New York Comic Con (NYCC) 2025 is set to host a significant event for Gundam enthusiasts, with Tatsuyuki Nagai, the acclaimed director of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, appearing for both an autograph session and a dedicated panel on Thursday, October 9. This forms a key part of a broader, city-wide Gundam celebration in New York, spanning from October 4 to October 19.
Director Tatsuyuki Nagai’s Autograph Session
Fans will have a rare opportunity to meet Nagai at an exclusive autograph session. The event is scheduled for 2:00 PM EDT at the TAMASHII NATIONS Booth #2417 within the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Access to this session is free, though tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 70 attendees starting at 10:00 AM.
Attendees who secure a ticket will receive a signed commemorative poster featuring the exclusive “Barbatos Rises at NYC” artwork, specially created for this year’s Gundam activations in New York City. Additionally, each ticket holder is permitted to bring one personal item for Nagai to sign, subject to staff approval.
“GUNDAM Showcase” Panel and Iron-Blooded Orphans 10th Anniversary
Following the autograph session, Nagai will participate in the “GUNDAM Showcase – Featuring Iron-Blooded Orphans, Hathaway, and the Future of Gundam” panel. This panel will take place from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM EDT in Room 405.
The panel is expected to delve into the latest developments across the Gundam franchise, highlighting the 10th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans and providing insights into the upcoming release of Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway The Sorcery of Nymph Circe. Nagai will be joined by other notable guests, including Kyle McCarley, the English voice actor for Mikazuki Augus in Iron-Blooded Orphans, Caleb Yen, the English voice of Hathaway Noa, and Naohiro Ogata, Executive Producer at Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, which premiered in 2015, garnered praise for its darker tone and character-driven drama, exploring themes of morally murky politics and the lives of child soldiers. Its 10th anniversary is a significant milestone for the popular series.
Post-Panel Fan Meet-Up
The excitement for Gundam fans will extend beyond the panel with a dedicated Gundam Fan Meet Up. Scheduled for 7:30 PM EDT on October 9 in Room 1E05, this casual gathering offers attendees an opportunity for photo opportunities, community interaction, and optional cosplay to celebrate their passion for the franchise. Further details about the fan meet-up will be announced on official Gundam websites and social media channels.
City-Wide Gundam Celebration in New York
Nagai’s appearance is part of a larger “Gundam Takes Over the Big Apple” initiative by Bandai Namco Filmworks. This extensive celebration, running from October 4 to October 19, 2025, aims to immerse New York City in the world of Gundam.
Key components of this city-wide activation include:
- Gundam Film Festival at Japan Society: A two-day film festival on October 11 and 12, featuring English-dubbed screenings of milestone titles such as Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- and a 4K remastered edition of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special. The festival will also include talk shows with English voice cast members.
- Gundam-Wrapped Buses: From September 28 to October 12, specially wrapped Gundam buses will traverse Manhattan’s streets, with select routes offering free rides.
- TAMASHII NATIONS Store New York: Located in Times Square, the store will showcase premium Gundam collectibles and Iron-Blooded Orphans displays, offering special giveaways to visitors.
- THE GUNDAM BASE POP-UP WORLD TOUR: Located at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, this pop-up will run from October 4 to October 19, offering exclusive items, GUNPLA displays, and workshops.
This comprehensive series of events underscores Gundam‘s enduring popularity and provides fans with multiple avenues to celebrate the iconic franchise.
