What we have suspected has been confirmed. Jun Falkenstein is no longer on the project. She posted on her blog that she is working for Disney again.

Thank you for keeping us updated and for the confirmation TJ.

Hi all! Not a real surprise, but still good to have it confirmed. James

Was wondering about that... Thanks for passing along the info!

Have they said who is working on the project?

That's actually good news...I never felt that she was that into the project...but I guess maybe it was because she had to be "hush-hush"...I wonder who is working on it now?

Hi all!

Have they said who is working on the project?

No, they have not made any announcements regarding either the crew or the cast working on the film (Despite what IMDB claims on the matter). James

Originally posted by Transmute Jun What we have suspected has been confirmed. Jun Falkenstein is no longer on the project. She posted on her blog that she is working for Disney again.

About time she put something on her blog. Yes, not too surprising, especially as Imagi never officially said she was directing. Maybe someday details will leak out as to what really went down.

Originally posted by lborgia88 Maybe someday details will leak out as to what really went down.

I am hoping that this will leak out on a 'Special Features' disc of the super-deluxe Blu-Ray release of the Gatchaman movie...

Hi all!

I am hoping that this will leak out on a 'Special Features' disc of the super-deluxe Blu-Ray release of the Gatchaman movie...

By the time that comes out, Jun Falkenstein will be little more than a footnote in the history of the film, along with Kevin Munroe, Robert Mark Kamen, and Paul Dini, and will hardly merit a mention when it comes to the final product. James

Thanks for the update TJ...

Thanks for the update TJ. Eventually they'll have the right person on board and then the film will be underway..fingers crossed!

I went to the Anime Expo today and made straight for the IMAGI booth. They were advertising for Astro Boy but had a substantial Gatchaman display with the portrait of Joe. What was really cool was the trailer that they were showing. I'm sure it will be shown at San Diego too. It showed some footage of what was seen last year but it showed Nambu and Katse. Katse was wearing an armored suit but the helmet was like his mask from the series with the pointy nose. He was also wearing shoulder armor on top kind of like what Darth Vader wore. I didn't know this but Nambu is African American looking like he stepped out of a '70's film with the Afro and the long mustache. I did get a look at the rest of the team too. Joe seems to be more rugged looking than Ken. Ken is mature but still has a boyishness about him. Ryu has sandy blonde hair so does Jinpei. The trailer has written on screen "A world in chaos/an alien evil/(here they show Katse)a lone warrior is found/(here you can see a close up of Joe) earth's last hope/five shall rise" Their is also a shot of the team in civvies coming out of a transport vehicle of some kind but Joe is in handcuffs. There were quick flashes of other scenes but too fast to really see. The trailer is totally awesome. I wish I could download it.

Great update Condorfan.... thanks... Not sure how much was in the trailer last year, I'll have to let those that watched it give more input.

Woohoo! Man, I wish I could be at Comicon to see this! So the whole movie *is* centered around Joe...interesting... and sandy blonde for Ryu and Jinpei? That sounds weird...I can't picture it. I'm dying to see what Ken looks like!

I forgot to mention--I got a Gatchaman watch at the IMAGI booth too!

Thank you for the update Condorfan! I think I am a little miffed by the fact that they appear to be focusing this around Joe. Why is HE considered the "lone warrior"? After all WE know they fight as a team not alone. Yes Joe might be more independent thinking and acting than the others but he is not alone. Unless I have the wrong idea of what people mean by the term "lone."

Originally posted by clouddancer Thank you for the update Condorfan! I think I am a little miffed by the fact that they appear to be focusing this around Joe. Why is HE considered the "lone warrior"? After all WE know they fight as a team not alone. Yes Joe might be more independent thinking and acting than the others but he is not alone. Unless I have the wrong idea of what people mean by the term "lone."

CD I think I got the picture sequence wrong. They did have a close up of Joe but it may not have been with the lone warrior caption. I think it was with another so pleased don't be miffed--it was my screw up! Sorry.

