Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s manga adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is set to resume serialization on June 26, much to the delight of fans. After a hiatus that began in December 2023 due to Tamakoshi’s health concerns, the series will continue its run in the July issue of Kadokawa’s Monthly Gundam Ace magazine.
What is Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket?
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is a six-episode OVA (Original Video Animation) series that debuted in Japan in 1989 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Gundam franchise. Directed by Fumihiko Takayama and written by Hiroyuki Yamaga, with character designs by Haruhiko Mikimoto, the series is a notable departure from the main Gundam storyline. Instead of focusing on large-scale battles and the broader war, War in the Pocket tells a smaller, more personal story.
A Pocket-Sized War
As its subtitle suggests, War in the Pocket zooms in on the experiences of eleven-year-old Alfred “Al” Izuruha during the One Year War. Al lives in the neutral colony of Side 6 and is fascinated by mobile suits and space battles. His life changes when he meets Bernard “Bernie” Wiseman, a Zeon soldier, and Christina “Chris” Mackenzie, the test pilot of the Earth Federation’s top-secret Gundam Alex.
The OVA explores the themes of war, loss, and the impact of conflict on ordinary people. It’s a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a brutal war, and it’s known for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of the human cost of war.
A Critical Success
Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket has been widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike. It’s praised for its compelling characters, mature themes, and high-quality animation. The series has been released on VHS, LaserDisc, DVD, and Blu-ray, and it remains a beloved entry in the Gundam franchise.
Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s Manga Adaptation
Hiroyuki Tamakoshi launched his manga adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket in Kadokawa’s Monthly Gundam Ace magazine in June 2021. This adaptation offers a fresh perspective on the classic story, focusing on the character of Chris Mackenzie.
A New Perspective
By telling the story from Chris’s point of view, Tamakoshi’s manga delves deeper into her motivations, struggles, and relationships. It provides new insights into the events of War in the Pocket and allows readers to experience the story in a new and engaging way.
Hiatus and Return
In September 2022, Tamakoshi announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and would be undergoing chemotherapy. As a result, the manga went on hiatus. Although the manga briefly resumed in May 2023, it was again put on hold in December 2023 as Tamakoshi focused on his recovery after revealing that his cancer had spread.
Now, after a long and difficult period, Tamakoshi is ready to resume his work on the Gundam 0080 manga. This is welcome news for fans who have been eagerly awaiting the continuation of the series.
Who is Hiroyuki Tamakoshi?
Hiroyuki Tamakoshi is a Japanese manga artist best known for his work on Boys Be…, a popular manga series that spawned several sequels and adaptations. Born in 1970, Tamakoshi’s work often features comedic and romantic themes.
Other Works
Besides Boys Be… and Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket, Tamakoshi has also worked on other manga series, including:
- Gacha Gacha
- A-Girls
- Gomen ne, Maria-sama
- Do suru!? Paradise
- Que Sera Sera
- Makyou no Shanana
- Jhey Live!!
- Kidō Senshi Gundam UC: Shishi no Kikan (Return of the Lion)
- Gyaru YOMEeee!
Tamakoshi’s diverse body of work showcases his versatility as a manga artist and his ability to create engaging stories across a variety of genres.
The Gundam 0080 Legacy
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket remains a significant entry in the Gundam franchise. Its focus on character development and emotional storytelling set it apart from other Gundam series, and it continues to resonate with audiences today.
A Lasting Impact
The series has been praised for its realistic depiction of war and its exploration of complex themes. It’s a story that stays with viewers long after they’ve finished watching it.
Other Manga Adaptations
Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s manga is not the first adaptation of War in the Pocket. Shigeto Ikehara created a manga adaptation that ran in Kodansha’s Comic BomBom magazine in 1989. Kenji Mizuhara also created a manga that imagines a sequel to the story.
Where to Find It
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket has been released in North America by Bandai Entertainment and Right Stuf. It’s available on Blu-ray and DVD, and it can also be streamed online.
What to Expect from the Manga’s Return
With Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga set to resume on June 26, fans can look forward to more of his unique storytelling and artistic style. The manga promises to delve deeper into the characters and events of the OVA, providing a fresh and engaging perspective on a beloved Gundam story.
Chris’s Perspective
By focusing on Chris Mackenzie, the manga offers a new lens through which to view the events of War in the Pocket. Readers can expect to gain a better understanding of her motivations, her relationships with other characters, and her role in the conflict.
A Welcome Return
Tamakoshi’s return to the series is a testament to his dedication and passion for his work. After a challenging period, he is ready to continue telling this story and share it with fans around the world.
The Future of the Manga
As the manga resumes serialization, it will be exciting to see where Tamakoshi takes the story and how he expands on the themes and characters of War in the Pocket. Fans can look forward to new developments, unexpected twists, and a deeper exploration of the Gundam universe.
In Conclusion
The return of Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga is a cause for celebration among Gundam fans. This adaptation offers a fresh perspective on a classic story, and it promises to be a worthwhile addition to the Gundam franchise. Be sure to check out the July issue of Kadokawa’s Monthly Gundam Ace magazine on June 26 to continue the journey.
