In this review of Gatchaman #6, the Science Ninja Team goes on a different type of mission — but it’s not without its own level of danger.
GATCHAMAN #3
Written by: Cullen Bunn
Art: Pasquale Qualano
Main Cover by: Inaki Miranda
Variant Cover: Chris Batista
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: January 22, 2025
This review may contain spoilers
Gatchaman #6, like the rest of the issues in this series, has been a great read for those who are fans of the 70s era anime. But unlike the other issues thus far, Gatchaman #6 satisfies readers by providing a soft, touching story of how the members of the Science Ninja Team interact with one another when they’re not locked in battle with the forces of Galactor.
Gatchaman #6 kicks off with the members of the Science Ninja Team seemingly taking a break and heading to the beach for a team picnic. Instead of finding a picnic basket full of food, they learn that young Jinpei has tricked them into going on one of his crazy treasure hunts. This time, however, the treasure map the youngster found actually leads the team on an actual mission. After finding a hidden switch, the team makes their way towards a hidden cave.
At this point, things turn fun and adventurous as the young Swallow tells tales of treasure hunts. However, we see these battles over treasure in the form of the team facing off against Galactor, with their leader, Berg Katse, serving as the pirate leader against the team in full costume protecting their bounty.
By this time, the team has made their way to a cave where Jinpei finds a secret door, which leads the team to a deeper part of the mountain cave. After making their way in and avoiding multiple booby traps, the team comes upon a treasure chest full of riches. But they aren’t able to enjoy their spoils as they are quickly surrounded by crocodiles. The cave begins to cave in as the treasure chest falls into the water. Throughout the fight with the crocs, there are visions of the team fighting in full gear.
The team barely makes it out of the cave when they realize that Jinpei was able to get some of the jewels from the chest. However, he doesn’t keep them. As Gatchaman #6 ends, we find that Jinpei gave the riches to the orphanage he and Jun was raised in.
This was such an awesome issue. With the exception of the skirmish with the attacking crocodiles, the only action within Gatchaman #6 was imaginary. Cullen Bunn uses this “break” of sort to highlight the relationship between the members of the Science Ninja Team. It goes far beyond being teammates. They’re truly family (and not just speaking to Jun and Jinpei). Bunn accomplishes this through the simplest moves — the picnic together, hanging out together after their adventure. Bunn provided a great view at our heroes. While it wasn’t needed, it was most definitely welcome.
While the art from Chris Batista has always been top notch, guest artist Pasquale Qualano did not miss a beat. In some panels, I could not tell the difference between Qualano’s work and Batista’s. However, the art award for Gatchaman #6 goes to colorist Rebecca Nalty. The colorist from Ireland did an impeccable job making the simple touches to highlight the differences in Jinpei’s imagination and the actual adventure (as well as the change in appearance with the team).
The “king of horror” my ass. Cullen Bunn was made for this series in every way. The entire team that has puts Gatchaman together has created (and re-created) a nostalgic story for today’s time that makes you feel you’re watching Battle of the Planets on TV. The events of Gatchaman #6 was a welcome swerve that I hope to see more of.