We will have to see what James and TJ have to say when they see the trailer in a couple of weeks. You maybe correct in what you remember seeing. (You have to remember I really am an Eagle Girl so I want to see my Eagle shine in the brightest light.) Unfortunately, for me, others feel differently, as obviously the producers of this film do, and think the Condor should shine.

I think it should be equal...after all, they are a "team"...it doesn't seem as though they are going to really show how they *all* ended up on the team...it really sounds more like "Joe's story"...but we'll see...

Originally posted by Springie it doesn't seem as though they are going to really show how they *all* ended up on the team...it really sounds more like "Joe's story"...but we'll see...

I guess that is what I want to see. I want to know how someone else feels the others ended up on the team, and not just myself. Although, when I think about it, that may change the way I created my Universe, so maybe it is not a good idea to see how others think the team formed....

It may even be a Ken and Joe story,and how they clash. A Gatchaman watch????? REALLY????? OMG.... I'm so there!!!!!!

Thanks for the scoop, Condorfan! There's lots of fodder for speculation in the trailer you saw, and it does seem like they're giving a lot of attention to Joe, but I suppose if it's true that the film's not likely to be released until 2011, things could yet be altered. Any chance you can post a picture of your new watch?

Thanks from me too, Condorfan! All of you are so lucky to be able to attend such events regarding anime ... unfortunately, in my country, these do not take place! But it is thanks to you all that I could be informed and given a chance to know what is going on, together with web browsing. I too, being an Eagle fan, wish more spotlight on Ken but the whole team is important and nothing would be the same in the absence of one of them! All characters have their personal ways and lives and it would be nice to watch a beginning covering each and every one of them, giving them the same importance. We know how Joe's character is ... the term "loner" describes also a way of thinking, as you may be surrounded by lots of people but still feel lonely as no one could share your deep thoughts, or comply with your way of living, especially when maybe you have been through certain odds in the past! Please keep me adjourned!

Someone videotaped the trailer at the Expo and posted it on You Tube! I just wish they had filmed closer! Check it out! Gatch Trailer

Thank you for the link Springie. Now we can see some of what Condorfan was talking about. Although I may have to watch again .... I don't remember seeing Nambu.

I love the trailer and thnk you for posting the link. I did see Nambu and will try my hardest not to giggle at his new look, though given who is currently doing the voice I think it may actually work. THink it will definitely be a case of doing what needed to be done with the star trek movie and leaving my preconceived ideas behind when I go and see it, who knows it could also be that they are focusing on this aspect of the movie to attract new fans to come see it and when you see the whole thing it is about the whole team. I am just really happy they are making this.

Great find, Springie! Some of the images, like Jun's legs from the knees down, or Joe with handcuffs on, seem to be from the footage shown at last year's cons (and I see that Ryu is still overly hulk-sized -I wish they'd do something about that) but the brief glimpses of Katse and Dr. Nambu are certainly new and interesting! I wish the person who posted this could have stood a little closer (though I'm sure they didn't want any of the Imagi people to see what they were doing), but I'm glad to have seen this.

Keep in mind that the name of the movie is still Gatchaman. It may be 'about Joe', But it's Ken's name on the picture, so he's in it too. Just a guess, but right now 'lone wolf' heroes tend to be more popular in the movies, so perhaps that's the reason for the shift? Thanks for posting that, Springie! It rocks!!!!

Thanks for the link, Springie! I saw Dr. Nambu and he's quite changed from the original! Wished to see Ken from a closer view! And a more evil looking Katse! Nice avatar TJ ... the Eagle always backing the Swan!

Originally posted by gatchamarie Nice avatar TJ ... the Eagle always backing the Swan!

Well, I felt it was time to return to Swannhood, and since I had been a Condor for a week, the Eagle deserved his chance too....

I noticed that everyone appears to be returning to their normal clans again. I too love that Avatar TJ.

I second that, Cloud. Nice avatar TJ - I love it when our Swannie shows her tough side and defends her man!

