I have made a unilateral decision and decided to declare this week as Gel Sadra Week. All I really know about her is she is some how connected to Pandora. So lets see lots of pictures and James we would welcome any information you can dig up about her.

Since I have a number of Gatchaman II screencaps, I'll post a bunch. Here is Gel Sadra as she was created/grown by Sosai X: Gel Sadra contemplates Katse's horrible taste in interior design as she uses one of his old bases: All Gel Sadra wants is to take over the world... Gel Sadra and her rival for Sosai X's affections: Marstora: Gel Sadra takes command of the ISO: Apparently Gel Sadra has a drinking problem... Too late, Gel Sadra remembers that she never learned how to swim... A gleeful Gel Sadra has just discovered Ken's identity, and sends her goons after him: Ken in hand-to-hand combat with Gel Sadra: Gel Sadra is distressed at her goons' incompetence: Gel Sadra's face revealed: Gel Sadra in her former life, as Sammie Pandora: Gel Sadra finally faces her mother... KNOWING it is her mother: Gel Sadra is devastated when Sosai X kills her mother: Gel Sadra assists Joe in breaking into Sosai X's secret chamber: Gel Sadra shows Ken Sosai X's weak spot: Sosai X is defeated, and Gel Sadra regrets what she has done:

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Gel Sadra's face revealed:

She has a pretty face. Too bad for her that she had to wear that crazy mask all the time. I know that Katse was supposed to have a genius IQ (or two IQs combined) but I don't recall ever hearing that Gel Sadra had any special abilities. I guess being mutated into an adult at such a young age meant that she had no memories of her previous existence (or not until she met Dr. Pandora) and no feelings of loyalty or attachment to any humans -only Leader X. That would work well for his purposes.

Yes, ITA, she was quite attractive. Too bad she didn't become a good guy and become part of the ISO... Imagine the fics!

Hmm, Joe is the one with the reputation for liking blonds. Let's see, a slightly AU twist on Gatch II, Gel Sadra learns about her mother earlier than in canon, defects from Galactor to the ISO (and Marstora takes over her position there), she and Joe bond over their mutual feelings of being unnatural or abnormal... The big catch is that, technically, Gel Sadra is, what, 4 years old?

Blond and pretty... with the mind of four year old... And very tall!!! Does the condor like tall women?

Originally posted by lborgia88 Let's see, a slightly AU twist on Gatch II, Gel Sadra learns about her mother earlier than in canon, defects from Galactor to the ISO

Did you read Ebony's Lightening fic? She has an alternate timeline, and some interesting things happened with poor Sammie...

I did read Lightening. I remember Sammie being with her mother, and then she, if I recall, somehow communicates with X and goes missing... What I remember best about Lightening is what happens with Ken and Jun, but I don't remember Sammie getting matured rapidly. Perhaps I need to read it all again and refresh my memory about her fate in the fic. There was, after all, more than one timeline in it!

It's kind of weird how, in those images, Sadra's face goes from fairly attractive (scene where she's smiling) to rather scary (scene where she's grieving). That is one heck of a nose they gave her in the latter image!

Originally posted by lborgia88 I did read Lightening. I remember Sammie being with her mother, and then she, if I recall, somehow communicates with X and goes missing... What I remember best about Lightening is what happens with Ken and Jun, but I don't remember Sammie getting matured rapidly. Perhaps I need to read it all again and refresh my memory about her fate in the fic. There was, after all, more than one timeline in it!

That was kinda left after her first meeting with sosai X to the readers imagination. I did mess with canon a lot in that ficcie!

Originally posted by Barrdwing It's kind of weird how, in those images, Sadra's face goes from fairly attractive (scene where she's smiling) to rather scary (scene where she's grieving). That is one heck of a nose they gave her in the latter image!

Was that before or after the cosmetic surgery she had on her nose?

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I did mess with canon a lot in that ficcie!

Your "messing" was good though! If you allow for the existence of multiple timelines and alternate universes, then you can say that the canon timeline of events did indeed happen, just not in the timeline/universe that your story happened to focus on. That's the fun of AUs. I found another Gelsadra pic.

Originally posted by Barrdwing It's kind of weird how, in those images, Sadra's face goes from fairly attractive (scene where she's smiling) to rather scary (scene where she's grieving). That is one heck of a nose they gave her in the latter image!

I thought that about the nose too. I think it's because her mask has a long and pointy nose... stll, it only seems to show up in that shot. I have a few other pics of her unmasked (pretty much all from that one ep) and the nose isn't visible to that extent in any other scene.

