GATCHAMAN #2, by Mad Cave Studios on 7/31/24, uncovers a dastardly plot by Galactor to kidnap the world’s greatest scientists, sowing mass destruction in the process.
Credits:
- Writer: Cullen Bunn
- Artist: Chris Batista
- Colorist: Carlos Lopez
- Letterer: Buddy Beaudoin
- Cover Artist: Inaki Miranda (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: July 31, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 34
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of GATCHAMAN #2:
First Impressions:
Writer Cullen Bunn and Mad Cave Studios have taken the high-flying spirit of adventure to heart with an issue packed with drama, action, and intrigue in Gatachaman #2. Bunn may be best known as a horror writer, but maybe he missed his calling.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the Science Ninja Team in Gatchaman #1, they intercepted a kaiju-sized sundew plant mecha destroying the city just as Dr. Mueller from Elerion Dynamics was about to unveil his discovery for nearly limitless power. The Science Ninja Team fought hard, but their ship was ensnared by the beast machine.
In Gatchaman #2, we pick up with the Science Ninja Team still trapped in the magnetic grip of the sundew plant mecha. Ken concludes power won’t free the God Phoenix, but perhaps fire will. It’s a huge gamble, but the team agrees to active Firebird mode. The gamble works, and the team flies free as the mecha flees.
Meanwhile, an Elerion worker escorts Dr. Mueller to a safe location in the bowels of the building while the fight rages outside. Suddenly, the escort attacks Mueller’s armed escort and takes him hostage. We learn the worker is a member of Galactor’s Devil Stars, and the mecha attack was a massive distraction meant to keep the Science Ninja Team busy while the Devil Stars escape with Dr. Mueller.
Look how simple and easy this is. Cullen Bunn lays out a clean, clear, well-paced adventure story that plays on the classic good-guys-versus-bad-guys model. Without any trouble at all, you get who the antagonists are, what they’re up to, Galactor’s broader plan, and an intuitive understanding of the challenge before our heroes.
Back at the base, the Science Ninja Team debriefs with Dr. Nambu. He relays the discovery that Dr. Mueller has been kidnapped, and after reviewing recent intelligence reports, Dr. Nambu confirms Galactor has kidnapped a number of high-ranking scientists over the last few months. Given the methods in Galactor’s plans, the Science Ninja Team knows where the terrorist organization will strike next.
As cool as their costumes and names are, the Science Ninja Team has endured because their tough and smart, brains and brawn personified. Bunn effortlessly switches the team from all-out fighters to tactical planners in the blink of an eye, but the transition is smooth and seamless.
Later, we catch up with Dr. Emi Aoki, a leading scientist in the field of deep space research, when her building is attacked by the sundew plant mecha. An unnamed woman quickly hurries Aoki to a secure location in the buildings lower levels, and as soon as they’re out of view of security or cameras, the woman pulls a gun on Aoki. Suddenly, a flying object knocks the gun out of the woman’s hand. The Science Ninja Team has arrived to save the day.
Bunn concludes the issue with a hopeless ultimatum, bait, and a villain in disguise.
Overall, this is a spectacular issue that improves on issue #1 with a clearer plot, more action, and strong pacing. Cullen Bunn is firing on all cylinders in this series.
Artwork and Presentation:
Chris Batista and Carlos Lopez give readers vivid, energetic action, faithful character designs, excellent facial acting that suits the slightly over-the-top anime aesthetic, and plenty of spectacle. In practically every way, this comic looks like the anime.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
If you’re a longtime Gatchaman fan and wonder where this series sits in continuity, Lord Berg Katse has a significant presence in this issue. That means Berg Katse in this issue is some kind of duplicate or clone, or this adventure takes place before Gatchaman Episode 105.
Final Thoughts:
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GATCHAMAN #2 is a high-flying, action-packed adventure filled with drama, intrigue, and excitement. Cullen Bunn’s script is as faithful to the spirit and style of the original Gatchaman as you can get, and the art team’s reverence for the classic design and aesthetic approaches perfection.
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