Gatchaman Vol. 8: Devil's Airline & Valley of Death 1972 ADV Films Official US Website Buy It Now

More action, more explosions, more mecha's, and plenty of bad dialog; these are the things that makes Gatchaman a joy to watch. As bad as they may seem, the 70's have created a number of icons in the world of entertainment, and who knew that a hit television series in Japan would become one of the many anime greats across the world. The stories in comparison to today's series are rather basic, it's usually wrapped up in just a little over 20 minutes, but you can't deny the addictive quality. The eight volume of Gatchaman has another six episodes features everyone's favorite group of Japanese heroes.

You should all know the routine at this point, and Galactor is back again with new plans and new mecha's that they hope to rule the world with. On one hand, you really have to give credit to an organization such as Galactor; they don't give up. Their desire to rule the world has cost thousands of innocence civilians their lives, they've easily done trillions in damages worldwide, and yet for some reason they are still falling short of their goal. Even so, when you compare them to other super villain groups like The Legion of Doom from the Super Friends or Cobra from GI Joe, I'd have to put my money on Galactor as being one of the most diabolical forces that animation has ever witnessed in a children's television program.

I'm still convinced however that Berg Katse is a woman, or one of the best female impersonators in animation, but that's not really the important part of the episodes. What is would be Galactor unleashing more devilish plans for world conquest. In this volume you'll find them transforming humans into cyborgs is hopes to rekindling the fires of war. They develop two new mecha that the Science Ninja team is almost powerless against, and they even try and steal valuable ISO secrets directly from them. If it weren't for Gatchaman, they'd be successful.

Always looking for the humorous line, Ryu boldly states in one episode that he's hungry, and his reasoning is thus, "I'm bored, and when I get bored I get hungry." Uh-huh. Well, it looks like Ryu must get bored A LOT. I found myself also trying to determine just why that red button for the Bird Missiles is behind glass. In the beginning of the series, the team always needed permission to use them, but they continue to launch them at a moments notice, even breaking the protective glass at times. Removing it would save a lot of trouble. There is also a shocking revelation in these episodes. Red Impulse is really Ken's father. Okay, so it's not such a shock, and Ken still has no idea. This shouldn't come as a major surprise however since this is the same man who is oblivious to the fact that Jun is smitten with him.

You already know that ADV is going to give you clean versions of the opening and closing animations in the extras, but as always, there is a bit more. Episode 45, The Sea Lion Ninja Team in the Night Fog," serves as this volumes Gatchaman karaoke. You can follow along with the dialog or simply make your own up; it's all up to you. Gatchaman's senior translator, Sarah Alys Lindhold also provides commentary on this volume.

Some might argue that Gatchaman was obviously influenced by American comic book heroes, but in turn, Gatchaman has become an influence in the world of anime in many ways and has also been the source of entertainment for generations of fans. Gatchaman may be predictable, but the predictability is what makes it fun and while the 70's may be legendary for some over-the-top entertainment, in this case that factor is the biggest draw. You won't want to miss these, or any of the other episodes of the anime series that has held a special place in fans hearts for decades.

Episode 43 - A Romance Destroyed by Evil

Two warring nations are a peace and the testament is to be the marriage to citizens from both countries. Galactor however has a plan to ruin this wedded bliss and plunge the countries back into war. The Science Ninja's are ordered to protect them, but even they may not be enough to stop Galactor's heinous plan.

Episode 44 - Galactor's Challenge

Galactor has designed a deadly new mecha and even though they've been forbidden, Ken and the team rush in to face them. The Science Ninja's are barely saved by Red Impulse and though Ken is ready to quit. However, when the chance comes about to actually train with Red Impulse, Ken goes along in hopes to proving that he is better than his "rival."

Episode 45 - The Sea Lion Ninja Team in the Night Fog

Galactor has discovered the ISO's secret base with a rare metal, and they intend on taking it for themselves. The biggest concern is getting the works off the island alive before Galactor attacks and the Science Ninjas are called in for the mission. Galactor however isn't about to give up their plan so quickly and the success of the mission rest with Jinpei.

Episode 46 - Gatchaman in the Valley of Death

While repairing his plane, Ken meets with an unwanted passenger. The armed man wants Ken to fly him to his destination where he will be paid nicely, but after the two fight, the man must parachute out to save his life. Ken crashes and is without the assistance of his team members . . . and also ends up in Galactor's clutches.

Episode 47 - The Devil's Airline

The ISO has created a new super computer and Director Anderson is delivering the final component. Galactor hijacks the plane in hopes of gaining the part but the director sends a Morose Code message to the Science Ninja team and before long, a battle erupts in the air and on land to protect the ISO's valuable asset.

Episode 48 - The Camera Iron Beast, Shutterkill

Galactor has designed a powerful new mecha that takes pictures as it destroys it targets to collect their secrets and they have been targeting various ISO locations. Even the God Phoenix is powerless against it but after landing in the desert, the team finds a hidden base and the fruits of Galactor's efforts; to launch their mecha into space where it can gather more data.

-mike-
 

Genre: Science Fiction / action   Series Director: Hisayuki Toriumi   Voice Cast: Katsuji Mori (Ken) Kazuko Sugiyama (Jun) Isao Sasaki (Joe) Yoku Shioya (Jinpei) Shingo Kanemoto (Ryu) Toru Ohira (Dr. Nambu)

DVD Features: Dual Language Japanese/English English subtitles Clean Opening Animation Clean Closing Animation Commentary Track w/ Sarah Alys Lindhom Gatchaman Karaoke Contains Episodes 43 - 48