Gatchaman Collections from ADV



I recently got the first two Science Ninja Team Gatchaman collections from ADV. Most people will probably remember Gatchaman most fondly as the Japanese TV series that was modified to become Battle of the Planets. All the stuff with 7-Zark-7 was added for the U.S.

The first thing you'll notice about the new collections are the gorgeous cover paintings by Alex Ross (Marvels, Kingdom Come).



They're incredible and they may represent one of the greatest disconnects between the attractiveness of package artwork and the quality of the show inside.

One thing though: Ross decided to marry his realistic style with the slightly exaggerated anime eyes of the Gatchaman characters, with disturbing results. Ken was the most realistically drawn of the Gatchaman characters, so in Ross' painting his extra-large eyes make him look a little deranged. And Jun, as the only female character on the team (and indeed, one of the only female characters to appear on the show) got the biggest eyes of all, and painted as flesh and blood she looks rather like a Little Miss No Name Doll.

Posted: Sun - August 28, 2005 at      

©