Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin

[Mewzard]

Well, I didn't see a topic for this, so I thought I would let you guys know that we'll be getting the first volume of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin in March (the manga that is):

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-ORIGIN-Activation/dp/193565487X

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-ORIGIN-Garma/dp/1935654888

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-ORIGIN-Ramba/dp/1935654977

These will be very limited run volumes in the style of the collectors eidition Aizobans from the second Japanese release. 450 page Hardcovers with 12-24 pages of color each, with additional essays and pinups by major anime and manga creators (Hideaki Anno, director of Neon Genesis Evangelion is doing an essay for the first volume). All of this for an MSRP of $29.99. Amazon has it for under $18 (where I pre-ordered).

And by limited, I mean limited:

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

Gundam ORIGIN part 1: So with a week left looks like we will be printing 5k worth. Not our lowest but not ideal either.

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

As reference, 5K is abot what we do for 18+ alt/indie manga like Lychee or Velveteen.

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

@BatSurfer we've said this on numerous occasions... one and done. no reprints.


If you want this, I would recommend pre-ordering in the next few days, as once Friday hits, they'll have their print size set in stone.

They'll print more than is being pre-ordered, of course, but pre-orders set the bar, and whether or not they'll do more Gundam in the future.

I'm just sad Gundam (one of the most prolific Giant Robot series ever made) has so few pre-orders, that 5000 printed copies (with no reprints) covers their entire pre-order basis, plus extras for stores.

Anyone else want to get them? It's looking to be 11 volumes in total (and don't worry, they said they would most likely put them all out despite low sales since it's a limited run anyways, so don't be scared off by the cancellation fairy).

The story is an adaption of the original Mobile Suit Gundam's own (the writer/artist was the character designer for Gundam), but some events occur differently, and it goes much more massively into the backstory of the UC timeline, and the events leading up to the One Year War.

http://images.wikia.com/gundam/images/2/2e/Gundam_%27The_Origin%27_Mechanic_Archive_RX78-02_3.jpg

Gotta love that classic Gundam design.

[Mewzard]

Huh, no Gundam fans here? That's surprising. I've always found the series rather enjoyable for the most part (well, I'm more of a UC timeline guy, though who doesn't love G Gundam and Domon Kasshu?). Can't go wrong with Amuro Ray, though he's a newbie at first with Mobile Suits, he gets awesome later. Can't go wrong when he uses his Fin Funnel in the Nu Gundam:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mola0_4UORE&#t=1m54s

That said, I do enjoy his start as well, hence my hype for the coming hardcovers.

[Logan]

I like Gundam '79. I have the movie trilogy and 1st edition English printings of the novels. I still need to finish watching the show in its entirety but I keep getting distracted with other shows.

I might consider getting these volumes, if finances make it practical. I'm also wanting to buy the Gundam book collection that was recently released. If you can't tell already, I love the book trilogy. :lol:

[愛]

Huh, no Gundam fans here? That's surprising. I've always found the series rather enjoyable for the most part (well, I'm more of a UC timeline guy, though who doesn't love G Gundam and Domon Kasshu?). Can't go wrong with Amuro Ray, though he's a newbie at first with Mobile Suits, he gets awesome later. Can't go wrong when he uses his Fin Funnel in the Nu Gundam:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mola0_4UORE&#t=1m54s

That said, I do enjoy his start as well, hence my hype for the coming hardcovers.

I don't see why it's surprising. Anyway, I'm a Gundam fan but I don't really care for the old stuff. I find them boring. The original story was just Char and Amuro chasing each other around.

[Mewzard]

I like Gundam '79. I have the movie trilogy and 1st edition English printings of the novels. I still need to finish watching the show in its entirety but I keep getting distracted with other shows.

I might consider getting these volumes, if finances make it practical. I'm also wanting to buy the Gundam book collection that was recently released. If you can't tell already, I love the book trilogy. :lol:

Well, can't get more practical than Amazon's prices, lol. Just worth keeping an eye on, as the print is going to be rather small.

I didn't know the original Gundam had novels in English. I know the currently airing Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn OVAs are based on novels (my hope is that those might get brought over if the sales on these volumes either pick up, or at least stay consistent).

As for the show, I was watching the original on Crunchyroll (and planned to follow it up with Zeta Gundam, Wing, and 00, but all that stuff was pulled at the end of the year, and I just didn't feel like marathoning every day of the month to watch it all). I hope either I find good DVD deals, or Bandai pays someone else to put them out.

I don't see why it's surprising. Anyway, I'm a Gundam fan but I don't really care for the old stuff. I find them boring. The original story was just Char and Amuro chasing each other around.

Guess I just expected a bit more from the classic series that helped many get into Giant Robot anime (I assume Macross/Robotech, Golion/Voltron, and Tetsujin 28-go/Gigantor also helped at different points).

Naturally, older anime tended to focus more on core characters (and with Amuro piloting the only Gundam at the early portions of the series, it was natural he'd be the focus, alongside Char, as he was an ace Zaku pilot), but I can understand where you're coming from, even if I don't agree.

That said, mind if I ask what Gundam series you do like? Might help if I understand what grabbed you into the franchise in the first place (given the large number of series spanning several alternate timelines).

[愛]

Guess I just expected a bit more from the classic series that helped many get into Giant Robot anime (I assume Macross/Robotech, Golion/Voltron, and Tetsujin 28-go/Gigantor also helped at different points).

Naturally, older anime tended to focus more on core characters (and with Amuro piloting the only Gundam at the early portions of the series, it was natural he'd be the focus, alongside Char, as he was an ace Zaku pilot), but I can understand where you're coming from, even if I don't agree.