Swannie knows how to fight! The funny thing is, the other avatar I was considering had the Swan looking weaker and hiding behind the Eagle. Hey, Wendy/Dizumno posted a link to more pics from Anime Con on the BOTP Listt. There are pics of the freebie watch included. http://blog.screenweek.it/2009/07/nuovi-cartelloni-teaser-per-gatchaman-47553.php

Thank you for that link TJ. I would think it would be fantastic to get one of those watches. I wonder if they will be giving them away at Comic Con? It almost makes me wish I was going.

It doesnt *almost* make me wish...I wish I was going!! I'll live vicariously through you, TJ!

Feel free to either live vicariously or just show up, Springie! Love your new avatar Pink suits you!

Thanks for the link, TJ! That watch is shouting, "Put me on!". Springie, you always surprise me with your avatars!

I love that watch !

I do, too! That is very cool...wish I could be there to grab a watch! Hey...guess what? Someone posted a closer view of the trailer!! This one is wayyy better! Gatch Trailer Close Up

Ooooo, thank you so much for finding that Springie. And I love your new Avatar. Is that one you made?

Thanks...it's just a screenshot of an IMVU avatar...it's the closest I could get to birdstyle...teehee

Thanks for posting that, Springie! It looks awesome!

Okay, I took some stills from the promo. Youtube is almost impossible to do a frame by frame! Ugh... Anyhow, here's what I got. Katse Dr. I'm-Going-to-F***in'-Blow-Your-Head-Off Nambu Team gets off transport. Team in Birdstyle. Jinpei has a gun. Joe in a strip bar. More Joe. I find it interesting that most of this stuff is dated from one year ago. So they have been working on it during this time we thought they weren't, and these aren't necessarily the Munroe things.

Hahaha...yes, there we go, thinking alike again!! The only reason I beat you to the punch was the time difference! LOL You still got some great shots! And I love that we have these in two places now!

Thank you for those TJ. You got a few different and clearer shots than Springie did. Between the two of you we have some very nice stills from the trailer.

ITA, Cloud! Looking back at the "strip bar" shot, I wonder if it might be the snack J? The customers are all dancing...if it was a strip bar, I think they'd all be watching and waving money...

Originally posted by Springie ITA, Cloud! Looking back at the "strip bar" shot, I wonder if it might be the snack J? The customers are all dancing...if it was a strip bar, I think they'd all be watching and waving money...

Ooooo, now that is another good idea.

Nice work, TJ! Lots of opportunity for speculation about the plot . . . and it is heartening to know that it seems progress has been made during this past year.

Thanks Springie and TJ for the links and pics. I wish I had had a digital camera for the Anime Expo. The way the booth was set up it was extremely easy to record the Gatchaman promo. I hope it will be set up the same way at Comic Con.

Hi all!

I find it interesting that most of this stuff is dated from one year ago. So they have been working on it during this time we thought they weren't, and these aren't necessarily the Munroe things.

Not really. The material seen here was originally conceived and produced in at least rough form as far back as 2007. These are simply more finalized versions of the older material, perhaps produced to give people like Jun Falkenstein an idea of the visual look they were considering. Until they get new people in place to start working on the film, it's safe to assume that everything you've seen is Imagi riding along on the leftovers from Kevin Munroe. James

thanks for those links Springie and TJ. The second one is a much better view. While I have to shake my head about the "lone warrier" being found... I still want to see this movie extremely bad.

Great new avatars Springie and TJ!

Thanks again from me too, Springie and TJ! From what I have learned from the past, trailers do not tell me anything except a mere concept .... I have to watch the whole movie to give judgment as sometimes trailers tend to give me a wrong picture of the story .... and I wish I'll watch it some day soon! Still did not have a close glance at Ken yet!

Nope... not much on Ken... I think that's all TBD...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Nope... not much on Ken... I think that's all TBD...

LOL! (Hope I'm using this abbreviation in a good way as I still did not understand exactly for what it stands for although I think that it is put in the same context as you all sometimes put it in! Hope I'm not saying a bad word out of place! hee hee. Can someone lecture me?!)

