Gatchaman Feature Film to Release on DVD in Japan February 25, 2006

The jacket features an illustration by Ippei Kuri. This DVD will be available for purchase through amazon.co.jp and cdjapan.co.jp.

Preliminary reports on the DVD say copy of the movie is very clean and pretty, and the engineering of the disc is very utilitarian. The chapter stops duplicate the spots where the reels change in the film (though these aren't really the best spots for chapter stops in the course of the movie itself) and the chapters are titled "Part A," "Part B," "Part C," etc. Extras on the disc include a selection of artwork: model sheets (the heroes in civvies and in Birdstyle, the vehicles, Katse, Nambu, X) and some of the clean poster artwork that was made at the time of the movie. There is an hourlong interview featuring each of the principal voice actors interviewed separately interspersed by clips from the movie to give the interviews a little more pizzazz. Also included is a miniature DVD-sized version of the original movie program.

The Details:
Title: Theatrical Edition - Science Ninja Team Gatchaman
Catalog Number: DA-896
Issued by: Toshiba Entertainment
Distributed by: Shochiku
Running Time: 110 Minutes (plus extras)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen!)
Audio: Dolby Digital 4.0 Surround (Japanese language) and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround (Japanese language)
Format: NTSC, Region 2 encoding (must use Region 2 or multiregion DVD player)
Extras: An interview with the Japanese voice cast, and a miniature version of the original Gatchaman Feature movie program booklet
Price: 4,935 yen

ADV releases Gatchaman in English starting June 16, 2005

ADV has released the first two volumes of Gatchaman on DVD! These DVDs are Region 1 (North America), and contain both subbed and dubbed versions of Gatchaman.

These DVDs can be ordered through Amazon.com. or can be purchased at media shops such as Best Buy. Prices and bargains vary, so shop around!

Features for the box set include Japanese, English subbed and English dubbed episodes, clean opening and closing animation, episode commentary by the director and voice actors; Gatchaman karaoke, character profiles and sketches, episode sketches, interviews with the English staff and cast and audition footage. Features for the individual volumes appear to be episode commentary and Gatchaman karaoke.

Voices for the English dub are:

• Ken: Learaldo Anazulda (http://imdb.com/name/nm1453891/)
• Joe: Brian Jepson (http://imdb.com/name/nm1404134/)
• Jun: Kim Prause (http://imdb.com/name/nm1483692/)
• Jinpei: Luci Christian (http://imdb.com/name/nm0160049/)
• Ryu: Victor Carsrud (http://imdb.com/name/nm0141348/)
• Nambu: Andy McAvin (http://imdb.com/name/nm0564206/)
• Katse: Edwin Neal (http://imdb.com/name/nm0623605/)
• Sosai X: Winston Parish (No IMDB credit)

Overall, I am very pleased with the box set, and highly recommend it.

Visit the ADV Gatchaman page at http://www.advfilms.com/titles/gatchaman. Those on dialup beware: it's a 4 MB Flash page.

Save Money on the Nippon Columbia Gatchaman DVD Box Set...

Nippon Columbia is reissuing their Gatchaman DVDs as a 27-disc boxed set. The discs are packaged in nine 3-disc cases--each with a 12-page booklet--and enclosed in one larger box. The set retails for 60,000 yen, a far sight cheaper than the individual discs purchased separately (any other fans screaming yet?).

Now for a warning: the episodes are not subtitled or dubbed in English, and the discs are Region 2, requiring a modified or Japanese region DVD player. If you are looking for English language versions of Gatchaman, purchase the ADV Gatchaman releases or scroll down for information on the Gatchaman bootlegs.

The stock number is XT-1467 set will be released September 25, 2003. You can preorder one of these 1,500 limited edition sets through CD Japan at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=XT-1467 You can also order through Amazon Japan at http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000AIT9H/ref=sr_aps_d_/250- 2185499-6133028 Amazon Japan is offering a 9,000 yen discount, for a total of 51,000 yen.

