View source for Science Ninja Team Gatchaman

{{short description|Japanese anime television series}}
{{Redirect|Gatchaman}}
{{Merging from|G-Force: Guardians of Space|discuss=Talk:G-Force: Guardians of Space#Merger proposal|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image           = Science Ninja Team Gatchaman.jpg
| caption         = Cover art by [[Alex Ross]] for the [[ADV Films]] release (DVD 18)
| native_name     = 科学忍者隊ガッチャマン
| creator         = [[Tatsuo Yoshida]]
| genre           = [[Action film|Action]], [[Superhero]]
| director        = [[Hisayuki Toriumi]]
| producer        = [[Ippei Kuri]]
| writer          = <!--while Toriumi wrote some eps, eps were writer by various other writers so do not add him, please-->
| music           = {{ill|Bob Sakuma|ja|ボブ佐久間}}
| country         = Japan
| language        = Japanese
| company         = [[Tatsunoko Production]] 
| network         = [[Fuji Network System|FNS]] ([[Fuji Television|Fuji TV]])
| first_aired     = {{Start date|1972|10|01}}
| last_aired      = {{End date|1974|09|29}}<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tatsunoko.co.jp/works/gatchaman  |script-title=ja:科学忍者隊ガッチャマン サブタイトルリスト  |access-date=20 July 2008 |work=[[Tatsunoko Production]] |language= ja |title=Gatchaman }}</ref>
| num_episodes    = 105
| list_episodes   = List of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman episodes
}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman'''''|科学忍者隊ガッチャマン|Kagaku Ninja-tai Gatchaman, lit. ''Science Ninja Squad Gatchaman''|}}, also simply titled as '''''Gatchaman''''' is a 1972 [[Japan]]ese anime television series produced by [[Tatsunoko Production]] which aired on [[Fuji Television]] and its affiliates from October 1, 1972 to September 29, 1974 for 105 episodes. The series centers on a five-member [[superhero]] [[ninja]] team known as the ''Gatchaman'' as they save the world from the mysterious secret organization known as the Galactor.

Following its run on Fuji TV, Tatsunoko would license the show to Sandy Frank Syndication, owned by producer [[Sandy Frank]], which would create an adaptation entitled ''[[Battle of the Planets]]'', which aired in the US in syndication during 1978.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/16922/gatchaman-vol-1/ |title=Gatchaman Vol 1 : DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video |publisher=Dvdtalk.com |access-date=18 January 2014}}</ref> The original series was dubbed into English twice with the 1986 dub by [[King Features Entertainment]] and [[Turner Broadcasting System]], titled ''[[G-Force: Guardians of Space]]'' and the 2005 [[ADV Films]] uncut release, both under license from Sandy Frank. Tatsunoko also uses the official translation ''Science Commando Gatchaman'' in related products and media. 

The original ''Gatchaman'' series was followed by [[Science Ninja Team Gatchaman: The Movie|an animated film]] and two direct sequel series, ''[[Gatchaman II]]'' (1978) and ''[[Gatchaman Fighter]]'' (1979). During the 1990s, episodes from both series were dubbed into English by [[Saban Entertainment]] as ''[[Eagle Riders]]''.

In the years since, the franchise has spawned many different productions, some that were left unproduced or evolved significantly from its development. This includes a 1994 [[OVA|original animated video]] [[Gatchaman (OVA)|remake]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/gatchaman-collection-dvd |title=Gatchaman Collection DVD |publisher=Anime News Network |date=2002-01-12 |access-date=18 January 2014}}</ref> an unproduced 1998 television remake, a cancelled [[#Canceled Imagi film|2011 animated film]] reboot by [[Imagi Animation Studios]], a 2013 [[Gatchaman (film)|Japanese live-action film]] reboot by Nikkatsu Studios, various spinoffs, re-imaginings, and merchandise.

==Original series==

===Plot===
Recurring themes of ''Gatchaman'' involve conservation, environmentalism and the responsible use of technology for progress.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/17368/gatchaman-vol-3/ |title=Gatchaman Vol 3 : DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video |publisher=Dvdtalk.com |access-date=18 January 2014}}</ref> The series centers around five young [[superhero]] [[ninja]] employed by Kōzaburō Nambu of the fictitious International Science Organization to oppose an international terrorist organization of technologically advanced villains (Galactor) who are trying to control Earth's natural resources, such as water, oil, sugar and uranium. The second-in-command of Galactor is an androgynous, masked antagonist named Berg Katse, who is later revealed to be a gender-shifting, genetically-engineered mutant acting on the orders of the head of Galactor, Leader X, an alien Artificial Intelligence that is hell-bent on destroying the human race. The [[mecha]]s produced by Galactor are often animal-based.<ref name="comic book resources" />

Most of the team are in their late teens, except for Jinpei (who is about ten or eleven years old). They include ''Ken Washio'', the team leader and tactical expert; ''Jō Asakura'', his second-in-command marksman and weapons expert; ''Jun'', the team's [[electronics]] and [[demolitions]] expert; ''Jinpei'', the youngest and the [[reconnaissance]] expert as well as an adopted brother of Jun; and ''Ryū Nakanishi'', the ship's pilot. The main characters wear teen clothing with T-shirts numbered to show their rank in the team or caped, birdlike battle uniforms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tatsunoko.co.jp/english/box03.html#1 |title= Tatsunoko Pro|access-date=6 October 2008 |work=[[Tatsunoko Productions]] }}</ref> The Science Ninja Team is often aided by a squadron of combat pilots led by and sharing the name of their enigmatic commander Red Impulse, who is later revealed as Ken's father.

The Gatchaman team employs a unique and effective martial art developed by Dr. Nambu, drawing on their ability to perform feats similar to their [[bird|avian]] namesakes, such as high-speed running, flight, high jumping, and silent attacks. This fighting system, known as {{Nihongo|Science Ninja Technique|科学忍法|Kagaku Ninpō|}}, is mentioned in the Japanese lyrics of the ''Gatchaman'' theme. The team members also use signature weapons and mecha-style vehicles, each with a mundane, disguised form. To change modes, each member is equipped with a wrist device that, in addition to communications and tracking, enables a change when the proper gesture and voice command ("Bird, go!") is given.

Their vehicles are docked in the team's main vehicle: the God Phoenix, a supersonic plane capable of underwater travel and space flight. The God Phoenix is armed with Bird Missiles, which are fired from a rack mounted atop the center section. After the original God Phoenix is destroyed by an octopus mecha, an improved version carries a pair of Super Bird Missiles in twin drop-down pods on the bottom center section. The ship also has an energy-beam weapon that opens the nose doors for the weapon apparatus mounted on the frame holding Joe's car; however, its solar power source is unreliable because of its sensitivity to cloud cover. The plane can also temporarily transform into a massive bird of flame (like the legendary [[Phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]]) to escape danger or attack, although the process endangers the team because of extreme pressure in the passenger cabin and it consumes a great deal of fuel.

===Characters===
[[File:G-Force - group shot2.jpg|thumb|250px|alt=Five birdlike cartoon characters|Left to right: Ken, Ryu, Jinpei, Jun and Joe]]
{{glossary}}
{{term|term=Ken the Eagle (G-1)|{{nihongo|Ken the [[Steller's Sea Eagle|Eagle]]|大鷲の健|Ōwashi no Ken}}/ G-1}}
{{defn|term=Ken Washio|{{nihongo|Ken Washio|鷲尾 健}}, a pilot, is the leader of the Science Ninja Team. "Gatchaman" designates the team leader. Ken's father disappeared during a flight, becoming Red Impulse. Ken did not know his father and was raised by Dr. Nambu.<ref name="archive1">{{cite web|url=http://www.tatsunoko.co.jp/works/gatchaman/chara.html |title=科学忍者隊ガッチャマン キャラクター |date=2008-09-17 |access-date=2016-01-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917023448/http://www.tatsunoko.co.jp/works/gatchaman/chara.html |archive-date=September 17, 2008 }}</ref>}}
{{term|term=Joe the Condor (G-2)|{{nihongo|Jō the [[Condor]]|コンドルのジョー|Kondoru no Jō}}/ G-2}}
{{defn|1={{nihongo|Joe Asakura|ジョー 浅倉}}, a race car driver of Japanese-Italian descent, he is the sub-leader of the team. Joe was born {{nihongo|George Asakura|ジョージ 浅倉|Jōji Asakura}}, the son of Giuseppe Asakura and his wife Caterina (members of Galactor, who were killed by a Galactor rose bomb when they tried to escape). Dr. Nambu rescued the boy, named him Joe to hide him from Galactor and raised him as his son.<ref name="archive1"/>}}
{{term|term=Jun the Swan (G-3)|{{nihongo|Jun the [[Swan]]|白鳥のジュン|Shiratori no Jun}}/ G-3}}
{{defn|1={{nihongo|Jun|ジュン}} is Japanese-American. Raised in an orphanage, her last name is never disclosed in the anime. In her free time, she enjoys riding her motorcycle and runs Snack Bar J.}}
{{term|term=Jinpei the Swallow (G-4)|{{nihongo|Jinpei the [[Swallow]]|燕の甚平|Tsubakuro no Jinpei}}/ G-4}}
{{defn|1={{nihongo|Jinpei|甚平}} is also an orphan and grew up with Jun. His last name is not disclosed in the anime either, and he lives with Jun in Snack Bar J.}}
{{term|term=Ryu the Owl (G-5)|{{nihongo|Ryu the [[Eared owl|Owl]]|みみずくの竜|Mimizuku no Ryū}}/ G-5}}
{{defn|1={{nihongo|Ryu Nakanishi|中西竜}}, a fisherman's son, he is the manager of a yacht harbor and the main pilot of God Phoenix. He is the only person on the team with a family (parents and a younger brother).}}
{{glossary end}}

===Episodes===
{{main|List of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman episodes}}

===Production===
Created in the wake of the Henshin (transformation) boom begun by [[Shotaro Ishinomori]]'s ''[[Kamen Rider]]'' in 1971, ''Gatchaman'' was conceived as a blending of ninja adventure with science fiction.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hofius |first1=Jason |last2=Khoury |first2=George |title=G-Force: Animated: The Official Battle of the Planets Guidebook |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Agv8Lfp4DvUC |year=2003 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=1-893905-18-7 |pages=7–8}}</ref>

===Film version===
{{main|Science Ninja Team Gatchaman: The Movie}}

In 1978, Tatsunoko released a condensed theatrical compilation of the first two-story arcs in the series with additional new animation.

The film was released in English for the first time by [[Sentai Filmworks]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title= Sentai Filmworks to Release 1978 Gatchman Film With English Dub|work=Anime News Network|date=July 21, 2015|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-07-21/sentai-filmworks-to-release-1978-gatchman-film-with-english-dub/.90738|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> The dub featured the cast reprising their roles from the [[A.D. Vision|ADV]] dub of the original TV anime for the film.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gatchaman: The Movie Anime Film's Full English Dub Cast Revealed|work=Anime News Network|date=October 28, 2015|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-28/gatchaman-the-movie-anime-film-full-english-dub-cast-revealed/.94717 |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

==Adaptations==
After its broadcast in Japan, ''Gatchaman'' was later exported to other countries and translated into several languages. In [[Taiwan]], beginning in 1977 it was known as ''Ke Xue Xiao Fei Xia'' ({{lang|zh-hant|「科學小飛俠」}}/{{lang|zh-hans|“科学小飞侠”}} ''kēxué xiǎofēixiá'', ''Scientific Flying Fantasy Warriors'').

The original series has seen several English adaptations with varying levels of modifications. Many of these versions later spawned foreign-language releases of their own:

===''Battle of the Planets''===
{{main|Battle of the Planets}}
[[Sandy Frank]] and Jameson Brewer syndicated the series on American television in 1978, in heavily edited form, as ''Battle of the Planets'' (''BOTP'').<ref>{{cite news|title= From 'Speed' to outer space|work= [[Japan Times]] |url= http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fq20080711a1.html |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> In this version, the team was known as G-Force and protected the Earth from constant threats from the planet Spectra. Several scenes were replaced with new segments by Gallerie International Films, with additional characters: the robot 7-Zark-7 and his associates, 1-Rover-1 (a robot [[dog]]) and Susan (a sentient computer), all of which were stationed at the outpost Centre Neptune and provided both comic relief and linking narrative to the wider story. Other segments included the Phoenix flying in space.<ref>{{cite news|title= Animation|work= BattleofthePlanets.info |url= http://www.battleoftheplanets.info/animation.html |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> The quality of the new segments did not match the original content, with the G-Force and 7-Zark-7 never actually appearing together. New music by [[Hoyt Curtin]] was blended with the original soundtrack.<ref>{{cite news|title= Music|work= BattleofthePlanets.info |url= http://www.battleoftheplanets.info/music.html |access-date=28 July 2010}}</ref> Although all 105 episodes of ''Gatchaman'' were used as sources, only 85 episodes of BOTP  were produced. An animated TV movie was made, combining several episodes into a new storyline. In 2003, Sandy Frank announced a series of eight compilation films that ultimately went unreleased.<ref name="BOTP 2K3 Book">{{cite book |last1=Hofius |first1=Jason |last2=Khoury |first2=George |title=G-Force: Animated: The Official Battle of the Planets Guidebook |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Agv8Lfp4DvUC |year=2003 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=1-893905-18-7 |pages=96}}</ref><ref name="BOTP 2K3">{{cite news|first=Jeff |last=Saylor |title=BATTLE OF THE PLANETS Returns to Television |work=Figures.com |date=February 3, 2003 |url=http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=41&show_article=181 |access-date=November 4, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030224054636/http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=41&show_article=181 |archive-date=February 24, 2003 }}</ref>

