Gatchaman: Red Impulse Coming in April from Mad Cave Studios

A New Gatchaman Series Puts the World's Most Daring Pilots Front and Center

JAN. 22, 2026, (PORTLAND, OR) — When missions turn sour and silence is the only option, Red Impulse is cleared for takeoff!

This spring, Eisner Award-winning writer Steve Orlando returns to Gatchaman with GATCHAMAN: RED IMPULSE, a new limited series from Mad Cave Studios, in partnership with Tatsunoko Production that centers on the Red Impulse Squadron—the pilots trusted when missions are too dangerous for anyone else!

Illustrated by Riccardo Robaldo (Radiant Black), with colors by Rebecca Nalty (Slasher's Apprentice) and letters by Frank Cvetkovic (Exploit)—Gatchaman: Red Impulse brings the franchise's unsung heroes into focus. Issue #1 features Cover A by Robaldo and a variant cover by Ringo Award-nominated artist Colm Griffin (Transformers: Beast Wars).

Captain Kentaro Washio takes Ken the Eagle on a blistering training run, but then gets a tip that Galactor is building a weaponized “attack city” designed to lure Gatchaman in and kill them all. With Doctor Nambu unaware and no time for backup, Kentaro goes in alone…and crashes straight into Berg Katse's trap, where even the “citizens” are killer machines. Outnumbered, grounded, and fighting with nothing but grit and a sidearm, the Captain must demolish an entire city to keep his team safe...especially the son who doesn't know their bond. 

Steve Orlando weighed in on the latest chapter of the franchise:

“From the moment Gatchaman was announced, I've been waiting for this! The high-flying ace pilots of Red Impulse are finally coming to the page! And their solo adventures are going to be every bit the high-octane blockbusters you'd expect! How daring and badass do you have to be to be the people the Science Ninja Team calls when they're in too deep?! Get ready for Top Gun-style action as you've never seen—as the pilots of Red Impulse Squadron conquer four deadly missions the likes of which even Gatchaman has never seen! For years, they've saved the world and never taken an ounce of glory. We've never even known...until now!” 

“I'm honored to return to the universe of Gatchaman as the artist of Gatchaman: Red Impulse,” added artist Riccardo Robaldo. “Working again with Steve on these characters has been an incredible experience, especially exploring a side of this world driven by courage, skill, and sacrifice. Through the art, I hope readers feel the intensity and responsibility carried by the Red Impulse pilots. This series is a celebration of heroism beyond the spotlight, and I can't wait for fans to experience it.”

For over five decades, Tatsunoko Production's Gatchaman has stood as a cornerstone of science fiction storytelling, defined by its blend of daring action and human consequence. Gatchaman: Red Impulse expands that legacy by spotlighting the elite pilots who have always been part of the fight.

Gatchaman: Red Impulse #1 drops in comic shops on April 29, 2026. Final order cut-off is April 6.

Stay up to date with Mad Cave Studios—and its imprints Papercutz, Maverick, and Nakama Press on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to explore new releases, licensed series, and creator-owned titles.

ABOUT TATSUNOKO PRODUCTION: Established in 1962 by founder Tatsuo Yoshida, Tatsunoko Production is a pioneer in the Japanese animation industry, with such classics as Speed Racer, Gatchaman, and Samurai Pizza Cats. Tatsunoko is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and continues to produce animated content.

Mad Cave Studios, established in 2014, is an independent publisher committed to providing the very best in graphic storytelling. Mad Cave's catalog includes a captivating blend of licensed, creator-owned, and original works, created by a diverse cast of storytellers focused on cultivating impactful character-driven narratives. Mad Cave Studios is the parent company to Maverick, Nakama Press, and Papercutz, enriching the literary landscape for readers of all ages.