Click here to see Nippon Columbia's web page for the box set.

Thank you, Tatsunokofan, for the hot tips!

...Or Buy Only Favorite Episodes!

Volume 1 (COBC-90369) will include:
Gatchaman #1 - "Gatchaman Vs. Turtle King"
Gatchaman #8 - "Secret of the Crescent Coral Reef"
Gatchaman #11 - "Mysterious Red Impulse"

Volume 2 (COBC-90370) will include:
Gatchaman #22 - "Firebird Vs. Fire-Eating Dragon"
Gatchaman #27 - "Galactor Witch Racer"
Gatchaman #31 - "Plan to Assassinate Dr. Nambu"

Volume 3 (COBC-90371) will include:
Gatchaman #42 - "Great Breakout Trick Operation"
Gatchaman #46 - "Gatchaman in the Valley of Death"
Gatchaman #53 - "Farewell Red Impulse"

The price is 2,800 yen each. Remember: Like the DVDs listed above, these are Region 2 encoded and have no subtitles or English dubbing. The DVDs will be released in Japan on December 17th 2004. They may still be available through CD Japan or Amazon Japan.

Thanks again to Tatsunokofan for the information!

Gatchaman II Now Available On DVD!

The first set contains episodes 1-26 on 5 disks and a booklet on the show, and was released on June 18, 2003 for 23,500 yen. A special edition of the set, for 25,000 yen, includes bonus figures of Ken and Joe.

The second box set with episodes 27-52 is scheduled for release on August 20, 2003, and will also be released in two versions. The second set will be similar to the first set, with 26 episodes on 5 discs. The set will come with a 24-page, full-color, DVD case-sized booklet (which most likely contains the synopses of the 26 episodes covered on the discs). There is more bonus material on these discs than there was on the first set. These include sections on "Character Establishment," "Mechanical Establishment," and "Art Establishment." There is also a bonus of the "Kurukuru Terebi" Gatchaman II film, a silent film that runs about 1 minute and was viewed using handheld, battery-powered viewers. This bonus could either be a commercial for the Gatchaman II film cartridge they made, or possibly the film itself. The 25,000 yen version will also include figures of Jun, Jinpei, and Ryu on top of these other goodies.

You can see photos of the covers and the bonus figures here at Nippon Columbia's website. The figures are the same as the Unifive 5-figure set, only with transparent plastic. No news as to what the bonus goodies are yet aside from character backgrounds, storyboards from the opening and ending themes, and a 24-page booklet.

Pictures of the disc boxes and covers can be found on Nippon Columbia's site at: http://columbia.jp/dvd/titles/GACCHAMAN/index.html They also have a downloadable commercial for the set on the site.

If you are interested in ordering the special version of Box 1, preorders are now being accepted through CD Japan at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=XT-1402

With Gatchaman Fighter On the Way

The box set contains the first half of the series (Episodes #1-27) and a 24-page all-color booklet. The set is in Region 2, and like the other DVD releases, it's in Japanese language only (no subtitles or English dubs).

Gatchaman Fighter Box 2 (XT-1643) was released December 29, 2004 and retails for 19,740 yen. It consists of four discs containing episodes 28-48. Like Box 1, the set comes with a 24-page all-color booklet. The set is in Region 2, and in Japanese language only (no subtitles or English dubs). For a look at the box set, try http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=XT-1643

Buyer Beware: Hong Kong Bootlegs of Gatchaman DVDs Now Being Sold Under "Battle of the Planets" Label

The short answer is, if they are multiregion and a complete set, they are definitely bootlegs.