Jun's face reminds me of Yuna! But the rest of her looks like a hooker! Don't like it! And that pic with Joe in cuffs make me think of a speeding ticket! Unless he was caught by Gallactor! The OAV's added the same bravado to the characters and made them look superficial and plain. I wish they would focuse more on the relationship and the interraction between the team members instead of their appeareance and rebel attitude! At least they did a good job on Katse! He looks like a decent scary villain now!

Originally posted by gatchamarie

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Nope... not much on Ken... I think that's all TBD...

LOL! (Hope I'm using this abbreviation in a good way as I still did not understand exactly for what it stands for although I think that it is put in the same context as you all sometimes put it in! Hope I'm not saying a bad word out of place! hee hee. Can someone lecture me?!)

Haha...Gatchamarie...I know what you mean, it took me a while to understand all of these abbreviations! TBD means "To Be Determined"...

Originally posted by amyltrer I wish they would focuse more on the relationship and the interraction between the team members instead of their appeareance and rebel attitude! !

That is what we are all hoping Amy, at least I am as well. Unfortunately interactions and relationships are not something you can SHOW in a film trailer that is less than 1 minute long, (and capture the interest of the largest audience possible)

Originally posted by Springie

Originally posted by gatchamarie

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Nope... not much on Ken... I think that's all TBD...

LOL! (Hope I'm using this abbreviation in a good way as I still did not understand exactly for what it stands for although I think that it is put in the same context as you all sometimes put it in! Hope I'm not saying a bad word out of place! hee hee. Can someone lecture me?!)

Haha...Gatchamarie...I know what you mean, it took me a while to understand all of these abbreviations! TBD means "To Be Determined"...

Thanks, Springie ... to be honest I was asking myself if I understood that one too! I was close! Amy, ITA with your argument.

Originally posted by gatchamarie LOL! (Hope I'm using this abbreviation in a good way as I still did not understand exactly for what it stands for although I think that it is put in the same context as you all sometimes put it in! Hope I'm not saying a bad word out of place! hee hee. Can someone lecture me?!)

Sorry, GatchaMarie! TBD = To Be Determined (meaning that no decision has been made yet).

Originally posted by clouddancer That is what we are all hoping Amy, at least I am as well. Unfortunately interactions and relationships are not something you can SHOW in a film trailer that is less than 1 minute long, (and capture the interest of the largest audience possible)

It's not about SHOWING this relationship, it's rather by FEELING them! One thing I loved about the old Gatch (and good old japanese anime shared this element too) is the unity between the main characters. They are a FAMILY! They act like a family, looking after each other, worrying one for each other!! It's just some pictures, but I perceived them as strangers one from each other. They're like 5 different top trained agents teamed up. No warmth, no simpathy, very little communication! I know the purpose of sketching the caharcter that way is to show them as independent and able to take care of themselves, but it's missing that Gatch atmosphere. The Snack was supposed to be an intimate place for the birdies. This thing looks like a strip bar! And what does Jun do on the table? Is that a good model to follow for Jinpei?

To be fair, that part of the movie is supposed to be when they first bring Joe in...so it may be that they *are* still pretty much strangers to each other... I, too am hoping for the same kind of family/team interaction in the movie...and a smidgen of romance on the side! As far as the bar goes...we're not sure it's the snack...but those *do* look like Jun's boots on the table... I cant help but wonder if this is the very beginning when they are hunting Joe down...maybe this is a place he frequents, and they are all undercover, watching him? Another thought just occurred to me...Jun could be on stage performing with her guitar?

And who is to say that is REALLY Jun? Okay, Yes the boots do look like they "might" be the same but .... well, they COULD be someone elses.

I guess this Gatch movie might or might not stick with the original plot! So far , that was my opinion on the clip frames. Guess I have to see the movie for a better impression!

I certainly wouldn't mind seeing the movie for a better impression...

I'm up for the total impression too, on the big screen that is!

with you Amy about watching the movie to get a better impression.

As I said before, trailers tend to lead you in a different direction from the actual story as they only highlight a specific shot at random thus encouraging our mind to develop stories on our own! Talking for myself, I often create a different picture in my mind and realise how I was wrong when viewing the actual movie ... many times I'd be relieved and others not! Hope that with the Gatchaman movie we'll get the good impression as I too am a bit misled by these first trailers which do not sum up to the originality of my beloved series! Let's all wait then! On the other hand, if the movie's plot reveals itself as not loyal to the original, we always have the latter stamped in our minds, don't we?!

I pray Jun will be better than in the OAVs!

AS you say maybe they are focusing on different aspects of the movie but the overall will be closer to the Gatch we know. For example currently they are focusing on Joe at later preview/snippets they may focus on other team members giving a hint of our they came together to become the team we know and love. Like all of you I am just really looking forward to the movie.

I have definitely seen movies before that have multiple trailers, where each one focuses on a different character. Although, it seems a bit early for that for this film...

Hi all! Something else to bear in mind is that the footage we're seeing has a heavy focus on Joe in part because Imagi was dealing with what test footage they'd already created, not material specifically created as a movie trailer. An emphasis on Joe is a result of happenstance, not design. This isn't to say that they won't have a focus on Joe in their film, only that they were working with w3hat they had, not necessarily what they would choose if they had an entire film to pick scenes from. James

Originally posted by amyltrer Jun's face reminds me of Yuna! But the rest of her looks like a hooker! Don't like it!

Amy thinking about this statement you made... I am interested in knowing what is it that makes you think Jun looks like a hooker?

Originally posted by clouddancer Amy thinking about this statement you made... I am interested in knowing what is it that makes you think Jun looks like a hooker?

1) Her clothes! Low cut tank, snug jeans shorties and boots aren't the outfit of a nice girl! I can't picture original Gatch Jun wearing this as a everyday attire. 2) She has that bad girl attitude. That's not a bad thing, but combined with her image, it gives her a strong sexual aura! (I really want to see how things will work work between ner and the first two members of the team! I hope the producers didn't missed this aspect)

Thank you Amy. I guess those things are what I am used to seeing ALL the time in the NA "climate" I would say this is typical clothing for teens these days, and you have to remember this movie is being made for teens. It is also being made in NA so they are going to dress the characters in more NA clothing rather than the clothing we might see more common to another country/climate. And you say you can not picture the original gatch Jun wearing this. Well we have already discussed how they have changed Nambu to African American.

Originally posted by clouddancer Thank you Amy. I guess those things are what I am used to seeing ALL the time in the NA "climate" I would say this is typical clothing for teens these days, and you have to remember this movie is being made for teens. It is also being made in NA so they are going to dress the characters in more NA clothing rather than the clothing we might see more common to another country/climate.

Not here in Romania! People wrinkle their nose if you walk around so scantly dressed! You're right! It depends on each social mentality!

I guess I should have said that is typical clothing for teens these days in NA, but I think you understood that. Ahhhh, what do I know, I have never been one to be "into" fashion, so maybe I really do not know what is going on with teens these days.

