A mechanical terror has descended upon numerous cities and the world’s greatest scientists are disappearing. Our only hope: Science Ninja Team Gatchaman! As they battle these machinations from the international terrorist organization known as Galactor, their strength, willpower, and even vehicles are pushed to the absolute limit. If they fail…who’s waiting in the wings to take their place? Gatchaman #1 kicks off a whole new adventure for the classic anime series.

I have vague memories of the Gatchaman anime. I remember the designs. I remember the character personalities. And, I remember some of the battles, but overall, it’s a property I remember very little of. It’s not one that hits the nostalgia button for me. So, going into Gatchaman #1, I was intrigued to see if this new series would jog any memories or get me to want to go back and explore what came before. Unfortunately by the end, it didn’t do any of that.

Written by Cullen Bunn, the issue is a pretty basic beginning. A scientist has a new energy source. The bad guys send a giant monster to attack. Gatchaman and his team must fight the monster and save the day. It has a plot and execution that feels like it could have been an episode plot. It has a nostalgic, classic, feel about it. And without much else, it really plays to those who are massive fans of the property.

In an age where we have Power Rangers, Voltron, and so many more, Gatchaman #1 goes up against similar concepts with a bit more flash. So, in the end, the issue, and concept as a whole, feels a little quaint and dated. None of it is bad but it also doesn’t stand out and so much similar with so much more going for it, has come out in the decades since this originally debuted. The first issue feels a bit held back by its source material and clinging to it.

The art by Chris Batista is ok. There’s nothing bad about it, but like the story itself, it doesn’t stand out either. With color by Carlos Lopez and lettering by Buddy Beaudoin, it captures the look of what came before but it doesn’t use the comic page’s strength either. It’s pretty straightforward as far as visuals.

Gatchaman #1 isn’t a bad start but it also doesn’t stand out. For those who love the property, I’m sure they’ll enjoy the relaunch and maybe what’s to come will deliver some of the unexpected which will add excitement. But, as far as debuts, it introduces the characters and that’s about it.

Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Chris Batista
Color: Carlos Lopez Letterer: Buddy Beaudoin
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle