Get ready to experience the seminal Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin manga like never before! Kodansha USA is releasing a deluxe hardcover edition of Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s masterful reimagining of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. This premium edition promises to be a treat for both longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering a visually stunning and immersive way to dive into the Gundam universe.
What is Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin?
Before diving into the details of the deluxe edition, let’s explore what makes Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin so special.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin is a manga series written and illustrated by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, who also served as the original character designer for the 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam anime. The manga is a retelling of the original series, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic story while staying true to its core themes and spirit.
The story is set in the Universal Century 0079, during a devastating war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. As the Zeon forces advance, a young Amuro Ray stumbles upon the Earth Federation’s secret weapon – the RX-78-2 Gundam mobile suit – and becomes its pilot. Amuro’s journey throws him into the heart of the conflict, where he faces not only the horrors of war but also the legendary Zeon ace pilot, Char Aznable, the “Red Comet.”
Key Features of The Origin:
- Retelling, Not a Remake: The Origin isn’t just a panel-by-panel adaptation. Yasuhiko takes liberties with the narrative, offering expanded backstories, altered timelines, and deeper character development. It enhances the original story, providing additional context and exploring characters’ motivations with greater depth.
- Yasuhiko’s Art: Yasuhiko’s artwork is a major draw. The manga features detailed mecha designs, expressive characters, and dynamic action sequences. The art style blends a nostalgic feel with a modern sensibility.
- Expanded Backstory: The Origin delves deeper into the history of the Universal Century, particularly the events leading up to the One Year War. It explores the origins of the conflict and the motivations of key players like Char Aznable.
- Character Development: The manga offers a more nuanced portrayal of the characters. Amuro, Char, and other iconic figures are explored in greater depth, revealing their complexities and inner struggles.
- Mature Themes: The Origin doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of war. It explores themes of loss, sacrifice, and the psychological impact of conflict on individuals and society.
Deluxe Edition Details
Kodansha USA’s deluxe edition of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin is designed to be a premium experience for collectors and fans. Here’s what you can expect:
- Hardcover Format: The deluxe edition will be presented in a sturdy hardcover format, ensuring the longevity of your investment.
- Larger Trim Size: The books will feature a 7.5”x10” trim size, which is larger than previous English editions. This allows for a more immersive reading experience, showcasing Yasuhiko’s artwork in greater detail.
- High-Quality Paper: The interior pages will be printed on high-quality paper, enhancing the visual appeal of the artwork.
- Color Pages: The deluxe edition will include color pages from Yasuhiko, which weren’t included in all previous releases.
- Faux Leather Debossed Cover: The covers will feature a faux leather debossed design.
- Fall 2025 Release: The first volume is slated for release in Fall 2025. Penguin Random House lists a release date of August 12, 2025, but this may be subject to change.
- 12 Volumes: The deluxe edition is expected to span 12 volumes, encompassing the entire Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin manga series.
Why You Should Be Excited
- The Definitive Edition: This deluxe edition promises to be the definitive English-language release of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin. The larger size, high-quality materials, and inclusion of color pages make it the best way to experience the manga.
- Collector’s Item: The hardcover format and premium design make this edition a must-have for collectors.
- Great Starting Point: If you’re new to Gundam, The Origin is a fantastic entry point. It retells the classic story in a more accessible and visually stunning way.
- Re-experience the Story: Even if you’re familiar with the original anime or previous manga editions, the deluxe edition offers a fresh perspective on the story.
- Support Yasuhiko’s Vision: By purchasing the deluxe edition, you’re supporting Yasuhiko’s vision and helping to ensure that his work continues to be appreciated for generations to come.
Differences Between The Origin and the Original Anime
While The Origin stays true to the core of the original Mobile Suit Gundam, there are some key differences:
- Timeline: The Origin expands on the backstory of the Universal Century, providing a more detailed account of the events leading up to the One Year War. It delves into the childhood of Char Aznable and Sayla Mass, offering insights into their motivations and the circumstances that shaped their destinies.
- Mobile Suit Development: The Origin presents a different perspective on the development of mobile suits. In the manga, the Earth Federation already has mobile suits like the Guntank and Guncannon before the Gundam is developed.
- Geography: The locations of certain battles and events are changed in The Origin.
- Character Interactions: Some characters interact sooner or later than in the original anime.
- Narrative Context: The Origin adds narrative context that was omitted in the anime.
- Focus: The manga focuses on a lot of different characters and their development throughout the story.
- Plot: The Origin cuts out some trivial encounters seen in the original series, while keeping and expanding on important characters.
These changes aren’t meant to replace the original anime but rather to enhance and enrich the story. The Origin offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale, providing new insights and deepening the emotional impact of the narrative.
What People Are Saying
Early reviews of previous Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin releases have been overwhelmingly positive:
- Visually Stunning: Reviewers have praised the quality of the artwork. The color pages are a particular highlight, showcasing Yasuhiko’s talent.
- High-Quality Production: The hardcovers are well-made, with a silky satin feel and thick binding.
- Mature Retelling: The Origin offers a more mature and nuanced take on the classic story.
- Great Starting Point: Even if you’re not a Gundam fan, The Origin is a great place to start.
- Extra Material: The hardcovers contain extra material, such as essays and illustrations, adding to the overall value.
Where to Pre-Order
As the release date approaches, you’ll be able to pre-order Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Deluxe Edition from various online retailers, including:
- Amazon
- Penguin Random House
- Your local comic book store
Conclusion
The Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Deluxe Edition is a must-have for any Gundam fan or manga collector. With its premium design, high-quality materials, and expanded story, this edition promises to be the definitive way to experience Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s masterpiece. Get ready to relive the iconic story of Amuro Ray and Char Aznable in a whole new light!