woohoo -- I can finally get on to Gatchamania!! Hopefully it won't only be for the five minutes I usually get (am so blaming it on the poor wifi thingie on the laptop)... I'm wondering, TBH, why they keep pimping this movie when they haven't even finished it yet. Every comic con there are trailers, there are whispers, there are sneaky peeks ... but come on already. This is simply getting beyond the joke to me. Pimp it when it's done, please. How many years are we going to have to go through all of this teaser hype before we actually get to see the final product. We're all getting excited, concerned, nervous, and I fear that if and when we finally do see it, it will bomb. I say bomb, because we've had, literally, years of all of this and are starting to picture the movie in our minds -- not all of it being positive -- the final release is going to be anti-climatic. Good or bad, is all of this worth it? I'm honestly tiring of it -- although I do scamper to these threads on hope to see an actual release date -- and am really just getting to the point of yawning boredly. I don't watch the trailers in anticipation, just in annoyance that I'll probably never see it in its entirety. The images and snippets I have seen are intriguing, but I am not seeing the Gatchaman I love. I'm seeing something totally -- pardon the pun -- alien. It seems all dark and ... well ... too much. Action is groovy, but I need to be able to see it happen, not fear a seizure or seasickness because everything is moving too fast. Now that is totally my opinion, eh. I know you're all rocking in excitement ... but I can't get there anymore. Hell, Hollywood doesn't take this long to come up with something delish. Two separate Transformers movies full of CGI deliciousness have been written, completed, released, and kicked serious box office asses in less time than this one has taken to get even partially done... I know they want to get it right -- but come on already... BTW -- thanks for sharing the screen caps and whatnot. Everything moved so quick in the trailers that I missed all of these neat snapshots completely. Don't mean to offend anyone with this post, but that's just how I feel about the movie at this point. SJ Back to lurking, unless this sudden reconnection on the laptop will last...

Welcome back SJ...

Welcome back SJ. As for things moving too fast in the trailer are not all action trailers that way anyways? /I/ always find I can not capture all the images in a lot of trailers anyways. The studios want to try and give you too much information in the 30 sec to minute they have, to hopefully get your attention and make you want to see the film.

Hi all! One thing I'm surprise that no one seems to have mentioned is how certain elements in what we have seen here has a certain "OAV" air about it. Kind of what you might get if someone, say someone like Kevin Munroe, decided to use the OAVs as a shortcut in their research rather than (Heaven forbid) actually take the time to watch the TV series their movie is based upon. See what you think: Isn't this guy: Pretty much this guy with a shirt and a hair cut: Don't think so? Take another look: Imagi's version: The OAVs: While not as close, even Jun has a similar feel about her. Imagi's version: The OAVS: Heck, even the God Phoenix seems to have "borrowed" liberally from the OAVS. Imagi's version: The OAVs: To be fair to Munroe & Co., their Bird Style does seem less OAV-inspired. But the body armor look does have similarities to what was done for the NTT Campaign, perhaps inevitably if a body armor style is what you're going for. Imagi's version: NTT Campaign It should come as no surprise that I hope that whoever eventually ends up being in charge of this film is willing to go back to the series for their inspiration, and not be sucked in by the eye-candy of the OAVs or the NTT spots. There's no need for them to reinvent the wheel when the wheel they have the rights for is pretty damn good. James

I had noticed how similar this Joe is to the OAV Joe. I think in another thread we had commented on this - way back when the first trailer came out. I had never noticed the similarities form the OAV and these shots of Jun or the God Phoenix before. Thank you for pointing that out. So what do we do to get the producers to watch something more than the OAV's and the NTT commercials? Anyone have any suggestions?

His face is longer (Condor) But he needs more facial details. I hope by the time its done they do that for all of them. The drawings are good.

Thanks James for pointinh this out and yes I do hope whoever takes this on takes the time to look at the original series and does not shortcut things. we can hope cant we?

Thanks James for these comparisons and I do agree with you about lots of similarities between the OAVs and the trailers of the movie seen until now. I too also hope that they study and abide by the original series with which we are so familiar. To be sincere, until now, I'm not so optimistic but, maybe, I'm wrong! (hope so!) As least, Jun's similarity to the OAVs does seem to leave out the hair which, so far, seems close to the original in the movie! These are a few links which most of you have surely watched re the NTT commercials and OAVs. Just sending them to continue the comparisons and to whom might wish to view them again: http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/181450 http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/gatchaman-ova-94-tranfsormation-docking-sequence/17474060 http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/gatchaman-trailer/8218162

I agree, they need to go to the original and get a feel for the characters that way. While the OAV has some "80's style appeal" I'd rather see the new movie based on the original appeal. James, the OAV drawings point it out even better, thanks, just how do we encourage IMAGI to watch the old? Kinda what CD all ready asked, any thoughts?