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne That was kinda left after her first meeting with sosai X to the readers imagination. I did mess with canon a lot in that ficcie!

Not really... you fudged a bit on their ages during certain events before the team started, but that's it. The rest is down to corrupted/alternate timeline, so it's perfectly valid. Why, in Star Trek, it's so commonplace no one blinks and eye! And besides, it is an awesome fic!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Was that before or after the cosmetic surgery she had on her nose?

No, it's the Pinnochio effect. She wasn't REALLY grieving for her mother, just pretending....

So I have to ask... Is blonde the color of evil too?

Originally posted by shamrokchick So I have to ask... Is blonde the color of evil too?

Maybe it is in Japan! Personally, I don't think I"m evil.

Originally posted by shamrokchick So I have to ask... Is blonde the color of evil too?

You make a good point, Shamrokchick! Everytime they show a blone person in Gatch, they're working for Galactor... I can only think of one or two exceptions. I am suspecting that it is anti-Germanic sentiment, which was probably fairly prevalent in the 70s in Japan. Of course, I'll let James come in here and correct me, and bestow wonderful new information on us all.

I think I remember reading someplace that yellow is the color of madness . . . of course, that was in high school lit. Still, both Sadra and Katse had yellow hair, and neither one of them could be considered particularly stable . . . . Now I'm not saying that blondes are crazy. Not unless you want to be, that is . . . .

Originally posted by Barrdwing Now I'm not saying that blondes are crazy. Not unless you want to be, that is . . . .

I think everyone on this board would agree that *I* am crazy!

Originally posted by Barrdwing Now I'm not saying that blondes are crazy. Not unless you want to be, that is . . . .

I have been called, in my life, "strange" and "eccentric" but I don't think anyone has called me "crazy." Not yet, anyway.

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Barrdwing Now I'm not saying that blondes are crazy. Not unless you want to be, that is . . . .

I have been called, in my life, "strange" and "eccentric" but I don't think anyone has called me "crazy." Not yet, anyway.

You're crazy, LB, and I love you for it!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by shamrokchick So I have to ask... Is blonde the color of evil too?

You make a good point, Shamrokchick! Everytime they show a blond person in Gatch, they're working for Galactor... I can only think of one or two exceptions. I am suspecting that it is anti-Germanic sentiment, which was probably fairly prevalent in the 70s in Japan. Of course, I'll let James come in here and correct me, and bestow wonderful new information on us all.

This is why I dyed my hair copper red.... I'm an undercover Devilstar...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Barrdwing Now I'm not saying that blondes are crazy. Not unless you want to be, that is . . . .

I have been called, in my life, "strange" and "eccentric" but I don't think anyone has called me "crazy." Not yet, anyway.

You're crazy, LB, and I love you for it!

Well, if I have gone crazy, at least I have good company here!

Originally posted by lborgia88 Well, if I have gone crazy, at least I have good company here!

Whoo hoo!

Yes you do have good company here! Well I guess I'm 0-2 since I'm a blonde who likes purple...

Originally posted by shamrokchick Yes you do have good company here! Well I guess I'm 0-2 since I'm a blonde who likes purple...

And yet the Eagle still likes you Shamrockchick.

Originally posted by shamrokchick Well I guess I'm 0-2 since I'm a blonde who likes purple...

Does that make you Gel Sadra?

