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Over the years, a multitude of Mobile Suit Gundam manga editions have been published, predominantly focusing on the iconic Universal Century narrative. Additionally, there are several works set in alternative universes, one of which is about to be reissued more than three decades after its original anime aired.
New Mobile Report Gundam Wing marked the franchise’s breakthrough in the Western market and garnered substantial acclaim in Japan. Now, fans can get their hands on a special edition of two prequel manga in Japan, which seamlessly connect significant events from the anime series. This release follows the anime’s 30th-anniversary celebration, underscoring the enduring appeal of this alternate storyline.
First published over 20 years ago, the two Gundam Wing manga being re-released by Japanese publisher Gakken offer distinct prequel narratives. The Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Blind Target Collector’s Edition, crafted by Sakura Asagi and Akemi Omode, is situated between the conclusion of the Gundam Wing anime and its sequel OVA film, Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. This edition follows Wing Gundam pilot Heero Yuy and his comrades as they face a new adversary faction after the anime’s storyline wraps up.
New Gundam Manga Re-Releases Explore the Lost Stories of Gundam Wing
Originally released over two decades ago, the two Gundam Wing manga that are now being re-released by Japanese publisher Gakken are different kinds of prequels. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Blind Target Collector’s Edition, written and drawn by Sakura Asagi and Akemi Omode, is set between the end of the Gundam Wing anime and the anime OVA movie sequel, Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. It features Wing Gundam pilot Heero Yuy and his allies as they confront a new faction of enemies following the conclusion of the anime.
Meanwhile, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Episode Zero Collector’s Edition, written and drawn by Akira Kanbe and Katsuyuki Sumisawa, takes place before the events of the main anime and focuses mostly on the five Gundam pilots, although the epilogue is set after Endless Waltz and hinges upon Heero and Relena Peacecraft’s relationship.
Both of the modernized manga volumes have new cover imagery from their respective artists, emphasizing the new releases. They’re now available (in Japanese) from various retailers, with Blind Target being around US$8 USD and Episode Zero only about a dollar more. So far, there isn’t any word on an international release, but given the popularity of Gundam Wing and how much the brand as a whole has grown in the past few years, it’s definitely a possibility.
The release of the new versions comes one year after Bandai and Sunrise celebrated the 30th anniversary of New Mobile Report Gundam Wing, with this seeing numerous new projects and merchandise in its wake. Gundam Wing was the first anime in the franchise to be localized in the West, and for this reason, it remains a nostalgic favorite among many from the original “Toonami” generation of anime fans.