The June 2025 issue of Kadokawa’s Gundam Ace magazine has officially announced the launch of the Mobile Suit Gundam Eight (Kidō Senshi Gundam Eight) manga as a brand-new alternative series within the ever-expanding Gundam franchise. This exciting news, revealed on Friday, April 25, 2025, has fans buzzing with anticipation for a fresh perspective on the beloved mecha universe.
A New Gundam Saga Begins
“Mobile Suit Gundam Eight” is touted as a “completely new alternative series” originating from Monthly Gundam Ace magazine. The alternative series signifies the story is set outside the established Universal Century timeline, offering a unique entry point for both longtime Gundam enthusiasts and newcomers. The magazine had initially teased the manga in September 2021 as part of Gundam Ace‘s 20th-anniversary project, creating a considerable wait for eager fans.
The announcement included a glimpse of the new main Gundam’s visual and story, further fueling the excitement surrounding the project. The series aims to deliver a story with a similar direction to Gundam 00, presenting a new generation and world distinctly separate from Gundam: The Origin and Gundam UC. This promise of innovation and a departure from familiar narratives has captivated the Gundam community.
Meet the Creative Minds
Kadokawa has revealed the talented individuals responsible for bringing this new Gundam vision to life. The creative team includes:
- Hajime Kamoshida: Known for his work as the scriptwriter for Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Gekko and the Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans anime, as well as the writer behind Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.
- Shuei Takagi: Recognized for their contributions to Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation Code Fairy.
This collaboration brings together experienced creators with a proven track record in the Gundam franchise, ensuring a high-quality and engaging manga experience. Kamoshida’s talent for crafting compelling narratives and Takagi’s expertise in the world of Gundam promise a unique and memorable addition to the franchise.
Gundam Ace: A Legacy of Gundam Manga
Gundam Ace has been a cornerstone of the Gundam manga scene since its inception. Launched on June 25, 2001, the magazine initially started as a quarterly publication before transitioning to a bimonthly release and eventually becoming a monthly staple in 2004. Published by Kadokawa Shoten, Gundam Ace focuses primarily on the Gundam franchise, offering a diverse range of content, from manga series to news on upcoming Gundam animations, games, and Gunpla products.
A Hub for Gundam Creativity
Gundam Ace has served as a platform for numerous Gundam-related manga over the years. Some notable examples include:
- Mobile Suit Gundam-san: A long-running series that has been serialized since August 2001.
- Mobile Suit Gundam École du Ciel: Another enduring series that began its run in December 2001.
- Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam: A popular series that has been captivating readers since November 2002.
- Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam DEFINE: Hiroyuki Kitazume’s manga adaptation of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam began in August 2011.
- Arasa OL Haman-sama: Masakazu Iwasaki’s reimagining of Haman Karn as a modern corporate section chief, which started in January 2021.
The magazine’s dedication to the Gundam universe has made it a go-to source for fans seeking new and exciting stories within the franchise. It is known for works that promote new entries into the anime series, adapt recent Gundam games into manga form, create side stories to already existing anime, or even parody the franchise and the fanbase.
Celebrating 20 Years
The initial announcement of Mobile Suit Gundam Eight in September 2021 as part of Gundam Ace‘s 20th-anniversary project underscores the magazine’s commitment to delivering innovative and engaging Gundam content. The magazine has consistently pushed the boundaries of Gundam storytelling, providing a space for creators to explore new ideas and perspectives within the established universe.
A Promising Future
The launch of Mobile Suit Gundam Eight marks an exciting new chapter for both Gundam Ace and the Gundam franchise as a whole. With a talented creative team at the helm and a promise of a fresh, alternative storyline, this manga is poised to capture the hearts of Gundam fans worldwide. As the series unfolds in the pages of Gundam Ace, readers can expect a thrilling journey into a new corner of the Gundam universe, filled with compelling characters, breathtaking mecha designs, and the signature themes of war, peace, and the human spirit that define the Gundam legacy.