Hi all! Well, a lack of free time over the last few weeks (A situation likely to continue for a while yet) and recent restricted access to a computer (While mine is in the shop for an upgrade) has curtailed my participation on this list lately. Regardless, I did have a little time today, so I figured I use the time to throw in a bit of information regarding Gel Sadra. The prototype for the character first appeared in the Establishment Note for "New Gatchaman," a handwritten document that was an early draft of the "Gatchaman II" series bible. In that, Governor X's new lackey is not yet Gel Sadra. Rather, she is named Sadomadonna. The material gives her this description: "Sadomadonna (25-years-old) With Berg Katse perished, Governor X rescues a lady guerilla of unknown nationality from her place of execution. Who is she? Sadomadonna is Governor X's faithful subordinate, through which he will exert his control. Is she an unequaled beauty? While that may be, as he name implies, she is also a woman of unparalleled heartlessness, excelling in fearsome sadism." As you can see, this was not the same child-instantly-grown-to-adulthood that we eventually saw. Alas, the material doesn't give us any further information regarding her past. Had this version of the character survived, I'm sure we would have found out more about her personal history, since all three series did take the time to delve into this aspect of their villain characters. I feel safe in saying that they would have explained us why she was a guerilla and what led to her being up for execution at some point in the series. Obviously, Sadomadonna would not have worked very well as Dr. Pandora's daughter, at least not without making Dr. Pandora closer to Dr. Nambu's age. But, since Dr. Pandora did not exist yet, and wouldnt until "Gatchaman II" was already in production, this was not a consideration. Anyway, Sadomadonna finally became Gel Sadra in a second handwritten document, an addendum to the "New Gatchaman" Establishment Note titled "'New Gatchaman' Reform Points for the Establishment." In it, they list a couple of character name changes, and for Sadomadonna, they simply say: "Sadomadonna Her name is changed to Gel Sadra. This woman is not the same as Berg Katse, a kind of hermaphroditic mutant who could use the personality and abilities of a man or a woman." Obviously, that was the name that stuck, and as the planning for the series progressed, she was given her more familiar background. By the time the final draft of the series bible, "New Science Ninja Team Gatchaman Planning Note" was completed (The "Gatchaman II" name wouldn't come along until a month or two after this document was written), Sadra was described as follows: "Gel Sadra (25-years-old) With Berg Katse perished, Governor X caused a baby to grow suddenly, creating a unique human mutant. Why did he do that? For this. Gel Sadra is Governor X's faithful subordinate, through which he will exert his control. Is she an unequaled beauty? While that may be, as her name implies, she is also a human of unparalleled heartlessness, excelling in fearful sadism. (This woman is not the same as Berg Katse, a kind of hermaphroditic mutant who could use the personality and abilities of a man or a woman)" Much of this was, obviously, little more than simply copying the existing write-ups and modifying as needed to include her new origin. Since we weren't supposed to be seeing the earlier drafts of the planning, we arent supposed to know that. Consider that a little peek behind the curtain of the creative process. Much of what we know about Gel Sadra comes from the show itself. As I mentioned earlier, the staff did take the time to flesh out the villains as their respective series progressed, and Sadra was no exception. I had written an article that ran in the 2003 GatchaCon fanzine about the various villains covering what we know about her, as seen in the series itself without the usual fan-generated speculation attached, and that had as follows: "Gel Sadra (Character Voice: Masaru Ikeda) When Governor X returned to Earth, he had to recreate Gallactor from scratch. To accomplish this, he once again needed someone to act as his human commander, someone who would be completely loyal to him. To that end, Governor X took in a 3-year-old (#50) victim from a cruise ship he destroyed upon his return. This child was placed within a capsule that X used to accelerate her growth, quickly mutating the young girl into the equivalent of a 25-year-old woman ("Gatchaman II" Planning). Governor X named her "Gel Sadra," and used her to form a new Gallactor (#1). As Gel Sadra had no memory of her earlier life (#50), all of her intelligence was given to her by Governor X. Despite her physical appearance and intellect, much of Sadra's emotional makeup was still that of a child, causing her to throw temper tantrums when things did not go her way (#'s 13, 48, among others). Sadra regularly showed even less regard for her men than Berg Katse did. She cared so little for them that she would force them off of her escape craft without a second thought (#26), and could be totally oblivious to their pain (#34). While not at the same level as Berg Katse, Gel Sadra was quite capable at disguising herself as others. She once replaced Richman the 3rd, one of the world's wealthiest men, when he received an International Peace Prize in front of a large audience, fooling nearly everyone with his guise (#42). Gel Sadra made use of several weapons. Most prominent were her pistol, powerful enough to destroy a car with a single shot (#1), and the knife she carried concealed by her tall boots. This knife could fire knockout gas from its handle (#41). At other times, she made use of a whip (#6) and a laser sword (#46). For transportation, Gel Sadra had her saucer-shaped personal ship (#1). This craft could travel in the sky, underwater, and even in space (#'s 5, 18, 20, 32, 46, among others). It could also emit a beam to transport a man from the ground into the ship (#1). One year after Governor X created her, Governor X finally asked X why she had no memories of her past. It was only at this time that Governor X revealed her origins to Sadra. With this information, Sadra was able to uncover her past. She found out that she was actually Sami Pandora, the daughter of Domenico and Silvie Pandora. While Governor X assumed that both her parents had perished, only her father had died on the sinking of the ship. Her mother had survived (#50). In a continuity note, when we are first shown the sinking of the cruise ship, the vessel is named Queen Margaret (#1), yet it is later referred to as the Elizabeth Moore (#50). Gel Sadra had encountered her mother before, for Dr. Pandora was an expert in cybernetics who had begun working closely with Dr. Nambu (#26). On several occasions, when the two were near each other, they felt a strange connection that allowed them to know where the other was and what they were doing (#'s 26, 40, 42, 4. Sadra even turned this "insight" to her advantage during a battle with the Science Ninja Team (#4. Unfortunately for mother and daughter, when Governor X was informed of the connection between the two, X had Pandora kidnapped. He hoped to use the bond between the two to convince Pandora to join Gallactor. When this failed, X had Dr. Pandora executed (#50). Her anger over this act caused Sadra to turn against Governor X, leading her to defeat the Solar Shift Plan and to assist the Science Ninja Team in Governor X's destruction (#'s 51, 52). The latter came at the cost of Gel Sadra's life, but she was finally reunited with her mother in the afterlife (#52)." Anyway, there you go, plenty of stuff on Gel Sadra! James