''Battle of the Planets'' was released on VHS and DVD from 2001 to 2003 by [[Rhino Entertainment]] in six volumes and a complete DVD collection. The DVDs included a subtitled version of the corresponding Japanese episodes, alongside a single episode of the later English adaptation, ''G-Force''.<ref name="Rhino DVD">{{cite news|first=Franklin|last=Harris|title='Battle of the Planets' comes to DVD with all the extras|work= Pop Culture Productions |date=April 26, 2001|url=http://home.hiwaay.net/~tfharris/pulpculture/columns/010426.shtml |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> When Sentai Filmworks acquired the rights to ''Gatchaman'' in 2014, ''Battle of the Planets'' became available to stream on [[The Anime Network]] and temporarily on [[Hulu]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|title= The Anime Network Adds 'Battle Of The Planets' Series |work= The Fandom Post|date=May 23, 2014|url=http://www.fandompost.com/2014/05/23/the-anime-network-adds-battle-of-the-planets-series/ |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|title=  'Battle of the Planets' Anime Begins Hulu Distribution |work= The Fandom Post|date=May 26, 2014|url=http://www.fandompost.com/2014/05/26/battle-of-the-planets-anime-begins-hulu-distribution/|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

====''Battle of the Planets: Phoenix Ninjas''====
''Battle of the Planets: Phoenix Ninjas'' is a scrapped reboot of the first American adaptation of ''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman''. Tatsunoko partnered up with d-rights and [[Nelvana]], a Canadian animation company owned by [[Corus Entertainment]], on the project.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.corusent.com/news/nelvana-and-d-rights-team-up-to-reboot-obattle-of-the-planetso/|title=Nelvana and d-rights Team Up to Reboot "Battle of the Planets" - Corus Entertainment|date=February 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215151618/https://www.corusent.com/news/nelvana-and-d-rights-team-up-to-reboot-obattle-of-the-planetso/ |archive-date=15 February 2018 }}</ref> The last new information on the project was in 2016 and it appears to be canceled.

===''G-Force: Guardians of Space''===
{{main|G-Force: Guardians of Space}}
With ''Battle of the Planets'' ending its syndicated run and broadcast standards becoming laxer, a second English translation from [[Turner Program Services]] and [[Fred Ladd]], by license of Sandy Frank, was produced. Entitled ''G-Force: Guardians of Space'', this adaptation consisted of 85 episodes, spanning episodes 1–87 but skipping episodes 81 and 86. The series aired internationally beginning in 1987, but would not air in its entirety in the U.S until its run on [[Cartoon Network]] in 1995 & Air on toonami's midnight run in 2000. Although this version was less heavily edited and had a relatively faithful translation, the voice acting, background music and the Americanized character names were criticized.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

A single episode from ''G-Force'' was included as a bonus on Rhino's individual ''Battle of the Planets'' DVDs released through 2001 and 2003.<ref name="Rhino DVD" /> Seven more episodes were released in a 2004 best-of collection, making 13 out of the show's 85 episodes available on disc.<ref>{{cite news|first=Gord|last=Lacey|title=G-Force: Guardians of Space – "Best of" DVD Planned|work=TVShowsonDVD.com|date=August 15, 2004|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/G-Force-Guardians-Space/2077|access-date=November 4, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105160751/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/G-Force-Guardians-Space/2077|archive-date=November 5, 2016}}</ref>

===''Battle of the Planets: The New Exploits of G-Force''===
Development began for an uncensored version of ''[[Battle of the Planets]]''. An animated TV movie was made ('''''Battle of the Planets: The Movie''''', featuring David Bret Edgen as Zark), combining several episodes into a new storyline. In 2003, Sandy Frank announced a series of 8 compilation films that ultimately went unreleased.<ref name="BOTP 2K3 Book"/><ref name="BOTP 2K3"/> 
Sandy Frank announced a third English adaptation of the series in 2003 that was also never released. ''Battle of the Planets: The New Exploits of G-Force'' was set to be a 52-episode series encompassing content from the first 85 episodes of ''Gatchaman'', the 20 previously unlocalized ones {{clarify|date=March 2024}}, and new CG animation produced by JulesWorld (including 7-Zark-7).<ref name="BOTP 2K3" /><ref>{{cite news|title= Battle of the Planets – Photos|work= Facebook |date=April 9, 2008|url= https://www.facebook.com/Battle-of-the-Planets-11282816228/photos/?tab=album&album_id=11283211228 |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> The series would have been recorded at [[Ocean Studios]] in Vancouver, Canada and would have featured a new score and script to help modernize the show and create a tone in-between the two prior adaptations.<ref name="BOTP 2K3 Book" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Battle of the Planets, New Series Details|work=Anime News Network|date=February 4, 2003|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-02-04/battle-of-the-planets-new-series-details|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> While never released, the twenty-second episode of ''Gatchaman'' was adapted into a pilot called ''The Sea Dragon''. It received two forms: one that focused on adventure and action and another that focused on comedy. At the time, this rendition of the show was sold as ''Battle of the Planets: The New Adventures of G-Force''.<ref name="BOTP 2K3 Book" />

==DVD releases==
At [[Anime Central]] 2004, [[ADV Films]] announced that it had acquired the rights to release the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2004/anime-central/3 |title= Anime Central: ADV – Anime Central 2004 |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> In 2005, ADV released on [[DVD]] in 18 volumes (and nine limited-edition sets) containing a new uncut English dub and original Japanese audio with English subtitles under the name ''Gatchaman''. This release included all 105 episodes. The dub aimed to be a faithful translation, without attempts to modify the show for younger viewers. The English dub contained creative changes: profanity, 1970s slang and thick, occasionally stereotypical accents were added.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2006-09-07/adv-announces-final-gatchaman-collection-october-17 |title=ADV Announces Final Gatchaman Collection October 17 |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/22349/gatchaman-collection-6/ |title=Gatchaman Collection 6 : DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video |publisher=Dvdtalk.com |access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.us.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2006-04-27/adv-films-june-20-releases-gatchaman-sister-princess-collections |title=ADV Films June 20 Releases Gatchaman, Sister Princess Collections – Anime News Network |publisher=Us.animenewsnetwork.com |access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref>

The series was released on [[Blu-ray]] and DVD in Japan on October 19, 2012, with an all new remastered version.

Since then, [[Sentai Filmworks]], a company founded by the creators of ADV, later signed a contract with Tatsunoko, acquiring the North American home video rights to the ''Gatchaman'' franchise in 2013.<ref name="Sentai TV/OVA License">{{cite web|title=Sentai Filmworks Adds Gatchaman, DiGi Charat, Godanner Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-05-25/sentai-filmworks-adds-gatchaman-di-gi-charat-godannar-anime|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> [[Section23 Films]] released a complete collection of the series on Blu-ray and DVD on December 10, 2013. The Blu-ray set contains 14 discs in three [[keep case]]s, and the DVD set has 22 discs in four cases.<ref>{{cite web|title=SECTION23 Films Announces October Slate |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2013-06-28/section23-films-announces-october-slate|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> Both sets contain all 105 episodes of the original series (with the ADV English version and Japanese audio), it features new remastered (from the 2012 Japanese releases).

