken being the focus, it's only natural to have an interview with his voice actor, though it will be the man who lends Ken his English voice for the dub, Leraldo Anzaldua, and just like many of you, he has fond memories of the series, rushing home from school to watch it, something that I can relate to but with Star Blazers. You can even take a look at the auditions of some of those that didn't quite make the cut to do the dub for Ken. If you want even more sketches, there is a collection from these episodes and many are quite in-depth. There is also another interview, this time with the ADR director, Charles Campbell, discussing the objectives and such with this version of Gatchaman.

Oh but wait, there's still a little more. You might know Gatchaman's production company, Tatsunoko in association with other anime, but you may not know the background behind the company itself and ADV has provided some background on how the company came into being as well as some of the past anime they created leading up to Gatchaman. An all-text section talks about what was being watched here in the United States back in 1972 when Gatchaman began airing, but I notice a few things left out. How could you forget the notorious Brady Kids cartoon that began in 1972? Okay, so the animation here in the States wasn't exactly top of the line. Also on the disc is an unused ending animation sequence as well as one that includes the sponsor message. Lastly, just like any anime (or even cartoon for that matter) having a tie-in with toys is essential and you'll get a look at the Gatchaman Modellock commercial, a little item that I'm sure is worth a pretty penny these days.

Two discs totaling twelve episodes, a disc full of bonus material and a gorgeous collector's box . . .. . you simply can't go wrong with this. Gatchaman may have been out of the limelight for a little bit, but it's never been too far from the hearts and minds of fans, and this is the ideal way to start out the collection. If you have a choice, this is the best one to take and ADV has given fans and those new to the series a perfect thing to catch the Gatchaman bug. Grab it, embrace it, and prepare yourself for the ultimate battle of good verses evil.

-mike-

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