GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #4 (MAD CAVE STUDIOS)

It had to come down to this. An attempt was made on Berg Katse’s life. The Gatchman foe survived. After searching, he has now found his assailants. Skywolf and the Lupo family are the culprits. Katse has taken his vengeance to the family compound. There’s no turning back now.

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #4 by Steve Orlando, Pasquale Qualano, Rebecca Nalty and Frank Cvetkovic (Mad Cave Studios) gives fans the final showdown they’ve been waiting for!

Let’s not wait another minute and dive right in!

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #4 by Steve Orlando, Pasquale Qualano, Rebecca Nalty and Frank Cvetkovic (Mad Cave Studios) Cover- Kath Lobo

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Orlando concludes the conflict by showing how ruthless Katse truly is. The attack on the compound is swift and brutal. There is no point of mercy shown. The systematic attack leads to a fast rising body count. It leaves readers with no doubt about how truly unhinged and dangerous the Galactor second in command truly is.

Once Skywolf (literally) crashes the fight, the chapter speeds towards its close. The climax brings forth a shocking and tragic ending. All the while, Katse never breaks stride. Knowing he is the creator of the chaos, it is a celebratory moment. It drives his ego and need for establishing control. The closing pages tie up loose ends while reminding the audience the true face of evil is waiting and plotting.

Qualano and Nalty bring the action with the electric action. Katse’s attacks range from working in shadows to outright face-to-face. The art builds up the tense atmosphere before the dramatic entrance in the compound. A full page image exposes Katse to the final bosses. This sends everything into the clsoing moments.

Skywolf makes a dramatic entrance into the fight via a full page splash. The faceoff between her and Katse is captured by Katse’s maniacal grin. It ultimately caps off with Katse walking away with Cvetkovic’s lettering putting an exclamation point on the story. Events wind down with a full page image of Katse back where he feels he belongs. It’s a fitting image for a force of nature driven by ego and power.

FINAL POINT: 8.3

Katse’s revenge shows no mercy in an explosive finale. Orlando’s writing brings out the best (or worst) of Katse. Qualano, Nalty, and Cvetkovic leave nothing off limits with the brutality of the Gatchaman’s unstable evil. It proves if you aim for the crown, Kaste’s is one to avoid.

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GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #3 (MAD CAVE STUDIOS)

Berg Katse is dying! Gatchman’s most dangerous foe has had an attack from within. Left for dead, Katse attempts to survive long enough to get revenge on Skywolf and the Lobo. Does his enemies know what they have just unleashed?

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #3 by Steve Orlando, Pasquale Qualano, Rebecca Nalty and Frank Cvetkovic (Mad Cave Studios) follows along with Katse’s plan for revenge.

Let’s take a closer look at where thing go from here.

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #3 by Steve Orlando, Pasquale Qualano, Rebecca Nalty and Frank Cvetkovic (Mad Cave Studios)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Katse is a very complex character. At his core, his ego drives every action. The opening pages reflect that as he refuses to let Skywolf celebrate his demise. The “doctor” visit solidifies Katse’s drive to make sure he is never looked upon as broken. This leads to an uncomfortable conversation with Leader X. Seeing Katse lie and dodge to X’s questioning makes a loud statement.

This energy carries over into the revenge acts. Orlando wirtes Katse at his most dangerous. Readers watch as Kaste’s cold persona fuels his heated attacks. From here, the end game begins. With his enemies reeling, Katse sets the stage for the final showdown. Pacing sets events up quickly without missing a beat. This connects with readers eagerly waiting for Katse to unleash the full extent of his vengeance.

Qualano steps in for art duties and gives Skywolf a big entrance to the Lobos after her actions. The intensity builds with the near full page of Leader X screaming for Katse. Unfortunately for him, Katse is getting worked on via a simple but loud panel. TThe full page image of Katse covering his tracks sets forth the final road to revenge. Events spiral at a high pace until the closing page. A full page image concludes events as Katse is ready to strike down all that oppose him.

FINAL POINT: 8.3

Gatchaman’s notorious foe starts his revenge era with an engaging tale. Orlando’s writing moves events forward as Katse makes his final play. The art brings out the redemption path while building off Katse’s re-fueled confidence. The path of vengeance starts here!

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GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #2 (MAD CAVE STUDIOS)

Someone has tried killing Berg Katse. The dangerous enemy of GATCHAMAN has a long list of people who would like to see him gone. How does he respond when the threat is within the ranks of GALACTOR? With as much viciousness and determination as necessary.

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #2 by Steve Orlando, Kath Lobo, and Frank Cvetkovic (Mad Cave Studios) takes one step closer to unlocking more secrets of the man behind the mask.

Let’s take a deeper dive and see where things lead now.

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #2 by Steve Orlando, Kath Lobo, and Frank Cvetkovic (MAD CAVE STUDIOS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The ruthlessness of Katse never escapes readers minds. Orlando drives this point home right from the start. The opening pages reflect how cold and vicious Katse can truly be. Orlando carries this energy into how Katse addresses his followers in Galactor. Knowing there are traitors in the ranks, nothing is held back on how far Katse will go to stop them.

The writing also lends itself to spotlight Katse protecting his secret. With his breakdown, readers see at how Katse attacks. No move is made without ration. It sends a quick message which draws out what he’s looking for. However, it also leads to a big shakeup in the closing act. Events unfold that change everything. It is a great landing spot for now to carry onward to the next phase.

