GATCHAMAN #6, by Mad Cave Studios on 1/15/25, takes a break from fighting evil when the Science Ninja Team takes a beachside holiday for a picnic. However, Jinpei may have a surprise adventure planned.
Credits:
- Writer: Cullen Bunn
- Artist: Pasquale Qualano
- Colorist: Rebecca Nalty
- Letterer: Buddy Beaudoin
- Cover Artist: Inaki Miranda (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: January 15, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of GATCHAMAN #6:
Recap:
When last we left the Science Ninja team in Gatchaman #5, the first arc concluded when Jun led the Beta Team to stop the Sundew Mecha from exploding when Berg Katse set off the self-destruct mechanism. The issue and arc concluded with the Mech steered out to sea to crash in the ocean and everyone returned safely.
Plot Analysis:
Gatchaman #6 begins with a lovely day of surf, sand, and sun. The Science Ninja Team heads out to enjoy a lovely picnic on the beach. When they open their picnic basket, the only thing they find is a weathered scroll. Jinpei has tricked the team, yet again, into another one of his hunts for pirate treasure.
At first, the team isn’t willing to go along since Jinpei’s previous pirate treasure hunts turned out to be wild goose chases. This time, the treasure map appears legitimate when the coordinates lead the team to a secret door hidden on the side of a rocky cliff. Spurred on by the hint that the treasure hunt may be real, the team dodges one booby trap after another as they make their way through the hidden caverns.
Eventually, the team comes to a large, open cavern with what appears to be a treasure chest resting on a small patch of sand in the middle of an underground lake. The issue concludes with snapping jaws, falling ceilings, and a generous gift.
First Impressions:
In every way you could possibly imagine, Gatchaman #6 is a cute little time waster. More in line with a Scooby Doo adventure than anything else, Cullen Bunn’s tale of treasure hunts and booby traps is just the kind of thing you’d expect from a Saturday Morning Cartoon. That said, the childish hijinks feel out of place with the first arc.
Artwork and Presentation:
Pasquale Qualano, who we regularly see for his work on Dynamite Comics, steps in for Chris Batista and Sabrina Cintron to deliver a pitch-perfect set of visuals that match the airiness and fun of the adventure at hand. Qualano’s character designs and overall composition are a close complement to Batista and Cintron, so the art remains consistent, and Qualano’s acting style gives the adventure just the right amount of energy.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Cullen Bunn’s light, airy adventure hits the nail on the head on two fronts. First, Gatchaman #6 fits the very definition of a cooldown issue to give everyone a breather before embarking on the next adventure. Second, this issue contains the kind of bouncy, all-ages fun that’s suitable for kids to jump into comics, which is always a positive.
The Negatives:
The tone and unserious nature of the adventure is a jarring departure from the previous arc. The best way to put it would be something akin to “The first arc works for kids, teens, and adults. This issue is just for little kids.”
Final Thoughts:
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GATCHAMAN #6 is a bouncy, light, airy adventure that gives the team the day off to hunt for pirate treasure. Cullen Bunn’s script is just the ticket for little kids interested in comics, and guest artist Pasquale Qualano’s artwork is a close complement to regular artists Chris Batista and Sabrina Cintron. That said, the abrupt change in story tone may be jarring for regular readers.
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