Gatchaman Crowds is an exciting, high concept sci-fi with its finger on the pulse of online technology. Telling the story of schoolgirl superhero Hajime and her fellow Gatchaman Crew fighters as they battle alien invaders. A reboot of famous '70s series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman - better known in the west as Battle Of The Planets - Kenji Nakamura's anarchically optimistic Gatchaman Crowds is more than just an homage to an anime classic; it's an action-packed voyage into the near future with a fascinating take on the superhero genre.

Directed by Kenji Nakamura (Mononoke, [C]: Control, Tsuritama), Tatsunoko Production's Gatchaman Crowds stars Maaya Uchida (The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls, YuruYuri) as protagonist Hajime - a role voiced in the English dub by Jessica Calvello (Attack On Titan, Girls Und Panzer).

A secret war rages in the shadows of Tachikawa City, where every day its unsuspecting citizens fall prey to the unseen and unfamiliar foes around them. With the citizens powerless to stop their erratic and indefensible attacks, a new kind of hero emerges to push back the encroaching darkness: enter the Gatchaman! Gifted with alien technology the likes of which the world has never seen, and imbued with a much needed jolt of whimsy and adventure from its latest oddball recruit, Hajime Ichinose, the Gatchaman’s mission is to protect in secret, to defend unnoticed.

Meanwhile, a new online sensation is exploding within the city: Rui Ninomiya’s massive social networking hub known as GALAX is taking hold of the populace, turning every day “GALAXters” into heroes in the making. Unfortunately, a new yet familiar foe known only as Berg Katze sees an opportunity to create chaos in the streets, coercing the techno-prodigy Rui with thoughts of social justice while secretly bending the GALAX Network to his will! Unable to understand his motives, the Gatchaman will have to rely on their energetic new member to figure out the puzzle laid bare by the former Gatchaman as his army grows stronger by the minute. An explosion of bright lights and pulse pounding rhythms comes together for an unforgettable, action packed experience as Hajime and the rest of the Gatchaman try to update the world together in GATCHAMAN CROWDS!

Way more than a mere reboot, Gatchaman Crowds is a wild ride of an anime sporting a vibrant colour palette, fantastic battle scenes and hugely likeable heroine in the shape of ultra-energetic, fast-talking teen Hajime. As well as having fun with the G-Crew's super-powered heroics, Gatchaman Crowds also conjures up a vision of how online games and social media could revolutionise society.

"My biggest surprise of the season... If you are a person who likes superheroes or wants to see the future of gaming in action, this is definitely an anime you should check out" - KOTAKU

"Gatchaman Crowds is one of the most thought provoking and socially relevant anime to come out this year" - NIHON REVIEW

"Gatchaman Crowds is a must-watch" - ANIMEHERALD.COM

A second season of Gatchaman Crowds - titled Gatchaman Crowds insight - is due to air on Japanese channel NTV later this year.

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ABOUT ANIMATSU ENTERTAINMENT

Animatsu Entertainment is a specialist UK distribution and production company primarily focusing on Japanese anime films and TV series. Spearheaded by Jerome Mazandarani (COO) and Andrew Hewson (Marketing Manager), both formerly the two key players behind the last 10 years of success at Manga Entertainment.