Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points!
For this entry, the Gatchaman return from Mad Cave Studios continues onward! Following a Free Comic Book Day appearance, the Tatsunoko Productions characters look to invade comic shops in a big way! Along with a new volume dropping this week (Gatchaman #1), there is a one-shot companion book for fans of the classic series.
GATCHAMAN - KEN: DEATHMATCH #1 by Tommy Lee Edwards, Mindy Lee, Giada Marhiso and John Workman gives readers an insight to the franchise member of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman!
Let’s take a deeper dive into this solo story!
GATCHAMAN - KEN: DEATHMATCH #1 by Tommy Lee Edwards, Mindy Lee, Giada Marhiso and John Workman (Mad Cave Studios)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Edwards gives fans a thrilling tale with action and intrigue. Ken’s undercover mission carries high stakes. Fighting his way through, the readers can sense the danger at hand. Once the tale shifts with Galactor’s move, the issue finds its groove.
The issue serves as a great introduction for a great villain: Berg Katse. The writing creates a feel of arrogance and defiance in Katse’s dialogue. Once his plan moves into place, readers get locked in quick. There is plenty of action moments to keep the pacing moving. It never seems to slow down which helps. Once the final act starts, things wind down just enough to realize there is more to this saga after this issue.
Lee and Marhiso give action fans much to look forward to. The initial deathmatch is capped off with a great two page splash. Ken brings the fight with fast moving panels. This gets taken up a few notches once Katse makes his actions known.
The transition with a full page shot of his ship connects with readers as a change is transpiring. Katse’s reactions to his gloating will stand out. It is contrasted by Ken’s disdain. Business picks up once Ken switches into his traditional garb. At this stage, the action is furiously moving. The art doesn’t pause to brake. It dips into quieter moments only to level up more until the close. The parting pages are an excellent walk-off moment for now, but definitely for good.
FINAL POINT: 8.6
The franchise of the Gatchaman team steps into the spotlight with a thrilling mission. Edwards keeps the danger moving forward with the writing. Lee, Marhiso and Workman bring the best out of the conflicts with the kinetic art. This is a great introduction for anyone diving into the legendary fandom.
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