Here's where it gets complicated: Right now, there are at least three different Hong Kong companies producing subbed bootlegs of the Gatchaman DVDs. Two companies, whose products are usually seen on sites like eBay, use cover art swiped from the Alex Ross BotP comic cover or from the Rhino BotP DVDs (a sample is shown at right). These companies cram as many episodes on each DVD as possible, and the quality of their product suffers for it. One videophile fan noted the bit rate is pretty low (about 3.6 kb per second, approximately half the rate of the BotP and Gatchaman originals). The actual subtitles are clear, but read as though the dialogue has gone through translation software, unedited (which would explain Ryu's name change to "Dragon"). There are creative new names for characters and weapons. Ken is now "Sean," Joe is "Alex," Jun is "Jenny," Jinpei is "Sting," and Ryu is "Dragon." The Bird Missiles are now called "Magical Bird Bombs" and the Kagaku Nimpo Hinotori (the "Fiery Phoenix" in BotP) is now called the "Flaming Flamingo Attack."

Although the bootleggers used rips of the Japanese Columbia discs, (even to the extent of using the same chapter stops and incorporating the music slideshows as extras), the color quality of the DVDs is darker and muddier than it should be, even for a ripped version.

The third company, Indian International, Inc., is putting out discs of fewer episodes for a higher price, but better quality. The Indian International set uses the original Nippon Columbia Gatchaman DVDs as the basis for their releases, right down to the Japanese bonus materials, menus and DVD cover art. There appears to be no loss in video quality. In fact, the only real difference between their release and the original Nippon Columbia issues is that they have added the optional Chinese and English subtitles. So far, Indian has released four sets, with three discs (episodes #1-10) in the first set, and three more sets (episodes #11-30, 31-50, and 51-70) with five discs each . Prices usually run about $45.00 for the first set, and $75.00 apiece for the rest, breaking down to $15.00 per disc. As for their subtitling, other than the annoyance of the character name changes, their translations are not too badly done. Expect some rough grammar in spots, but fair accuracy. If you're interested in getting the Indian discs, try Super Collector.

The best quality of translation--and the legal releases--are the Rhino and ADV DVDs. However, we fans currently have no guarantee that Rhino or ADV will translate all 105 episodes of Gatchaman (though we remain hopeful that ADV will follow through and they seem positive). For fans not willing to wait that long, the best bet in terms of quality is the Indian International releases. The final choice, giving you the highest volume for the lowest price, are the bootleg DVDs available on eBay. Basically, you're getting what you pay for.

Special thanks to Kelly Patrick Lannan and Tatsunokofan from the Gatchaman mailing lists for this information!

Gatchaman on DVD in Japan (Nippon Columbia)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What region encoding do the DVDs use?
  The DVDs use Region 2 encoding, meaning that you'll need to have a machine that can play Region 2-encoded DVDs in order to watch the series. Typical DVD machines sold in the US will not play the DVDs.

• Are the DVDs subbed or dubbed in English?
  Unfortunately, no. The only English additions are Romanizations of the Japanese episode titles. Everything else is in Japanese only. If you want to see subtitled episodes of Gatchaman, I recommend you pick up the Battle of the Planets DVDs now released by Rhino Video (US - NTSC). Each Rhino DVD is slated to include two subtitled episodes of Gatchaman as bonus material. However, there is no guarantee Rhino plans to release the entire Gatchaman series with subtitles, so less patient fans have turned to the bootleg Gatchaman DVDs mentioned above.

• Any additional goodies?
  Each disc has some sort of "extra," like still frames of production art, interviews, etc. The jackets offer some nice additional writeups with bits of trivia.

• Where can I order the DVDs?
  Fellow fans have suggested cdjapan.co.jp, jigsco.com and The-Place.com. Some of these DVDs are out of print as of 2002.

Urban Vision Gatchaman OAVs Released on DVD

1. Go to Japan or get a friend or penpal in Japan to shop for you.

2. Search eBay for anything under "Gatchaman" or "G-Force." But beware: some prices can get ridiculously inflated! Check the anime merchandise sites for comparative pricing. There is absolutely no reason to for you to blow $500 on a model of Center Neptune when it's selling out of Hobbylink Japan for under $50. Also, if you see tapes of Battle of the Planets or G-Force for sale in the US, they're bootlegs of dubious quality. Don't waste your money filling the pockets of video pirates.