==Other series==

===''Gatchaman II''===
{{main|Gatchaman II}}
A sequel, filmed with a different color process, was released four years later. Resembling the Blue Hawk, the new God Phoenix is larger and painted with the face of a bird. The personal mecha are also upgraded, with similar bird-designed paint jobs. Ryu has a tank-like mecha and a Pilot Machine to assist him.

''Gatchaman II'' sees Sosai X turn a young shipwreck survivor into his newest commander Gel Sadra and resumes his plot to destroy the Earth. Gatchaman reunites with Joe, now a cyborg, after Galactor sends a spy to serve as his replacement on the team. The group is also aided by Dr. Pandora, who is revealed to be Gel Sadra's mother.

In the end, Sosai X is destroyed by Joe and Gel Sadra dies after betraying Sosai X, after the villain murders her mother.

Episodes from this series and ''Gatchaman Fighter'' were combined and translated into English as ''[[Eagle Riders]]'' in 1996 by [[Saban Entertainment]]. ''Gatchaman II'' served as the bulk of the series, though its ending is changed to have Gel Sadra turn into Gatchaman Fighter villain Egoblauser.

Another release in South Korea is '''''Eagle 5 Brothers (독수리 5 형제, Dokksuri Hyeongje)''''' which does not contain unusual changes in audio. Instead, it contains visual changes.

===''Gatchaman Fighter''===
{{main|Gatchaman Fighter}}
This series aired in 1979, immediately after ''Gatchaman II''. Here, the team's mecha bear no resemblance to birds. Earth is again threatened by evil; the mad tyrant Egoblauser (who has usurped control over the shattered forces of Galactor) and Sosai X, who has been reborn as Sosai Z.

Unlike ''Gatchaman II'', ''Gatchaman Fighter'' is a much darker series, especially in the final episodes with regards to casualties and deaths of longtime series characters. The ending itself has Gatchaman presumed dead, sacrificing their lives to destroy Sosai X once and for all.

Select episodes from this series and ''Gatchaman II'' were combined and translated into English as ''[[Eagle Riders]]'' in 1996 by [[Saban Entertainment]].

===''Gatchaman'' (OVA)===
{{main|Gatchaman (OVA)}}
A 1994 [[original video animation]] remake series produced in association with [[Artmic]] that featured updated character designs and altered backgrounds.<ref>{{cite news |title= Gatchaman Collection |work= Mania |url= http://www.mania.com/gatchaman-collection_article_73598.html |access-date= 15 August 2010 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081122090408/http://www.mania.com/gatchaman-collection_article_73598.html |archive-date= 22 November 2008 }}</ref>

[[Urban Vision]] released it on VHS in 1997 and DVD in 2001 with an English dub produced by [[Harmony Gold USA|Harmony Gold]] and Japanese audio with English subtitles.<ref>{{cite news|title=Harmony Gold Entertainment Catalog |work=Harmony Gold |url=http://www.harmonygold.com/gatchaman/ |access-date=November 4, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051231035646/http://www.harmonygold.com/gatchaman/ |archive-date=December 31, 2005 }}</ref> In 2013, Sentai Filmworks licensed the series and produced a new English dub from Seraphim Digital with the same cast as their ADV/Sentai's releases of the original series and film.<ref name="Sentai TV/OVA License" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Thomas|title= Gatchaman Complete Collection Anime DVD Review  |work= The Fandom Post|date=March 26, 2014|url=http://www.fandompost.com/2014/03/26/gatchaman-complete-collection-anime-dvd-review-2/ |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> The new dub was released on DVD and Blu-Ray and is available for streaming on The Anime Network.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|title= 'Gatchaman' OVAs Begin Digital Distribution On The Anime Network |work= The Fandom Post|date=September 12, 2014|url=http://www.fandompost.com/2014/09/12/gatchaman-ovas-begin-digital-distribution-on-the-anime-network/|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Sentai Filmworks' Gatchaman DVD & Blu-ray Delays Listed|work=Anime News Network|date=October 12, 2013|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-10-12/sentai-filmworks-gatchaman-dvd-and-blu-ray-delays-listed|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

===''New Gatchaman''===
{{nihongo|'''''New Gatchaman'''''|新ガッチャマン|Shin Gatchaman}} is a project that was attempted around the same time that  ''[[Speed Racer X|Mach Go Go Go '97]]'' was made. This version of ''Speed Racer'' was not so successful and as a result, it was canceled along with the project of ''Gatchaman '98''.

===''NTT/SMAP Gatchaman''===

NTT Gatchaman was a series of commercials that were made to promote the Internet service provider [[Nippon Telegraph and Telephone|NTT]]-East in fall 2000. Some of the commercials featured Japanese boy band group [[SMAP]] portraying live action versions of the characters, while the other two were animated by Tatsunoko Production and featured modernized costume redesigns of the Science Ninja Team. The animated commercials were directed by [[Keiichi Sato]], with character designs by Kenji Hayama. A light novel based on these commercials were sent by e-mail by NTT-East as a gift for new subscribers. To this date, the contents of this light novel remain unknown. 
Based on sketches found on the Internet, fans have speculated if the commercials were an attempt to revive the franchise with a new anime. However,  no such series was made at that time, and the franchise would not receive any new animated material for thirteen years until ''[[Gatchaman Crowds]]''.

===''Good Morning Ninja Team Gatchaman''===

In 2011, Tatsunoko produced a series of 200 two-minute animated shorts called {{nihongo|''Good Morning Ninja Team Gatchaman''|おはよう忍者隊ガッチャマン |Ohayō Ninja Tai Gatchaman|}} for broadcast on [[Nippon Television]]'s ''Zip!'' television series. While the series used the original's designs, it was more comedic in nature and featured none of the original actors. The characters were instead voiced by [[Scha Dara Parr]]'s Bose and Ani, along with actor Tomu Miyazaki.<ref>{{cite news|title= Science Ninja Team Gatchaman Gets New TV Flash Shorts|work=Anime News Network |date= April 18, 2011|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-04-18/science-ninja-team-gatchaman-gets-new-tv-flash-shorts |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

Additional shorts were produced in promotion of the Japanese launch of ''[[Monster Hunter Tri#Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate|Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=This is madness: Gatchaman promotes Monster Hunter Tri 3G|work=Destructoid|date= September 15, 2011|url=https://www.destructoid.com/this-is-madness-gatchaman-promotes-monster-hunter-tri-3g-211448.phtml |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

