An all-time classic returns to print as the acclaimed reimagining of the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime is given the deluxe treatment. It is the year Universal Century 0079, in a space colony the Earth Federation is storing and testing a new piloted robot for use in the battle against the Principality of Zeon. The experimental RX-78 Gundam mobile suit is scheduled to be transported to Federation command in Jaburo, deep within the Brazilian jungles. Unfortunatley, before the transporter would arrive, the Federation would come under attack from Zeon. With few resources available against the Zeon’s most mobile mechs, Federation forces strike back using their new weapon, the mobile suit Gundam. Caught in the crossfire is a young teen named Amuro Ray. Not willing to see innocent people die like this, Amuro crawls into the cockpit of the closest machine around him which unbeknownst him is another Gundam.
Written and illustrated by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (the animation director and character designer of the original series), Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin covers the original series whilst expanding on many elements and putting new focuses on certain characters. This manga has been held in high esteem by Gundam fans around the world and is seen as the gold standard when it comes to the Gundam franchise – not to mention sci-fi manga in general. Its popularity was such that it was even adapted into its own anime series of OVAs which were also given an episodic release. The project allowed Yasuhiko to flesh out many of the characters like Amuro, but its particular focus on Char Aznable – one of the series main antagonists and Amuro’s main rival – gave the character greater depth with his motives and family history delved deeper into. It was one of the contributing factors that led to the character arguably becoming more popular than Amuro.
The series was previously released by Kodansha’s Vertical imprint across twelve collector’s edition hardcovers that each collected two volumes of the original series. Now, it has been brought back in a deluxe format that will have fans foaming at the mouth. The new deluxe editions will collect two volumes of the previous hardcover releases in an oversized format with a very sleek embossed cover and includes all the colour pages from the original release.
Yasuhiko’s work on fleshing out the Mobile Suit Gundam story can’t be understated, but he truly shines in the art department. This is some of the best art you’ll see in a manga and it absolutely deserves to be seen in a larger format. Yasuhiko obviously shines when it comes to depicting mechs – along with other pieces of battle machinery – and his character designs remain as iconic as ever. But his character work is equally tremendous with the little moments like Amuro struggling in the Gundam for the first time and Char’s sly cocky demeanour elevated by his sleek and restrained approach to facial expression and body language. The full colour painted pages are also stunning and fully showcase Yasuhiko’s artistic skill.
All Gundam fans need to have this series on their bookshelf. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin is iconic for a reason, and this deluxe edition is perfect for both new readers and those who appreciate peak sci-fi storytelling in their comics.
Mobile Suit Gundam: THE ORIGIN Deluxe 1 is out now from Vertical (9781647294854, h/b, £49.99)
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