3. Diamond Comic Distributors obtained the rights from Sandy Frank to distribute and produce Gatchaman and BotP goods. Click here for details!

4. The Tatsunoko Productions website now has its own online store, which currently offers Gatchaman team-style jerseys, a "G" emblem silver ring and a limited edition Ippei Kuri art print. Site is in Japanese only and orders cannot be made outside Japan, but I've been told the folks at celga.com can act as intermediaries. See below for more information.

5. Order goods from anime import shops. So far I have found Gatchaman II t-shirts and plastic models, cloisonne pins, OAV posters and laser discs at various anime shops throughout the United States. Try these through the Net:
   • Nikaku Animart in San Jose's Japan Town.
   • Planet Anime: E-mail planet@sam.neosoft.com for catalog.
   • Fantasia Toys offers Gatchaman merchandise at reasonable prices, and its proprietor is interested in buying, trading and selling older anime series toys, especially Gatchaman. I've found the Medicom figures and the Tatsunoko Heroes action figures as well as keychains there.
   • Tokyo Pop has a number of Gatchaman CDs as well as the Yu-Print CD Rom.
   • Kimono My House has a lot of Gatchaman merchandise, from the current to the ancient (like a BotP lunchbox and a toy Gatchaman helmet). They've stocked up on the latest resin model kits, action figures and Medicom figures.
   • Gatchaman toys have been popping up in Korea under the title, "Eagle 5 Brothers." For a look at some of the merchandise that has been found so far, visit http://chibi.simplenet.com/anime/gatchaman/gatchaman.html
6. Check convention dealer rooms.

Click on the thumbnail to see the full-size image. Check out the scale of the individual vehicles (far left)! The model comes with its own crescent-shaped stand. A vinyl shroud shaped like the firebird fits over the main body of the model. This will ship along with initial versions of the model and may be available via mail order at a later date. The smaller vehicles, G-1 through G-4, are included as well. Unifive pays close attention to detail and scale. Detailed Die-cast Godphoenix Model Now Available! Unifive, a subsidiary of Bandai, has released Gatchaman's Godphoenix as the next major toy in their Cho-Shin-Gokin ("Super True Alloy") line. This particular model line is well known for it's high quality, high die-cast content "toys" aimed at older collectors. What better to add to their line than a die-cast tribute to one of the most loved mechas in anime history? It's not so much a toy as a detailed replica of a fantasy machine. Everything from the lustrous paint job to the way the Bird Missiles pop up and the little vehicles load is just mind boggling. However, it is very fragile--keep it away from the kids and pets and beware of messing with it too much. Also, if you want to put on the plastic Firebird cover, do so with extreme caution--you might not be able to get it off without damage. This model was first released in December of 2001 for prices around $110 to $130. You should be able to find it in avenues like Fantasia Toys. Diamond Comics Distributors is importing this model as well for $99 . In 2003, a more "realistic" light-blue version of the Unifive Cho Shin Gokin GodPhoenix model was released. Also, instead of the initial firebird shell , this version will ship with a 1/1 scale model of Ken's boomerang (cast in plastic, no moving parts)! The cost runs around 9,800 yen. This version of the Godphoenix toy, like the first one, is likely to be imported to the US by Diamond. Special thanks go to Darren, Manuel, Steve, Frank and Dana for keeping me updated on this until release time!

Drawing Gatchaman the Tatsunoko Way

The books use a combination of new demonstration artwork and character sheet drawings of various Tatsunoko characters. There is a healthy amount of Gatchaman art in both books, though the standard pose volume contains more. And Joe fans will be happy to note he is well represented in both books.

