DVD Reviews
DVD Review: Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers - The Collection, Vol. 1
By June L.
May 13, 2008, 16:05 GMT

Long ago in 1986 in a galaxy far far, no actually it was on Earth, a new type of children’s cartoon burst onto television screens.  For many, Galaxy Rangers is their first memory of anime type cartooning along with a space cowboy theme, and therefore holds a special place in their hearts.  This is the first volume of the complete series.

Galaxy Rangers really is an interesting series.  Basically, it is the story of a law enforcement group, based on the Texas Rangers, but with duties that extend throughout the known Universe, protecting Earth and its allies against evil and tyranny. 

The backstory is that in 2086 two alien life forms came to Earth on a peaceful mission to give us our first hyperdrive so that we might be able to explore the stars.  A few decades later we are moving all around the galaxy protecting the innocent and upholding truth and justice. 

In addition cyborg type implants have been developed most notably the Series 5 brain implant which gives the receiver of the implant heightened abilities.  The creators of Series 5 implants are at Long Shot which is located in the Grand Canyon and is manned by a group of BETA (Bureau of Extra Terrestrial Activities) scientists.  BETA is the reporting agency for the Galaxy Rangers.

What now might seem a stereotype of a team was revolutionary back in 1986.  Rather than superheroes fighting the villain of the week, this was a team of experts using skills and abilities to protect and preserve a free way of living. 

The Galaxy Rangers are led by Captain Zachery Foxx, a part cyborg military man, whose family were ambushed by villains and his wife captured.  He is accompanied by Shane “Goose” Gooseman, a genetically engineered “Supertrooper” and the only one of his kind not gone rogue or kept in hibernation, because he has developed compassion. 

He is able to invoke his biodefences to protect himself from almost any danger.  Walter “Doc” Hartford is the medical expert and computer psychoanalyst who received the Series Five brain implant in return for five years of Ranger service.  He is not happy to be on active duty, preferring the research lab to outer space, but his sense of humor keeps him balanced. 

Niko an archeologist expert on ancient cultures is the only female member of the team.  She has a degree of extrasensory perception and is able to see either the past or future when touching an object. 

Her implant heightens these abilities, but her greatest contribution to the group is her ability to influence the mood or emotions towards more compassionate or cohesive actions, and mature well thought out decisions.

The first 32 episodes of The Galaxy Rangers are presented on four discs in a nicely put together case.  A full size illustration of the Rangers with aliens Zozo and Waldo Zeptic are on the fold cover. 

Inside the front cover is a pocket with a beautifully illustrated well written 32 page booklet outlining the Rangers universe. 

Bonus features include the pilot/demo reel, on comera interview with the series creator Robert Mandell, select episode commentaries with Robert Mandell, story editor Christopher Rowley and voice talent Henry Mandell, original music tracks and “no Guts, No Glory” music video, and the recreated slideshow of the vintage talking storybook Tortuna, the Outlaw Planet. 

This is a great collectible for those who already love the Rangers, and a wonderful introduction to a good series for anyone who likes space stories or wishes to see a groundbreaking series in the history of American cartoons.

Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers - The Collection, Vol. 1 is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.