===''Gatchaman Crowds''===
{{Main|Gatchaman Crowds}}
A reboot of the Gatchaman series premiered in July 2013 on NTV. The story is set in [[Tachikawa|Tachikawa City, Tokyo]], where some of its residents have been chosen to join a team to confront a mysterious entity known as MESS. The series follows Hajime Ichinose, a 16-year-old girl who is the team's newest member.<ref>{{cite news|title=Maaya Uchida Stars in ''Gatchaman Crowds'' Anime|work=[[Anime News Network]] |url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-06-04/maaya-uchida-stars-in-gatchaman-crowds-anime |access-date=4 June 2013}}</ref> A second season, titled ''Gatchaman Crowds insight'', started airing on July 6, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=''Gatchaman Crowds'' Anime Gets 2nd Season|work=Anime News Network |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-10-26/gatchaman-crowds-anime-gets-2nd-season|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

As it aired in Japan, both seasons of the show were simulcast on [[Crunchyroll]].<ref>{{cite web|date=July 9, 2013|title=Crunchyroll to Stream ''Gatchaman Crowds'' TV Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-07-09/crunchyroll-to-stream-gatchaman-crowds-tv-anime|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=July 4, 2015|title=Crunchyroll to Stream ''Monster Musume'', ''Million Doll'' This Summer; ''The Perfect Insider'' in October |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-07-04/crunchyroll-to-stream-monster-musume-million-doll-this-summer-the-perfect-insider-in-october/.90083|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> Sentai Filmworks licensed and dubbed both seasons. They released them on home video between 2014 and 2016.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 5, 2013|title= Sentai Filmworks Adds ''Gatchaman Crowds'' TV Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-09-05/sentai-filmworks-adds-gatchaman-crowds-tv-anime|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=August 20, 2015|title= Sentai Filmworks Licenses Gatchaman Crowds Insight Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-08-20/sentai-filmworks-licenses-gatchaman-crowds-insight-anime/.91929|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=October 12, 2016|title= Gatchaman Crowds Insight's English Dub Cast, Preview Clip Unveiled |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-10-12/gatchaman-crowds-insight-english-dub-cast-preview-clip-unveiled/.107569|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

===Crossovers===

Ken the Eagle and Jun the Swan, along other Tatsunoko superheroes were featured on the PlayStation video game ''[[Tatsunoko Fight]]'' developed by Takara and released in 2000.

[[Super deformed]] animal versions of the ''Gatchaman'' team appeared alongside similar renditions of Tatsunoko's ''[[Casshan]]'' and ''[[Golden Warrior Gold Lightan|Golden Lightan]]'' in {{nihongo|''Tachimals Theater''|たちゅまる劇場 |Tachumaru Gekijō|}}. The 26-episode anime series ran on [[Yomiuri TV]] between from October 4, 2010 and March 28, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 17, 2010|title= Tatsunoko's Tachumaru Zukan SD Project Gets TV Anime |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-08-17/tatsunoko-tachumaru-zukan-sd-project-gets-tv-anime|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

On March 26, 2016, Tatsunoko announced a collaboration with [[Digital Frontier]] to create the ''Infini-T Force'' 3D [[computer generated imagery|CGI]] anime project.<ref>{{cite web|date=March 26, 2016|title= Infini-T Force Manga Gets 'Full 3DCG' Anime |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-03-26/infini-t-force-manga-gets-full-3dcg-anime/.100286|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> The team features members from ''Gatchaman'' alongside ''[[Tekkaman: The Space Knight|Tekkaman]]'', ''Casshan'' and ''[[Hurricane Polymar]]''. Set for release in 2017 alongside Tatsunoko's 55th anniversary, the project will contain an original story and will not be an adaptation of [[Ukyō Kodachi]] and [[Tatsuma Ejiri]]'s {{nihongo|''Infini-T Force: Writing Line of the Future''|Infini-T Force 未来の描線|Infini-T Force ~Mirai no Byōsen~|}} [[manga]] series.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 8, 2016|title= Infini-T Force 'Full 3DCG' Anime's 1st Promo Video Teases Gatchaman |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-04-08/infini-t-force-full-3dcg-anime-1st-promo-video-teases-gatchaman/.100854|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>

=={{anchor|Film adaptations}}Film adaptations==

==={{anchor|Imagi film (canceled)}}Canceled Imagi film===
[[Imagi Animation Studios|Imagi]] began developing a film version in 2004, with producer Tom Gray saying that it would have a [[Motion picture rating system#The PG-13 rating is adopted|PG-13]] or [[Motion picture rating system#Restricted|R]] rating.<ref name="ms1"/> A ''Gatchaman'' film was first announced in February 2006,<ref name="sfj"/> with an expected 2008 release.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-04-10/cite-yatterman/cite-cite-gatchaman/cite-live-action-movies-green-lit |title= Yatterman, Gatchaman Live-Action Movies Green-Lit|access-date=20 July 2008 |work=[[Anime News Network]]  |date=2008-07-10 }}</ref><ref name="v1"/><ref name="otakia1"/>  [[Kevin Munroe]] (''[[TMNT (film)|TMNT]]'') was scheduled to write and direct,<ref name="awn1"/> with Lynne Southerland (co-director of ''[[Mulan 2]]'') as producer,<ref name="u1"/> and an initial treatment was begun.<ref name="iesb"/> However, in 2008 Munroe was taken off the project to direct ''[[Dylan Dog]]''.<ref name="bd1"/> Although early scripts were written by [[Paul Dini]],<ref name="sh1"/> in fall 2007 he was released from the project.<ref name="411m"/> In June 2007, Robert Mark Kamen was signed to write the screenplay in preparation for a 2008 release.<ref name="aa1"/><ref name="sd1"/>

At the July 2008 [[San Diego Comic-Con International|Comic-Con]], Imagi introduced a Paul Dini-scripted trailer. In August, [[art director]] Felix Ip began posting screenshots from the trailer. At the July 2009 [[Anime Expo]], Imagi shared another 45-second, Dini-scripted trailer. Although it did not reveal much plot, it was the first public look at the 3D characterizations of the main villain Galactor and the Gatchaman team in and out of costume. The trailer also introduced the film's theme: "A world in chaos, an alien evil, a lone warrior is found; Earth's last hope, five shall rise, Gatchaman."<ref name="mtv1"/> In July 2009 Imagi posted a new one-minute trailer for ''Gatchaman'' on its company website, with a release date of 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title= Gunpla Builders, CG Gatchaman Promo Videos Streamed|work= [[Anime News Network]] |url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-15/gunpla-builders-cg-gatchaman-promo-videos-streamed |access-date=19 July 2010}}</ref>