Last year's book, the "Standard Pose Volume," features character facial expressions, tips on body parts such as hands, heads and hair; standard poses (standing, running, crouching, etc.), character types, basic anatomy and "techniques the pros use." The art combines more modern anime styles with classic character sheet illustrations. As someone who does a lot of Gatchaman art, I found this book useful in that it addresses details many fan artists miss. For example, page 8 demonstrates how to draw the shape of Joe's eyes and shows how pupil size enhances expression (the more intense and frightening the expression, the smaller the pupil gets). The anatomy chapter simplifies an often difficult topic to stress the most important parts and how to fit together, but then it includes some of Kuri Ippei's "rubber leg" shots, which, while full of action and part of Kuri-sensei's style, I don't think is good to teach aspiring artists. Ken and Jun get to model for the anatomy chapter, but sorry, no naughty bits. Overall, I like this book, and look forward to using it for reference.
Total pages: 128
Pages containing Gatchaman pics: 57
Cover art features Ippei Kuri's group shot of Ken, Joe, Jun, Casshaan and Hurricane Polymar.
Publisher: Graphic-sha
Price: 1,400
ISBN Numbers: 4-7661-1442-6 C2379

The "Action Pose Volume" features mostly model sheet art of various characters in action poses, posing with machines, animals or other items. This book includes some nice mech shots and props, including some rare material from Tatsunoko's most realistic series, "Ketsudan" as well as model sheets from the Tatsunoko remake OAVs and even what appears to be some of the Yoshida brothers' old wrestling manga. There are some amusing things in there, such as Joe in his silly disguise from #81 ("Duel on Gallactor Island"). The book concludes with a professional illustration gallery. The only thing I don't like about this volume is its rather patronizing "instructional" manga featuring Hakushon Daimaoh (Tatsunoko's popular genie character). I don't know how useful this book will be, but it's nice to look at.
Total pages: 128
Pages containing Gatchaman pics: 23
Cover art features Ken, Tekkaman, Hurricane Polymar, Luna, Friender and Casshaan.
Publisher: Graphic-sha
Price: 1,400
ISBN Numbers: 4-7661-1443-4 C2379

I picked up my copies at Mitsuwa in San Diego, but the books are also available through Amazon Japan at this address: http://tinyurl.com/22pwa

Special thanks to Jason Hofius and Disturbed!

Other Goodies

• Set for release December 17, 2003: Tatsunoko Heroes "Tatsunoko Anime TV Theme Song Collection" DVD (COBC-90378). I don't have details on this yet, but according to Tatsunokofan, it appears to be a collection the the theme songs from various Tatsunoko hero series set to video clips from their respective productions.

  The series included are as follows:
  Space Ace (Opening only)
  Mach GoGoGo (Opening only)
  Gatchaman
  Casshan
  Hurricane Polymer
  Tekkaman
  Gatchaman II
  Gatchaman Fighter
  Muteking
  Urashiman
  Mach GoGoGo (1997 remake)
  Gatchaman OAV
  Casshan OAV
  Hurricane Polymer OAV

  The special features on the disc includes a newly done "full chorus version" of the Gatchaman opening, and non-credit versions of the opening themes from the series.

  This disc runs 45 minutes, and costs 4,700 yen. Region 2 encoded (meaning you'll need a Region 2 or multiregion player), and Japanese language only. You can order them through CD Japan or Amazon Japan.

• As of September 25, 2003, Nippon Columbia will be reissuing two of their Gatchaman CDs--The Gatchaman Symphonic Suite and the Gatchaman Television BGM--as part of their new "Animex 1200 Series" CD run. These CDs cost 1,200 yen apiece (hence the "1200" series).
  The Gatchaman Symphonic Suite is the soundtrack for the 1978 Gatchaman feature film. The stock number is COCC-72006. The Gatchaman Television Original BGM Collection contains music used in the first TV series. The stock number for this disc is COCC-72019. Most of the TV BGM collection was released in North America along with the Hoyt Curtin Battle of the Planets music on the Battle of the Planets soundtrack CD. Each of the CDs will have a limited pressing of only 5,000 discs apiece, so be sure to place your orders ASAP!

