Bandai Namco Filmworks is revisiting the classic world of Combat Mecha Xabungle with a brand-new “experimental video” titled “BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE L.” This project, a collaboration with Kamikaze Douga, breathes new life into the beloved 1982 anime series using modern technology while retaining the charm of the original. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting revival.
What is Combat Mecha Xabungle?
Combat Mecha Xabungle, also known as Blue Gale Xabungle, is a mecha anime television series created by Nippon Sunrise and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Mobile Suit Gundam. The series aired from February 6, 1982, to January 29, 1983. Set on the planet Zola, a wasteland where civilization has fractured, the story follows Jiron Amos, a young man seeking revenge for the murder of his parents.
Story and Setting
The planet Zola is divided into two main societies: the Innocent, who possess advanced technology, and the Civilians, who rely on the Innocent for resources and technology. Jiron’s quest for vengeance leads him to steal the Walker Machine Xabungle, a powerful mecha, and team up with a group of bandits known as the Sand Rats. Together, they challenge the status quo and fight against the oppressive Innocent.
Key Elements of the Series
- Walker Machines: Ubiquitous vehicles with humanoid silhouettes used for various purposes, including mining, transportation, construction, and combat.
- The Innocent: A mysterious ruling class that controls the technology and resources on Zola, maintaining their power by keeping the Civilian factions in conflict.
- Jiron Amos: The protagonist, driven by a desire for revenge, who becomes a symbol of rebellion against the Innocent.
The New “Experimental Video”: BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE L
The “BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE L” experimental video is a project by Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kamikaze Douga to revisit and reimagine Combat Mecha Xabungle using contemporary animation techniques.
Release and Availability
The video was released on the Sunrise YouTube channel on May 14, 2025. In conjunction with the release, episodes 12, 26, and 41 of the original series were made available for free streaming on the Sunrise Channel from May 15 to June 1.
Production Team
- Production: Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kamikaze Douga.
- Director, Producer, and Creative Producer: Mizusaki Junpei of Kamikaze Douga.
What to Expect
The experimental video blends footage from the original anime with newly created footage using modern CG technology. It aims to capture the essence of Xabungle while offering a fresh perspective on the classic story.
Director’s Comments
Mizusaki Junpei commented on the project, stating:
“The lawless nature of the world of Xabungle is fully felt in the drama, but I think the fact that the designs and sizes of the walker machines are all different is also an element of that lawless feeling. We mixed in some interesting scenes, such as the battle on top of the battleship in episode 12 and the fight between battleships in episode 43, and by changing the perspective that only CG can provide, we hoped to maintain the atmosphere of the Xabungle series while also discovering new things.”
Akira Kushida’s Reflections
Akira Kushida, the artist who sang the theme song for the original anime, shared his thoughts on the revival:
“Now that more than 40 years have passed, it feels like Jiron is saying, ‘I’m back.’ ‘Shippuu Xabunguru’ was the first anime song I ever sang. When I hear the intro, the story comes to mind. I think the fans from back then will be overwhelmed with emotion. When we were recording the ending song, ‘Karaita Daichi,’ I thought, ‘These lyrics are amazing. What is going on?’ Later, when I saw it on the TV program, I thought, ‘I see…’ The video didn’t feel like it was over, and it seemed like the drama was going on. The performance was 43 years ago, in the analog era of the Showa era. But it is filled with human love and soul. The first time we sang it live was at Nakano Sun Brothers, and everyone supported us with glow sticks and other things. I think people who are watching it for the first time will also feel the greatness of a Showa era work. The scene where we move side by side with the walker machine through the wilderness may be moving! The release of this video has given me more opportunities to sing it again.”
The Significance of Xabungle in Mecha Anime History
Combat Mecha Xabungle holds a unique place in the mecha anime genre. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino after the success of Mobile Suit Gundam, Xabungle took a lighter, more comedic approach compared to Tomino’s other works.
A Post-Apocalyptic Western
The series blends elements of the mecha genre with a post-apocalyptic Wild West setting. The planet Zola, with its desolate landscapes and nomadic merchants, evokes the atmosphere of classic Westerns. Walker Machines replace horses as the primary mode of transportation and combat.
Lighter Tone and Parody
Xabungle is known for its humor and borderline parody of the “sci-fi war waged by kids in robots” subgenre. The characters are often quirky and the situations are absurd, creating a unique viewing experience.
Influence on Later Works
Combat Mecha Xabungle has influenced later mecha anime, including Gurren Lagann. Its blend of action, humor, and unique world-building has resonated with audiences and creators alike.
Sunrise Robot Laboratory Project
The “BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE L” video is part of the Sunrise Robot Laboratory project, launched by Bandai Namco Filmworks on May 8, 2024.
Purpose of the Project
The project aims to study and speculate on the Sunrise mechanics created to date from various perspectives, featuring robots that appear in Sunrise works, as part of efforts to communicate the appeal of anime, a Japanese culture, to the rest of the world.
Previous Works
The first experimental video from the Sunrise Robot Laboratory was “AURA BATTLER DUNBINE SIDE L,” which premiered in May 2024. This was followed by “AURA BATTLER DUNBINE SIDE R” in November 2024.
Other Xabungle Media and Merchandise
Combat Mecha Xabungle has spawned various other media and merchandise, including:
Xabungle Graffiti
A compilation movie released in 1983, featuring new footage and a different ending to the series.
HI-METAL R Xabungle
A figure of Xabungle from the robot anime “Combat Mecha Xabungle” broadcast in 1982-83. As part of the “SUNRISE SPIRITS” project, which sells items of the main characters from Sunrise works, “HI-METAL R Xabungle 40th Anniv.”, released in 2022, will be re-released. Priced at 14,300 yen. “HI-METAL R Xabungle 40th Anniv.” is a renewal of “HI-METAL R Xabungle” released in 2017 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the TV anime broadcast. It has a transformation and combination gimmick. Total height is about 17 cm. Pre-orders are being accepted on Bandai Namco Group’s shopping site, Premium Bandai. Shipment is scheduled for May.
Model Kits
Hasegawa offers a 1/72 scale model kit of the Xabungle, featuring newly molded parts that increase the armaments on the Xabungle’s shoulders and arms. The kit snaps together (glue is recommended for some parts) and is molded in ten colors, so paint isn’t necessary.
Streaming
The Xabungle anime series is available for streaming on HIDIVE.
Why This Matters
The release of “BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE L” is significant for several reasons:
Nostalgia
It offers a nostalgic trip for fans of the original Combat Mecha Xabungle anime, allowing them to revisit the beloved series in a fresh and exciting way.
Modernization
It introduces Xabungle to a new generation of anime fans, showcasing the timeless appeal of the series with modern animation techniques.
Preservation
It helps preserve the legacy of Combat Mecha Xabungle and its contribution to the mecha anime genre, ensuring that it remains relevant and appreciated for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The “BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE L” experimental video is a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of Combat Mecha Xabungle. By blending classic footage with modern animation, Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kamikaze Douga have created a fitting tribute to this iconic series. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Xabungle, this video is sure to offer a captivating and memorable experience.