In December 2009, auditors reported growing concerns with the half-year results posted by Imagi. Although the company said that it was on course for the release of ''[[Astro Boy]]'', according to the audit firm "It is uncertain whether the group will have the necessary financial resources to complete [the films] ''Gatchaman'', ''Tusker'', and ''[[Cat Tale]]''."<ref name="v2"/>  In January 2009 the auditing firm announced that the studio lacked funding for the release of ''Tusker'', ''Cat Tale'' and ''Gatchaman'',<ref name="hmm1"/>  although Felix Ip reported that ''Gatchaman'' was expected to be released later in 2009.<ref name="otakia1"/> In June 2009, Imagi opened ''Gatchaman'' for licensing and announced a planned [[3-D film|3-D]] theatrical release in 2011.<ref name="hmm1"/> On December 11, 2009 Imagi's Hong Kong-based parent company, [[Imagi International Holdings Limited]], laid off 100 employees.<ref name="ann2"/> In January 2010 it announced that although the ''Gatchaman'' project would be delivered in 100-percent stereoscopic 3D, to safeguard working capital it would close its U.S. subsidiaries. The U.S. closure was finalized in late January, with about 30 staffers laid off and a few key personnel continuing as consultants as Imagi sought $30&nbsp;million from investors for its animation projects.<ref name="ann1"/><ref name="am1"/><ref name="hs1"/> In February 2010 the parent company laid off another 300 employees, calling the layoffs temporary as it sought new investors.<ref name="ann2"/> On June 21, 2011, Imagi announced in its annual report that the ''Gatchaman'' film project was cancelled.<ref>{{cite news | last=Green | first=Scott | url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2011/06/21-1/imagi-gatchaman-cg-movie-looked-dead-coffin-now-nailed-shut | title=Imagi Gatchaman CG Movie... Looked Dead... Coffin Now Nailed Shut | publisher=[[Crunchyroll]] | date=2011-06-21 | access-date=5 July 2011}}</ref>

==={{anchor|Nikkatsu live-action film}}Nikkatsu film===
{{Main|Gatchaman (film)}}
Nikkatsu Studios produced a live-action version of ''Gatchaman'' for Japan, which was released in August 24 2013, starring [[Tori Matsuzaka]], [[Go Ayano]], [[Ayame Goriki]], Tatsyomi Hamada, and Ryohei Suzuki.<ref>{{cite news | last=Brown | first=Todd | url=https://screenanarchy.com/2012/10/live-action-gatchaman-aka-battle-of-the-planets-g-force-hits-japanese-screens-summer-2013.html | title=Live Action GATCHAMAN (aka BATTLE OF THE PLANETS, G-FORCE) Hits Japanese Screens Summer 2013 | publisher=Twitch Films | date=2012-10-12 | access-date=12 October 2012 }}</ref>

===American live-action film===
It was announced at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] in July 2019 that [[Russo brothers|Joe and Anthony Russo]] are producing a live-action ''Battle of the Planets'' film through their production company, AGBO Studios with the possibility of directing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/russo-brothers-agbo-studios-developing-grimjack-comics-adapting-japanese-anime-battle-of-the-planets-comic-con-1202649229/|title=Russo Brothers' AGBO Studios Developing 'Grimjack Comics' & Japanese Anime 'Battle Of The Planets' – Comic-Con|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=July 19, 2019|work=Deadline|language=en|access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZkD4j3R-F0|title=Battle of the Planets, Magic: The Gathering, and Grimjack Updates from Joe Russo|date=April 22, 2020|via=YouTube}}</ref>

==Character variations==
==={{anchor|Team variations across different versions}}Team variations in different versions===
{| class=wikitable
|- valign=bottom
! ''Gatchaman'' !! ''Battle of the Planets'' !! ''G-Force'' !! ''Eagle Riders'' !! [[Original video animation|OVA]] (Harmony Gold dub)!! Rank !! Bird Uniform !! Weapon !! Mecha !! [[Voice actor]] (Gatchaman) !! [[Voice actor]] (Gatchaman OVA)  !! [[Voice actor]] (''BOTP'') !! [[Voice actor]] (''G-Force'') !! [[Voice actor]] (Harmony Gold OVA dub) !! [[Voice actor]] (''Eagle Riders'') !![[Voice actor]] (ADV TV/Sentai OVA dub)
|-
| '''Ken Washio''' || Mark || Ace Goodheart || Hunter Harris || Ken the Eagle|| G1 || Eagle || Razor boomerang || Airplane || [[Katsuji Mori]] || [[Masaya Onosaka]] || [[Casey Kasem]] || Sam Fontana || [[Eddie Frierson]] || [[Richard Cansino]] || [[Leraldo Anzaldua]]
|-
| '''George "Joe" Asakura''' || Jason || Dirk Daring || Joe Thax || Joe the Condor|| G2 || Condor || Pistol || Race Car || [[Isao Sasaki]] || [[Kōji Ishii]] || [[Ronnie Schell]] || [[Cam Clarke]] || [[Richard Cansino]] || [[Bryan Cranston]] || [[Brian Jepson]]
|-
| '''Jun''' || Princess || Agatha "Aggie" June || Kelly Jennar || June the Swan|| G3 || Swan || Yo-yo || Motorcycle || [[Kazuko Sugiyama]] || [[Michiko Neya]] || [[Janet Waldo]] || [[Barbara Goodson]] || Lara Cody || [[Heidi Noelle Lenhart]] || [[Kim Prause]]
|-
| '''Jinpei''' || Keyop || Pee Wee || Mickey Dugan ||Jimmy the Falcon|| G4 || Swallow || Bolo || Dune Buggy || [[Yoku Shioya]] || [[Rica Matsumoto]] || [[Alan Young]] || Barbara Goodson ||[[Mona Marshall]] || Mona Marshall || [[Luci Christian]]
|-
| '''Ryu Nakanishi''' || Tiny Harper || Hoot "Hooty" Owl || Ollie Keeawani ||Rocky the Owl|| G5 || Owl || Pistol || God Phoenix || [[Shingo Kanemoto]] || [[Fumihiko Tachiki]] || Alan Dinehart || [[Jan Rabson]]/ [[Gregg Berger]] || [[Richard Epcar]] || [[Paul Schrier]] || [[Victor Carsrud]]
|}

