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Gatchaman is more or less a formulaic series, something that is quite common with just about any animation series from the era of the 1970’s, and that’s not exclusive to any particular country either. Heavy, plot driven series were still a few years off, but the “lather, rinse, and repeat” style was commonly accepted, and still kept bring fans back to the show time and time again, part of what I’m sure made it popular with those there in the United States. ADV will be releasing all of the original, uncut Gatchman episodes which means two things. First off all, fans of the series, regardless of what form they originally watched it in, are going to get to see the entire series once again, but it also means that I don’t want to run out of things to discuss about the series, so I’m going to try and be a bit sparing. This volume however does have some rather interesting developments. One of the most important things is that the Science Ninja Team gets their own mobile base of operations; an undersea base that look, for all intents and purposes, like an ordinary island when viewed from above. It’s not a bad idea if you really think about it. Let’s take an example like the Fantastic Four. Sure, the Baxter Building is cool and everything, but with the giant four right on the top, why not simply put out ads in the paper with maps as to where your location is, that would make it much easier for your enemies to find you. The Science Ninja’s however at least have Dr. Nembu and the International Science Organization looking out for them, and since the God Phoenix is capable of flight and undersea travel, it’s the ideal location to keep tabs on Galactor. Speaking of which, while they don’t always have the best costumes in the world, Galactor is quite an enemy to contend with, and I’ll give my reasoning on that. Let’s look at the example of two other cartoon super villain groups; the Super Friends own Legion of Doom and then Cobra of G.I. Joe fame. These are two of the worst collections of foes ever, who do nothing more than argue among one another and waste their budge for world take over. In just twelve episodes though, Galactor has done probably billions in property damage alone, not to mention that lives that have been lost in their schemes. They also have this affinity for insects for some reason, using everything from mechanical ants to take over a power plant to a giant centipede to try and throw moon rocks at the Earth. If they could just do some work on those costumes . . . . .though Berg Katse does come up with a cool outfit for the first episode on the disc comprised of a skull helmet complete with horns. It’s very formidable, but he ditches it once their plan fails. Again there are some very humorous moments simply due to dialog. Leader X at one point decides that the time for Galactos conquest of the world has finally come. I guess all of those other times where simply a test and meant nothing. I also laughed a bit in an episode that saw Ken and Jun going off together to try and stop Galactor, and I was reminded of this classic moment from an American piece of animation: “Daphne and I will go this way, the rest of you go the other, and keep your eyes peeled, gang. There’s no telling where that ghost may be.” Of course, nothing happened with Fred and Daphne, and I think we all know why that is, and nothing happens with Ken and Jun either, but for different reasons. They are fighting evil, and there’s no time for love, Dr. Jones. Also, Ken is just oblivious to the fact that Jun has feelings for him, sort of like how the gang is oblivious to who Red Impulse really is. The hero shows up once again in two episodes on this volume, and every clue that you need to understand his identity is given . . . . and the Science Ninja’s are still completely in the dark. I guess that’s what happens when you have someone like Ken in charge. I did find myself not only annoyed with him because of that, but also the fact that each and every episode (almost at least) any time something happens it much be Galactor. Okay, so it is, and that’s not the real surprise, but I kept thinking that just once, I’d like to see it NOT be Galactor to wipe that smug look off his face. Undoubtedly we are going to be seeing more or less the same types of extra materials for the run of the series. This volume contains episode commentary with Kim Prause, and dub voice of Jun, and the ADR director Charles Campbell. The best thing however is the Gatchaman karaoke which allows you to make up your own dialog, or follow along and try your hand at being a voice actor. Personally, making up your own dialog is quite a bit more fun in my opinion. Lastly, you will find a clean version of the closing animation here as well. It may be predictable, but that doesn’t stop it form being run. Watching Gatchaman is just like reliving any cartoon from your childhood or discovering one from way back when that you have never see before (which is how watching the series is for me.) You know what’s going to happen, you know who is behind it and how everything will turn out in the final two minutes of the episodes, but you just can’t help but watch it, love it, and have a great time while doing so. The Science Ninja’s are here and it’s high time that you either embrace them again like you did in your youth or discover them for the first time. Episode 7 – Galactor’s Giant Air Show Ken is testing an experimental airplane that might end air pollution for good, but not if Galactor has anything to say about it. The mysterious Katsenberg destroys the aircraft with a deadly metallic whip that the Science Ninjas are no match for. Dr. Nembu determines that the metal is Whisker, one of the hardest substances on Earth and now Gatchaman must find the secret factory and shut the operation down. Episode 8 – The Secret of the Crescent Coral Reef The ISO is working on a new undersea base for the Science Ninajs, but when some of the members are attacks, Nembu calls in the team to investigate. Jinpei however, upset that he isn’t as popular as the other team members, sets off on his own when the team stops to rest for the night, but is solo adventure turns bad when he’s captured by Galactor and now the base is in danger. Episode 9 – The Devil from the Moon Meteor showers have been hitting various parts of the world with deadly accuracy and destructive results. Nembu has determined that these are moon rocks and once again the Science Ninjas are called into action. In space, they discover the cause of the chaos; Galactor, and with a new scorpion mecha, the next phase of their plan goes into action. Episode 10 – The Great Underground Monster War A swarm of deadly ants is attacking the nuclear power plat, but when the Science Ninja’s investigate they discover these aren’t mere insects but robots, and that can only mean one thing; Galactor. The team prepares to head underground; unaware of the trap that awaits them. On the surface, Red Impulse and his team begin to exterminate the robotic pests while Gatchaman escapes and prepares a new plan. Episode 11 – The Mysterious Red Impulse Gatchaman is called in to escort a high speed plane, but little does the team know that Galactor has already gotten onboard and is taking the craft for themselves. When Nambu discovers the truth, he call in Red Impulse for assistance, but Ken is certain that this the real enemy and head off alone in pursuit of them. In the meantime, the rest of the team is taken prisoner by Galactor and the evil foe intends on killing them all, but Red Impulse has a little surprise for everyone. Episode 12 – The Gluttonous Monster Ibukron Galactor has designed a giant cockroach that they have sent out to suck up all of the world’s sugar resources. When it appears again, Gatachman is dispatched to follow the machine and find the enemy base. Ken, Joe, and Ryu sneak aboard, but the enemy is prepared and tries everything in their power to kill them while Jun and Jinpei follow the roach, and it may be up to the two of them to save their friends before it’s too late. -mike-
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