Star Blazers - WCC Animation Comics

In my teen years I began going to sci-fi conventions, and the vendor rooms were usually a treasure trove for fans of anime.  I remember seeing stacks of Japanese books on Space Cruiser Yamato, known here as Star Blazers.  It must have been around 1986 or 1987 when I stumbled upon an English print edition of the "Quest For Iscandar" series of Star Blazers.  I think I went there with hard-earned lawn mowing cash and spent $50 to get all five volumes of these "animation comics" which featured full color screenshots of the television series.  I went home that day with all five volumes.  I knew then I was starting a library of great art books.  I had often figured if there was ever a house fire, I would grab these books and go! I still have them today.

Yamato 2199

My favorite cartoon from elementary school days, above all, was Star Blazers.  I would willingly get up every morning at 6am to watch it.  I would even use my tape recorder to get audio copies of the show, and I would draw it incessantly (flashback illustrations forthcoming).  I've spent the greater part of my adult life collecting everything of the series I can, on DVD, imported books, and domestic comic book form.  I am totally thrilled that it's getting a second live in Japan right now.  The story is being retold, with 21st century production quality.  Check it out.