Whoa…Live-Action Gatchaman (G-Force/Battle of the Planets) Coming in August?

I feel very lax in my duties for not knowing about this. Granted, that August date is for Japan only, and I don’t expect it to show up over here except as an import DVD – there’s too much money to be made in a U.S. remake. Nevertheless: cool. I grew up on the Battle of the Planets version, had my mind severely confused in college when I watched the G-Force version and they all had different names (plus there was mass death all around). I’ve never gone the next step up to the pure Japanese source, but I understand there’s gender-bending.

Set in the near future in Tokyo, Japan. The evil terrorist organization Galactor has declared war on the world. The group possesses more advanced technology than governments and occupies over half of the planet. Dr. Kozaburo Nambu of the International Science Organization gathers together 5 superhero ninja agents, known collectively as Gatchaman, to stop Galactor.

So wait: Galactor is a terrorist group now, and not an evil alien? Like I said, I don’t know the pure Japanese source material, but that doesn’t seem quite right.

More images, unusual catchphrases and a very minimalist teaser (unless you speak Japanese) after the jump.

“Judgement is coming” is more of a Dredd catchphrase, but okay.

Now it’s getting weird. “Starless and Bible black”?

“The great gig in the sky.” So I’m guessing she wants to be famous, because you know how chicks are.

“Ride the lightning.” We have a Metallica fan in the house. Hey, it’s a more benevolent choice than “Kill ‘Em All.”

“Larks tongues in aspic.” Ooooookay then. I back away slowly.

Now here’s that teaser:

via Bleeding Cool