==={{anchor|Other character variations across different versions}}Other character variations in different versions===
{| class=wikitable
|- valign=bottom
! ''Gatchaman'' !! ''Battle of the Planets'' !! ''G-Force'' !! ''Eagle Riders'' !! OVA (Harmony Gold Dub) !! [[Voice actor]] (Gatchaman)  !! [[Voice actor]] (''BOTP'') !! [[Voice actor]] (''G-Force'') !! [[Voice actor]] (Gatchaman OVA) !! [[Voice actor]] (''Eagle Riders'') !! [[Voice actor]] (Harmony Gold OVA dub) !![[Voice actor]] (ADV TV/Sentai OVA dub)
|-
| '''Dr. Kozaburo Nambu-hakase''' || Chief Anderson || Dr. Benjamin Brighthead || Dr. Thaddeus Keane || Dr. Kozaburo Nambu || Tōru Ōhira || Alan Dinehart || [[Jan Rabson]]/[[Gregg Berger]] || [[Ikuya Sawaki]] || [[Michael McConnohie]] || [[Greg O'Neill]] || [[Andy McAvin]]
|-
| '''ISO Director Anderson''' || President Kane || Anderson / Cmdr. Todd (some episodes) || Anderson || Director Anderson || [[Teiji Ōmiya]] || [[Edward Andrews]] || [[Jan Rabson]]/[[Gregg Berger]] || [[Yonehiko Kitagawa]] || [[Michael Forest]] || || Marty Fleck
|-
| '''Red Impulse''' / '''Kentaro Washio''' || Col. Cronos || Red Impulse / Kendrick Goodheart || Red Impulse / Harley Harris || Red Spectre / Kentaro Washio || || [[Keye Luke]] || [[Cam Clarke]] || [[Unshō Ishizuka]] || Bob Papenbrook || || John Tyson
|-
| '''Berg Katse''' || Zoltar || Galactor || Lukan || Solaris || Mikio Terashima || [[Keye Luke]] || [[Bill Capizzi]] || [[Kaneto Shiozawa]] || [[R. Martin Klein]] || || [[Edwin Neal]]
|-
| '''Sosai (Leader) X''' || O Luminous One / <br />The Great Spirit || Computor || Cybercom || Lord Zortek || Nobuo Tanaka || [[Keye Luke]] || [[Jan Rabson]]/[[Gregg Berger]] || Nobuo Tanaka || Ralph Votrais || [[Peter Spellos]] || [[Charles C. Campbell (voice actor)|Winston Parish]]
|-
| '''Gel Sadra''' || || || Mallanox || || [[Masaru Ikeda]] || || || || || || [[R. Martin Klein]] 
|-
| '''Sylvie Pandora-hakase''' || || || Dr. Francine Aikens || || Dr. Sylvie Pandora || Miyuka Ieda || || || || || Lara Cody
|-
| '''Announcer''' || || || || || Hideo Kinoshita/[[Shūsei Nakamura]] || [[William Woodson]] (Main) / [[Alan Young]] (Zark) || [[Norm Prescott]] || || || || [[George Manley]]
|}

==={{anchor|Other notable changes}}Other changes===
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: center;"
|-
! width=150 | Variations
! width=150 | ''Gatchaman'' (Japanese)
! width=150 | ''Battle of the Planets''
! width=150 | ''Guardians of Space''
! width=150 | ''Eagle Riders''
! width=200 | OVA (English, Harmony Gold)
! width=150 | ''Gatchaman'' (English)
|-
! Identity change command
| Bird, go!‡
| Transmute!
| G-Force, transform!
| Eagle Mode, now!
|
{| border="0"
|- valign="top"
| ''Ken''
| Eagle One, transform!
|- valign="top"
| ''Joe''
| Shapeshift, Condor!
|- valign="top"
| ''June''
| Swan Mode, now!
|- valign="top"
| ''Jimmy''
| Falcon Tracker, transform!
|}
| Bird, go!
|-
! Enemy planet
| Selectol
| Spectra
| Galactor
| Vorak
| Galactor
| Selectol
|-
! Enemy civilization
| Galactor (Gyarakutā)
| Spectra
| Galactor
| Vorak
| Galactor
| Galactor
|}
‡The original Japanese-language version of ''Gatchaman'' features a few words in English.

==Video games==
{{expand section|date=June 2013}}
{{main|List of Gatchaman video games}}
Ken, Jun and Berg appear as playable characters in ''[[Tatsunoko Fight]]''. Ken and Jun appear as playable fighters in ''[[Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes]]'', and Joe joins Ken and Jun in ''[[Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars]].''

==Comics==
In July 2023, it was announced that [[Mad Cave Studios]] partnered with Tatsunoko Productions to publish a new comic book <ref name="mad cave studios">{{cite web|url=https://madcavestudios.com/mad-cave-studios-and-tatsunoko-announce-partnership-to-publish-gatchaman-comics/ |title=Mad Cave Studios and Tatsunoko Announce Partnership to Publish Gatchaman Comics |date=14 July 2023 }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{expand section|date=June 2013}}
In 2001, the Japanese magazine ''[[Animage]]'' listed the 1972 ''Gatchaman'' TV series the 10th-best anime production of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-01-15/animage-top-100-anime-listing|title=Animage Top-100 Anime Listing|date=January 15, 2011|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=10 March 2013}}</ref>

==Legacy==

===Impact===
''Gatchaman'' helped establish the convention of the five-member hero team emulated in later series, notably in the successful [[tokusatsu]] ''[[Super Sentai]]'' franchise (a genre exemplified by the English series adaptation of the ''[[Power Rangers]]'' franchise many years later). The Sentai series ''[[Chōjin Sentai Jetman]]'' was, in many ways, a homage to ''Gatchaman''.<ref name="comic book resources">{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16367 |title= GATCHAMAN! The story of Tatsuo Yoshida and his greatest creation|access-date=25 June 2008 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]]  |date= 2008-05-11|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081204192904/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16367|archive-date= 2008-12-04}}</ref><ref name="Animation World Network">{{cite web |url=http://mag.awn.com/index.php?ltype=search&sval=battle+of+the+planets&article_no=938&page=2 |title= New from Japan: Anime Film Reviews|access-date=25 June 2008 |work=[[Animation World Network]] }}</ref>

===Guest appearances and pop culture references===

* The Italian cartoon ''[[Winx Club]]'' parodied Gatchaman in the episode "Battle on Planet Eraklyon" when several characters form the superhero quintet "Patchamen," with uniforms and mannerisms bearing striking resemblances to those of the Science Ninja Team.
*In 1994, the Science Ninja Team and Dr. Nambu appeared in a crossover OVA, ''[[Time Bokan: Royal Revival]]''.
*In 2000, [[Nippon Telegraph and Telephone#Regional|NTT East]] produced two animated and two live-action television commercials for their [[ISDN]] service with an updated version of ''Gatchaman'', featuring members of the [[J-Pop]] boy group [[SMAP]].<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060305021248/http://www.ntt-east.co.jp/GOGO/|archive-date=March 5, 2006|url=http://www.ntt-east.co.jp/GOGO/|title=Gatchaman Returns Starring SMAP|publisher=www.ntt-east.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref>
*They appeared in several episodes of the 2008 reboot of ''[[Yatterman]]'' as background characters and played a minor speaking role in the hour-long "Episode 12.5" TV special.
*The third episode of ''[[Sket Dance]]'' has Jun as a playable character in a re-enactment of ''Tatsunoko vs. Capcom''. 
*The face of one of the characters appears in episode 252 of the ''[[Gin Tama]]'' anime. 
*Archie's ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic series parodied ''Gatchaman'' in ''Sonic Super Special'' issue #12. 
*A parody of ''Gatchaman'' was used in the cartoon ''[[Megas XLR]]'' as the S-Force, appearing in two episodes. 
*Joe is the reference of the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh!]]'' TCG card, "Swift Birdman Joe".
*The character Ushiwaka in the Clover Studios video game ''[[Ōkami]]'' wears a hood that resembles that of the Gatchaman cast members.
*The [[American comic book|Ame-Comi]] version of [[Batgirl]] has a costume with design similarities to the Gatchaman costume. She is also equipped with [[Batarang]]s that look identical to Ken the Eagle's Birdrangs.
*The character of Lord Viper in the 90s cartoon ''[[King Arthur and the Knights of Justice]]'' appears to be based on the design of Spectra foot soldiers.
*In ''[[Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League]]'', The [[Batman Family]] begins to utilize "Science Ninja Techniques" against Yakuza League, a corrupt counterpart of [[Justice League]].

