Here's another book I received through the generosity of a friend. Since I have review space, I figured I'd go for a complete set.
The Good: Explains many of the technical questions and closes some of the plot holes observed by fans of the BotP/Gatchaman series.
The Bad: Inconsistent tone throughout.
The story:This book is not a comic book. It's a written "manual" to the BotP comic universe. "Written" by Chief Anderson, this guide covers the Spectran threat, describes the structure and characters of G-Force, their weaponry and vehicles. It then closes with art samples taken both from the original series and from guess artists like Tyson Wengler, Mike Garcia, Francis Manapul, Edwin David, and of course, Alex Ross.
Over the years, there have been "Gatchascience" questions that nobody could really answer. What were the antennas on the G-Force helmets for? How does G-Force transmutation work--can a team member transmute another team member/vehicle? How can they take off their wristband aboard the Phoenix and still stay in uniform when normally taking off the band detransmutes the birdstyle uniform? This book addresses all of these things in detail. All the things normally attributed to writer inconsistency have been settled--we learn how Mark's Sonic Boomerang knocks out Spectran goons without affecting G-Force; why there are three different kinds of feather darts (including the design taken from Gatchaman Fighter).
The writing is problematic, the tone switching from dry and technical to overly personal. I wonder about the wisdom of writing a classified paper to President Kane containing phrases like, "I still know that no matter how hard I try I will never be a father figure to Jason. He's too independent, too strong-willed to allow anyone but his real Father or Mother to truly have any influence on him. Not surprising, but I also don't know if there will ever be anything I can do about it." I realize this was an effort to give the fans some juicy insight on Jason and his relationship with Anderson, but it just doesn't work here. I'm also puzzled by the staff list on this book. Although this writing was supposedly "decoded" by Jason Hofius, I know "The Grand High Poobah," as he's affectionately known in fan circles, is not prone to comma splices and expository babble--in other words, he writes better than this.
The art: The character profiles are illustrated with clips from the early issues of the comic, interspersed with "stock" art from the Gatchaman/BotP series and from the BotP Dynamic Forces trading cards. Most of this art, with the exception of four guest art pieces, we have seen already--featured in the trading cards, the calendar, and issues of Wizard and Previews. However, if this art is all new to you, you're in for a treat as it's some of the best available. I would have liked to have seen more new art by various comic artists. My favorite new art was the Jason piece by Martin Montiel and Mike Garcia, featuring Jason standing alone, facing down several guns.
The bottom line: Best used for reference.
Here's another book I received through the generosity of a friend. Since I have review space, I figured I'd go for a complete set.