Hi all!

So what do we do to get the producers to watch something more than the OAV's and the NTT commercials? Anyone have any suggestions?

About the only thing we can do is take whatever opportunities present themselves to impress upon people from Imagi that whoever is in charge of the film needs to to their homework and watch the series!! There are those at the studio who seem to understand this, but they aren't in charge of the project. Without a Director or a Writer working on the film, we can just hope that whoever they hire for these roles is willing to put the time in to do what is the most obvious form of research into the show they are basing their movie on so they will be intimately familiar with the subject material. I'm reminded of Harve Bennett and his work on the Star Trek movies. When he was hired, he had never watched Star Trek before. Rather than going in with his own arrogant ideas about what a Star Trek movie should be, he first sat down and watched the entire 79 episode run of the series so he would be well versed in Star Trek lore. The result of that effort was The Wrath of Khan. He put his own ego aside, did what he needed to, and gave us a great movie as a result. Gatchaman should be so lucky. James

I remember reading about that too James. He did a good job of the "Wrath of Khan."

Originally posted by tatsunokofan I'm reminded of Harve Bennett and his work on the Star Trek movies. When he was hired, he had never watched Star Trek before. Rather than going in with his own arrogant ideas about what a Star Trek movie should be, he first sat down and watched the entire 79 episode run of the series so he would be well versed in Star Trek lore. The result of that effort was The Wrath of Khan. He put his own ego aside, did what he needed to, and gave us a great movie as a result. Gatchaman should be so lucky. James

Cloud raises glass and tips it in James direction... "Here, here!!!" Before chuging it down.

Depending on how I look, I can see elements of original Joe in the Imagi images and OAV Joe too. Imagi does seem to have borrowed OAV Joe's pointier nose and chin, but I think Imagi is perhaps closer to original Joe when it comes to his eyes (though I'd like to see more images of Imagi's Joe, with different expressions) I'm not sure what to think, at this point, except that I think I need to see more of Imagi's work to really make up my mind. I definitely want them to stay as close as possible to original Joe!

Hi all! While not directly related to a Gatchaman movie, Felix Ip posted in his blog over the weekend that the animation work for Astro Boy has been completed, and that the crew held a party to celebrate. Work on the film will continue in post production -- editing, sound mixing, and the like -- but that film is coming closer and closer to being completed. As that wraps up, Imagi will need to start getting serious about what they're going to do next, which we're assuming will be Gatchaman. Given the financial situation, I wouldn't be surprised if Imagi waits until Astro Boy has had its theatrical run before they make any decisions regarding main staff people for their next project. So it might be another six months before we hear anything from them, but that time is coming. James

Originally posted by lborgia88 Depending on how I look, I can see elements of original Joe in the Imagi images and OAV Joe too. Imagi does seem to have borrowed OAV Joe's pointier nose and chin, but I think Imagi is perhaps closer to original Joe when it comes to his eyes (though I'd like to see more images of Imagi's Joe, with different expressions) I'm not sure what to think, at this point, except that I think I need to see more of Imagi's work to really make up my mind. I definitely want them to stay as close as possible to original Joe!

Am I crazy, or is that first pic Ken in Joe's clothes? 0_o Anyway, when I see all that's gone on with Imagi, I think on one hand, all this disorganization will lead to a terrible film. On the other hand Disney's The Emperor's New Groove was very similar and it turned out to be a great film and it was WAYYY different than what it originally started out in concept (A very dark, grim version of the Prince and the Pauper), but then that was an original film, not a close adaptation like Gatchaman is supposed to be. Interesting comparison with the Star Trek movies James, I remember watching that featurette on the ST2 DVD. Funny coincidence I was just reading an interview regarding TvC and CAPCOM even stated they watched hours worth of episodes to get the characters well represented. HOPEFULLY, when staff gets finalized, they choose a director that can show a little dedication.

No you're not crazy ... That first pic is from the first few episodes where Joe did look a lot like Ken.