You are correct that is a lot of information on Gel Sadra. I was not expecting this much information when I asked for your input. I think it is going to take me a while to digest all this. Thank you again for your thorough input James.

James, that is fantastic! I love the way you use episode numbers to back up your facts. In fact, I'm now interested in going to take a look at episode 34, where she ignores the pain of her men... I don't recall that one...

Thank you for this information, James. I especially like learning about how Tatsunoko developed their characters, both initially and during the series. It's interesting how many weapons Gel Sadra used. Offhand, I can't recall Katse using any hand-held weapons, except perhaps that scalpel he picked up to stab Joe in the arm with! ETA: James has just reminded me of a few more (eps 21, 53 and 70), in his Berg Katse information!

Originally posted by lborgia88 Thank you for this information, James. I especially like learning about how Tatsunoko developed their characters, both initially and during the series. It's interesting how many weapons Gel Sadra used. Offhand, I can't recall Katse using any hand-held weapons, except perhaps that scalpel he picked up to stab Joe in the arm with! ETA: James has just reminded me of a few more (eps 21, 53 and 70), in his Berg Katse information!

[FONT=comic sans ms]I seen Katse with guns before... [IMG]http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5424/37597313ec0.jpg[/IMG] In this shot Katse looks like he saying... Give me your wallet Gatchaman & the keys of the God phoenix too. [/FONT]

Thank you so much for the very detailed explanations on Gel Sadra, James.

Great screenshots, LG!

Originally posted by lborgia88 Thank you for this information, James. I especially like learning about how Tatsunoko developed their characters, both initially and during the series. It's interesting how many weapons Gel Sadra used. Offhand, I can't recall Katse using any hand-held weapons, except perhaps that scalpel he picked up to stab Joe in the arm with! ETA: James has just reminded me of a few more (eps 21, 53 and 70), in his Berg Katse information!

Didn't Katse used to have a capsule in his mouth and would take it out and throw it for a smoke screen? Of course that may not really be a weapon--more of a diversion tactic. You've brought up an interesting question LB how many personal weapons did Katse have at his disposal? Maybe we should talk about this on the Katse thread! Again, James, thanks for the information. We know you've been busy but really appreciate to take the time to share your knowledge with us. I've just started watching Gatch II and now Gel Sadra is so much easier to understand now.

Originally posted by Condorfan Didn't Katse used to have a capsule in his mouth and would take it out and throw it for a smoke screen? Of course that may not really be a weapon--more of a diversion tactic. You've brought up an interesting question LB how many personal weapons did Katse have at his disposal? Maybe we should talk about this on the Katse thread!

Now that my memory has been jogged, it is clear that Katse often used guns or rifles. Yet Gel Sadra apparently has a gun, a knife, a whip and a sword too. Of course, in Gatchaman F, Egobossler has a sword, and so does Ken. Seems like a trend... Who wouldn't want a sword, though? I wish I had one.

Originally posted by lborgia88 Who wouldn't want a sword, though? I wish I had one.

We have many swords. Four are light sabers, and a number of them are pirate scimtars. We also have a 'Captain Hook' sword and a 'Prince Phillip' (from Sleeping Beauty) sword, and a rather badly mangled Jack Sparrow dagger. Then there are the guns...

I'm jealous. So, do epic battles with cries of "have at you!" and "en garde!" frequently break out in your home?

It is more likely, "May the force be with you" and "Ahhhrrrgg, matey" that is yelled around her home.

Originally posted by lborgia88 I'm jealous.

Come on over and play, then!