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=
<ref name="awn1">{{cite news|url=http://www.awn.com/news/films/imagi-prepares-new-cg-animated-gatchaman-feature|title=Imagi Prepares New CG-Animated Gatchaman Feature|last=DeMott|first=Rick|date=9 June 2006|publisher=[[Animation World Network]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="ann2">{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-06/cg-astro-boy-imagi-studio-lays-off-300+employees|title=CG Astro Boy's Imagi Studio Lays Off 300+ Employees|date=February 6, 2010|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=8 February 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="u1">{{cite news|url=http://www.unificationfrance.com/spip.php?article3039
|title=Gatchaman : Robert Mark Kamen à l'écriture|date=19 July 2007|publisher=Unification France|language=fr|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="sfj">{{cite web|url=http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2006/06/10/gatchaman-returns-to-the-big-screen/|title=Gatchaman Returns... To The Big Screen|last=Saint John|first=Robert|date=10 June 2006|publisher=SciFi Japan|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="iesb">{{cite web|url=http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3966&Itemid=99 |title=IESB Gets a Sneak Peek at Gatchaman Plus Exclusive Images! |last=Staff |date=17 December 2007 |publisher=[[IESB]] |access-date=30 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417141354/http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3966&Itemid=99 |archive-date=17 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="bd1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/11822|title=Director Signed on for 'Dylan Dog' Adaptation!|date=4 April 2008|publisher=[[Bloody-Disgusting]]|access-date=30 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016231521/http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/11822|archive-date=16 October 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="sh1">{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6325|title=Paul Dini Penning Gatchaman |date=21 September 2007|publisher=[[Superhero Hype]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="411m">{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/games/columns/115909/411-Games-Interviews:--Batman---Arkham-Asylum.htm|title=Interview with writer, Paul Dini|last=Harris|first=Jeffrey|date=11 September 2009|publisher=411mania|access-date=30 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108181545/http://www.411mania.com/games/columns/115909/411-Games-Interviews:--Batman---Arkham-Asylum.htm|archive-date=8 November 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="aa1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.activeanime.com/html/content/view/1077/36/ |title=Robert Mark Kamen to write new "Gatchaman" film |date=13 June 2007 |publisher=Active Anime |access-date=29 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121220354/http://www.activeanime.com/html/content/view/1077/58/ |archive-date=21 November 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="v1">{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-163063309.html
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624034548/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-163063309.html
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=24 June 2011
|title=Nikkatsu draws on toons|last=Schilling|first=Mark|date=11 April 2007|publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="otakia1">{{cite web|url=http://www.otakia.com/news/3073/Astro+Boy+maintenu,+Gatchaman+sur+la+corde+raide.|title=Astro Boy maintenu, Gatchaman sur la corde raide|date=9 January 2009|publisher=Otakia|language=fr|access-date=29 January 2010}}<!-- Zombie link. --></ref>
<ref name="ann1">{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-01-27/imagi-animation-studio-closes-los-angeles-office|title=Imagi Animation Studio Closes Los Angeles Office|date=27 January 2010|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=29 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="hmm1">{{cite news|url=http://www.homemediamagazine.com/news/imagi-seeks-licensing-deals-gatchaman-15994|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110807201520/http://www.homemediamagazine.com/news/imagi-seeks-licensing-deals-gatchaman-15994|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2011|title=Imagi Seeks Licensing Deals for 'Gatchaman'|last=Tribbey|first=Chris|date=3 June 2009|publisher=[[Home Media Magazine]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="ms1">{{cite news|url=http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/4/movies/2931245&sec=movies|title=What's getting made|date=4 January 2009|publisher=[[Malaysia Star]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="am1">{{cite news|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/11113
|title=Imagi Closes L.A. Studio|last=McLean|first=Thomas J.|date=29 January 2010|publisher=[[Animation Magazine]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="hs1">{{cite web |url=http://www.hotstocked.com/article/1861/imagi-international-holdings-ltd-otcbb-iinhy.html |title=Imagi International Holdings Ltd (OTCBB: IINHY) Still In Talks To Raise Capital |last=Gediminas |first=J. |date=26 January 2010 |publisher=HotStocked.com |access-date=30 January 2010 |archive-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708182019/http://www.hotstocked.com/article/1861/imagi-international-holdings-ltd-otcbb-iinhy.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="mtv1">{{cite web|url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/07/07/gatchaman-teaser-trailer-debuts-at-anime-expo/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710003544/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/07/07/gatchaman-teaser-trailer-debuts-at-anime-expo/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2009|title='Gatchaman' Teaser Trailer Debuts At Anime Expo|last=Goellner|first=Caleb|date=7 July 2009|work=[[MTV]]|publisher=[[MTV.com]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="sd1">{{cite news|url=http://www.screendaily.com/kamen-signs-to-write-screenplay-for-imagis-cg-animated-gatchaman/4033125.article|title=Kamen signs to write screenplay for Imagi's CG-animated Gatchaman|last=Kay|first=Jeremy|date=14 June 2007|publisher=[[Screen Daily]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="v2">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2008/biz/asia/imagi-has-auditors-concern-1117997808/|title=Imagi has auditors' 'concern'|last=Frater|first=Patrick|date=29 December 2008|publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref>}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb title|0068792}}
*{{anime News Network|anime|4|Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman}}

{{Gatchaman}}
{{Hiroshi Sasagawa}}
{{Tatsunoko Production}}
{{Super Sentai}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1972 anime television series debuts]]
[[Category:ADV Films]]
[[Category:Japanese children's animated action television series]]
[[Category:Japanese children's animated space adventure television series]]
[[Category:Japanese children's animated science fiction television series]]
[[Category:Japanese children's animated superhero television series]]
[[Category:Anime with original screenplays]]
[[Category:Fuji Television original programming]]
[[Category:Gatchaman]]
[[Category:Mecha anime and manga]]
[[Category:Ninja in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Sentai Filmworks]]
[[Category:Superheroes in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Tatsunoko Production franchises]]