• Bokutachi no Suki na Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman ("Our Beloved Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman") is a new book out by Takarajima-sha that will feed the needs of the most devout fan. Among its features are a two-page spread of new art from producer Ippei Kuri, an article on the art techniques that make the show stand out from others of its time, and an episode story chart that was only previously available in the booklet that came with the Gatchaman laser disk set. There are interviews with key staff (Kunio Okawara and Yoshitaka Amano among others) and a huge episode guide--one page per episode, with screen shots you don't see in other books. There's even a section showing how many seconds the firebird was being used in appropriate episodes (talk about detail)! There are photos of all the freaky Gallactor generals, of Katse's disguises, and of Jun's panty shots (for those who like that sort of thing). Then there are four examples of the theme song parody, such as "Panda-chan" and a fannish article featuring their choices of live actors for a fictional live-action Gatchaman movie. There's also an article on Gatchaman fandom in the USA that was written by Yours Truly. Click hereto see page samples (Japanese only).
  You can try ordering this book from Kinokuniya stores and anime shops, but last I heard, the book is out of print. Your best bet would be auction sites like eBay and Yahoo Auctions. The book is 160 pages, ISBN4-7966-3307-3 street-priced at 1,200 yen. Released June 27th, 2003.

• A new PlayStation video game, "Simple Character Series 2000 Vol.8 - Gatchaman, The Shooting," was released June 27 by Bandai. It's a scrolling shooter that allows you to play as the characters on foot and with their vehicles (range and firepower is realistically limited by the scope of the weapon--pretty neat). Price is around 2,000 yen and the catalog number is SLPS-3444. You'll need a Japanese or chipped machine to run the game.

• Tatsunoko Original has released two new items: the Gatchaman parka (hooded sweatshirt) and Tatsunoko 40th Anniversary Commemorative pin. The parka features Ken's white shadow silhouette over the wireframe globe image, and is available in sizes small through large for 5,900 yen each. The commemorative pin has Ken's swooping silhouette over a wireframe globe and a 40th anniversary logo. These are sold only in Japan, though you might want to inquire politely with the folks at celga.com (see below).

• To commemorate Gatchaman's 30th birthday, an all-new double-disc CD, containing the themes and songs from all three Gatchaman TV series (Gatchaman, Gatchaman II and Gatchaman F) as well as the OAV is slated for release in Japan. There might be some surprises in there as well--maybe some previously unreleased material? Here are the details:

  Title: Science Ninja Team Gatchaman Complete Song Collection
  Release Date: April 20, 2002
  Price: 3990 yen
  Stock Number: COCX-31827
  Released By: Nippon Columbia

  This may be ordered from CD Japan. Check out their listing at http://www.cdjapan.co.jp//detailview.html?KEY=COCX-31827

• Gatchaman giclee prints, and G-emblem ring from the Tatsunoko Shop: Sadly, the numbered t-shirts are sold out, but you can find other goodies at the Tatsunoko Shop, a new part of the Tatsunoko Web Site. One caveat: The Tatsunoko shop does not ship outside Japan, so you'll either need a friend to purchase the goodies and send them to you, or you can order through an online intermediary--one fan suggested celga.com. For more information, contact bustakei@yahoo.com.