So, do epic battles with cries of "have at you!" and "en garde!" frequently break out in your home?

Not quite. That's a little too 'old school'. More like, 'I'll get you Katse!' 'I'm Darth Vader!' and' Jack Sparrow attacks!'

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Not quite. That's a little too 'old school'. More like, 'I'll get you Katse!' 'I'm Darth Vader!' and' Jack Sparrow attacks!'

Now, is this your kids we're talking about, or you and your DH?

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Not quite. That's a little too 'old school'. More like, 'I'll get you Katse!' 'I'm Darth Vader!' and' Jack Sparrow attacks!'

Now, is this your kids we're talking about, or you and your DH?

Cloud laughs as she imagines TJ and her DH "cavorting" in their bedroom and suddenly her DH starts yelling "Jack Sparrow attacks" and then her kids start knocking at the door, "Mom can we play too?"

Originally posted by lborgia88 Now, is this your kids we're talking about, or you and your DH?

Depends on when and where.... Actually, we play a lot of 'games'. The kids think it's an 'adult thing' to play D&D, or Talisman, or some of the computer games, and that we generously 'let' them do it too. I'm waiting for the day when they mature enough to realize that *we* are the immature ones...

Originally posted by clouddancer Cloud laughs as she imagines TJ and her DH "cavorting" in their bedroom and suddenly her DH starts yelling "Jack Sparrow attacks" and then her kids start knocking at the door, "Mom can we play too?"

I think DH knows that if he wants to role play in the bedroom, the Eagle is a much better choice than Jack Sparrow. Heck, I've even got the Eagle costume for him to wear!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer Cloud laughs as she imagines TJ and her DH "cavorting" in their bedroom and suddenly her DH starts yelling "Jack Sparrow attacks" and then her kids start knocking at the door, "Mom can we play too?"

I think DH knows that if he wants to role play in the bedroom, the Eagle is a much better choice than Jack Sparrow. Heck, I've even got the Eagle costume for him to wear!

And a Swan costume for yourself, complete with stripper boots -how very convenient...

Originally posted by lborgia88 And a Swan costume for yourself, complete with stripper boots -how very convenient...

Yes, isn't it? My DH was certainly impressed with the Swan costume. It was the first time he seemed especially interested in my Gatchaman goings-on...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by shamrokchick Well I guess I'm 0-2 since I'm a blonde who likes purple...

Does that make you Gel Sadra?

I've never seen Gel Sadra so who knows!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by lborgia88 And a Swan costume for yourself, complete with stripper boots -how very convenient...

Yes, isn't it? My DH was certainly impressed with the Swan costume. It was the first time he seemed especially interested in my Gatchaman goings-on...

So that's how I can get the BF interested in Gatch! I need a Condor costume with boots like this...

Very nice! But if you can deal with those heels, you're a better woman than I am. I had big platform wedge heels.

Yes, but the idea is that I wouldn't have to wear them very long!

LB you are a naughty girl!

Originally posted by lborgia88 Yes, but the idea is that I wouldn't have to wear them very long!

Well *you're* not very inventive are you?????

Well, you know, a maroon-coloured unitard won't come off unless the boots come off first! We can't all be swans with mini-dresses...

I would think, lb, that a female Condor could trade in the maroon colored unitard for a pair of maroon colored hot pants to go with those boots. Replace the side seams with velcro and voila!

Originally posted by lborgia88 Well, you know, a maroon-coloured unitard won't come off unless the boots come off first! We can't all be swans with mini-dresses...

Ahem.... You need to read this chapter of one of my fics... Evolution, Chapter 17 (Mature Content) Springie even drew a pic to go with that scene. Now if only I could find it... Oh wait, it's in the Fanfic Archive version of the story.

Ooh, I remember this now -definitely inventive! (and possibly a tad dangerous...) Okay, now I want a sword and a knife.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun We have many swords. Four are light sabers, and a number of them are pirate scimtars. We also have a 'Captain Hook' sword and a 'Prince Phillip' (from Sleeping Beauty) sword, and a rather badly mangled Jack Sparrow dagger. Then there are the guns...

Hino warily takes in this info... James, great info again!! Thanks so much for taking the time and enlightening us! Once again, I to you!!

Originally posted by lborgia88 Ooh, I remember this now -definitely inventive! (and possibly a tad dangerous...) Okay, now I want a sword and a knife.

See? Boots don't have to come off.... that's why they're sexy, after all. Why else are thigh highs and garter belts 'hot'?