Lobo throws in a great mix of splash pages to offset the calculating aggression of Katse. The mirrored full page splashes portrays him as a loyal servant to Leader X. His actions in killing Filiku run parallel to that cause. A two page splash of Katse walking amongst the troops carries his flare for control. The panels never escape his maniacal grin as he goes to work to draw out the traitors.

There is a moment where this gets broke away. The final act throws an excellent curve into the mix. Lobo’s art sets up the shocking move perfectly. It leaves readers with a distinct closing image that won’t be forgotten any time soon.

FINAL POINT: 8.6

The attack on Berg Katse intensifies with another thrilling chapter. Orlando delves into the mind of a maniac grasping for control. Lobo holds nothing back with the solid panels showcasing his scheming and obstacles along the way. This should definitely be on comic readers’ radar at the LCS.

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GATCHAMAN #2 (MAD CAVE STUDIOS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points!

For this entry, The Science Ninja Team is back! GATCHAMAN has returned to pop culture via Mad Cave Studios! A whole slew of new books based off the Tatsunoko Productions property just hit comic shops. Each title captured the classic formula from the animated series of 1972 while giving it a modern flare.

Now heading into the next issues, fans are very eager to see what’s next for the franchise.

GATCHAMAN #2 by Cullen Bunn, Chris Batista, Carlos Lopez and Buddy Beaudoin leads the next round of the legendary team into the local comic shops.

Let’s not wait another minute and dive into the latest.

GATCHAMAN #2 by Cullen Bunn, Chris Batista, Carlos Lopez and Buddy Beaudoin (Mad Cave Studios)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Bunn sets the stage for a classic heroic tale. The writing carries much of a straight forward pace with events unfolding. Pacing is very quick but never feels forced. The action sequences mirror the electric times of old. From here, the story switches back to an undercover attack. Bunn juggle the large cast with great ease. There wasn’t a wasted panel shot when taken.

Galactor and Berg Katse get a poignant spotlight in the issue. It provides more insight onto the team’s most despised villain. The story’s resolution is textbook. That is not a bad thing when dealing with a long-standing property as Gatchaman. It offers a fun twist on where to take their fight next. This was a great adventure of any long-time fans of the series.

Batista and Lopez construct an excellent two page splash to kick off the action style. This ultimately leads into another full page image that will have readers amped. Seeing the team unveil this option of combat is a sure win.

The conversations with Katse pour with his blatant charisma. He is their top villain for good reason. the art showcases him in said manner. It also allows the team to counter his advances with great action panels. The closing image is a nice swerve that can only lead to more danger and thrills next issue.

FINAL POINT: 8

The return of Gatchaman gifts fans with another thrilling challenge. Bunn’s writing taps into the vintage superhero playbooks and scores. Batista, Lopez and Beaudoin give fans great action fitting of the franchise. This is a perfect time to jump on board and see what all the hype is about.

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GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #1 (MAD CAVE STUDIOS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points!

For this entry, the world of Gatchaman has returned in a big way! The legendary team retuned to comic shops with two big releases via Mad Cave Studios. Joining the ranks is a new story centered around their most dangerous enemy. Can there be sabotage from within? That is the question lingering around GALACTOR and Berg Katse.

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #1 by Steve Orlando, Kath Lobo, and Frank Cvetkovic sets the stage for a mystery that readers won’t want to miss.

Let’s take a closer look at how things play out now.

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #1 by Steve Orlando, Kath Lobo, and Frank Cvetkovic (Mad Cave Studios)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

For anyone new to the fandom, Orlando brings out the sadistic and ruthless nature of Katse to a terrifying level. The attempt on his life is shrouded in his own self-loathing of failure. Once the attempt is made, the story kicks into full swing. Katse is written as an ultimate strategist. His methods of deciphering who was behind the attacks shows the level of viciousness he will go to win.

This leads into a strong final act. Relying heavily on bait and switch, Katse has a unique stand-off. The devious nature pours off panels as Katse works. This builds up the drama to a fever pitch. Its’ fallout is very good. The surface has only begun to be scratched. That point is drilled home with a definat last page. Events are paced out perfectly to let the world know Katse is out for blood. Get ready for a true path a rage for readers to walk.

Lobo brings an energetic feel to this chapter. There is a two-page splash to feature Galactor in action. It’s met with a brief but impactful entrance for the Gatchaman team. From here, the focus goes solely on Katse and the cunning nature he oozes.

From the evil smirk to the depths of his investigation, Katse’s body language showcases his devious ways. This pours into the final standoff. Seeing the cat and mouse nature of the scene plays out is one readers will enjoy. It ends with a full page dramatic reveal of Katse to his unsuspecting adversary.

The momentum carries right to the closing page. With a glorious stance in full page form, Katse makes his presence known he is only getting started.

FINAL POINT: 8.6

Aim for the King and you had best not miss. That is the aura Berg Katse demonstrates in this captivating chapter. Orlando constructs a building mystery with great writing. Lobo captures the manic nature of Galactor’s heavy with excellent visuals. There is much for readers to become invested with the matters unfolding in the Gatchaman Universe.

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GATCHAMAN - KEN :DEATHMATCH #1 (MAD CAVE STUDIOS)

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.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on GATCHAMAN - KEN: DEATHMATCH #1. Thanks for reading!