  

• A 12" G3 (Swan Jun) Action Figure was released by Takara Toys as part of their "Cool Girl" line in April, 2002. This is a jointed figure in a cloth uniform with a wired cape for dramatic posing. Now we have a Jun to keep the Medicom Ken and Joe company, and she is just as well-made. Modeled after a realistic figure rather than an anime character, she has loose hair rather than the molded plastic hair the Medicoms have, and she looks better out of the helmet than in it. Price is 6,800 yen. This line is released in the US by Blue Box toys as "CyGirl," and can be found via comic shops, online retail stores and some electronic game stores. Visit this link at Toymania.com for more details. I've also heard that Diamond Select Toys is offering this figure for $36.99. UPDATE: Takara has released a new edition "Best of Cool Girl" Jun in 2005. I haven't yet compared this edition to the "old" one I have now, but see it for yourself on Amazon Japan

• Gatchaman Graffiti updated and re-released Asahi Sonorama re-released Gatchaman Graffiti with updated information, including DVD information and some previously unpublished material, such as rough sketches of the OAV Godphoenix. Released December 18, 2000. A-4 sized, 144 pages and priced at €2,800. Canadian fans can order their copies from Sophia Books for $62.95 + GST.

• 1970s Animation: Dare Da!! Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman/Gatchaman Who Are You? A 247-page "mook" from Tatsumi Publishing (ISBN4-88641-501-6) about Gatchaman and its fans. Text-intensive, with "inside information" and opinions; interviews with production staff and columns by fans, including articles about Gatchaman and its versions in foreign countries. If you attended GatchaCon '98 or '99, your photo might be in here! Try otaku.com for ordering.

• Gatchaman Materials: A 224-page guide put out by Ginga Shuppan (ISBN4-87777-016-X). This book has all the old character and mech design sheets as well as a mech-by-mech summary of each episode of all three series. If you couldn't get Gatchaman Graffiti, definitely pick this one up. Available at most anime suppliers, the most popular being The Place. I picked up mine at Nikaku Animart.

• Yujin Super Real Figure Series: This is another prize machine series offering figures that are 2" tall and somewhat unassembled. Some of the local anime dealers are offering them for $3 - $5 apiece. Or they're available in sets with other Tatsunoko characters.

• Unifive Gatchaman 5-Piece PVC Figure Set: This is a very nice set featuring 4" fully assembled PVC models of all five team members. Comes with clear "G" insignia stand and nice package. Available through anime dealers and Diamond Distributing.

• Gatchaman Base (Center Neptune) and G-2 car models have also appeared at HobbyLink Japan. Look under "Gotchaman." There are also full models of the Godphoenix and the G-2 car that include metal parts and are pretty pricey: $180 or so.

• Yu-Print Gatchaman CD: Allows you to send custom email and print stationery with Gatchaman designs. Windows 95, NT software in both Japanese and English! The image archives include some wonderful photos of the original character design sketches as well as nice cels of all the characters. Produced by Mixx Entertainment. You can order it from PC-Japan for US$85. I got my copy at Tokyo Pop for $65.

• Tatsunoko Productions Action Figure Collection (Banpresto) offers a special 3 3/4" action figure of Ken and his boomerang. It's jointed at the hips, neck and shoulders. Very nice work! Later editions have Ken and a "super deformed" statue of Red Impulse. I've seen these sold singly or in groups with the other Tatsunoko action figures. If you just want Ken by himself, check with some of the dealers above. I believe this is out of manufacture, so expect prices around $15 each.

• Medicom Gatchaman Figures - Ken and Joe: These are 11-inch "combat joe" figures with custom costumes and custom molded faces. As figures go, these are incredible, with removable helmets, detailed modeling, detailed weapons, poseable bodies and special "limited edition" pins. However, you'll pay the price: $90 - $115 apiece. These have been getting harder to find in 2001, but you might be able to pick one up at Fantasia Toys. For photos of the figures, check out Attack of the Anime Toys!.
  Diamond Distributing has released these figures in 2002 under the BotP label and the names, "Mark" and "Jason" for around $30; however, the figures aren't articulated at the knees and the quality of the uniform isn't as good as the Japanese edition.

• Resin Models: These releases show the original series Ken and Jun in classic poses. I found some at Kimono My House or Hobbylink Japan.

• Gatchaman Keychains: These 3-inch vinyl "super deformed" keychains can be found at various anime dealers. You can also find a set of the whole team, Berg Katse and the Godphoenix.