That said, mind if I ask what Gundam series you do like? Might help if I understand what grabbed you into the franchise in the first place (given the large number of series spanning several alternate timelines).

I started with Wing when it was on Toonami/Adult Swim and went from there. I guess I just need more flair with my Gundam shows, and the older ones don't provide that for me. 00 was good, Seed was good (I didn't finish it,) 08th MS Team was good. I couldn't get into AGE, but I love Unicorn.

[Mewzard]

I started with Wing when it was on Toonami/Adult Swim and went from there. I guess I just need more flair with my Gundam shows, and the older ones don't provide that for me. 00 was good, Seed was good (I didn't finish it,) 08th MS Team was good. I couldn't get into AGE, but I love Unicorn.

Most people in America (myself included) started with Wing, so I suppose that's no surprise.

The older guys can do some flashy things in the right setting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mola0_4UORE#t=1m48s

Amuro using the Fin Funnel in his Nu Gundam is one example, but I can see why the original anime might have been rough for you.

They're actually remaking the original anime. Sunrise is going to be adapting Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (what I posted about above) in the near future, which I imagine will have more room for the flare you want (I imagine the manga itself also has that flare, as there isn't an issue with limited animation budgets that most anime *and especially the first Gundam* would have). If they can get Tohru Furuya back for the Japanese version and Brad Swaile for the dub, I'll be happy.

I seem to recall having watched some of the 08th MS Team back in the day, but my memory isn't what it used to be.

I wish I knew what Bandai was going to do about future distribution/

All I know is that Gundam Unicorn is still being put out (new episode is coming out in March as well).

[Logan]

I didn't know the original Gundam had novels in English.

They aren't an adaptation of the show/movie trilogy, either. The novels are more adult in nature and try to paint a hard science fiction approach. They're closer to Tomino's original story ideas prior to the show's production, so that makes them an interesting enough read for that alone. One example of this is that Amuro Ray is enlisted in the military right at the story's beginning. He has experience operating mobile suits at this point but has not yet trained with the Gundam. I prefer this over the show's approach. I find it a much more plausible explanation for him learning how to pilot the Gundam so quickly, even if he is a Newtype.

I really wish all Tomino's novels were brought over to the West. He seems to have no qualms about writing books based on his original ideas alongside adapting the final products into literary form. Char's Counterattack is a prime example of this. He wrote books of both.

[Mewzard]

They aren't an adaptation of the show/movie trilogy, either. The novels are more adult in nature and try to paint a hard science fiction approach. They're closer to Tomino's original story ideas prior to the show's production, so that makes them an interesting enough read for that alone. One example of this is that Amuro Ray is enlisted in the military right at the story's beginning. He has experience operating mobile suits at this point but has not yet trained with the Gundam. I prefer this over the show's approach. I find it a much more plausible explanation for him learning how to pilot the Gundam so quickly, even if he is a Newtype.

I really wish all Tomino's novels were brought over to the West. He seems to have no qualms about writing books based on his original ideas alongside adapting the final products into literary form. Char's Counterattack is a prime example of this. He wrote books of both.

Oh? Who put out these novels over here? And what are they called? I'd love to be able to track them down.

As for Amuro learning how to pilot Gundam so fast...for all its more realistic set up than your Super Robots, he's still the main lead in a show for young boys, that does happen (though they did explain that the learning computer in Gundam was helping compensate for his lack of skill early on, which is why after that first rough fight, his fights picked up in ability, even if his growth wasn't quite as fast).

I am curious if the (relatively) newly finished manga and coming anime adaptation might lead to some form of new version of Zeta Gundam, to continue off the heels of these releases, and factor in the changes that were made...

[Logan]

You can purchase it here in one paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Escalation-Confrontation/dp/1611720052/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358023573&sr=8-1&keywords=mobile+suit+gundam+novel

[Mewzard]

You can purchase it here in one paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Escalation-Confrontation/dp/1611720052/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358023573&sr=8-1&keywords=mobile+suit+gundam+novel

Thanks! I ordered it today. Standard shipping, so I won't be seeing it until next week, but hey, got it and volume 1 of Buddha by Osamu Tezuka for a good price.

Following the anime adaptation of Origin, what would you guys like to see next? Continuing by covering Zeta Gundam again? A new UC story? A new timeline? Something new from one of the spinoffs?

Always interesting to hear what fans think.

[Logan]

I think a new story set in UC would be nice. I know some Gundam fans would probably groan, but I'd like another series set around Amuro Ray or at least have him in a more prominent role.

[Logan]

Just bought a copy of it too. About two hours ago.

[Mewzard]

Just bought a copy of it too. About two hours ago.

Wow, on the borderline yourself to get it? :lol:

Well, some good news for Gundam and the new manga:

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

GUNDAM FANS in AMERICA!! Your voices are being heard by the big boys. Barnes & Nobles is making a last-minute push to add more orders.

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

Gundam ORIGIN news: cont'd... Now BN is proposing to triple the size of their order but they will only continue do so if sales are...

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

Gundam ORIGIN news cont'd: if sales are strong in their stores for vol 1 and 2.

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

So here we go! If you haven't preordered by now, BN is tripling your chances to find this series in stores. You know what to do! #gundam

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

@DollowR this really is great news. However, sales...actual in store sales will shift this from a super-limited edition to a fan-made hit!

Seems sales are picking up. If they keep this up, this can only be good for the Gundam fandom in America. Vertical said Bandai is watching this closely after hearing how it did on several of its better weeks in terms of sales, and this could mean good news for us if it succeeds.

Also, from what I understand, volume 3 should be up for pre-order in the very near future.

Edit: Well, despite the number of pre-orders picking up, apparently, they need more:

Vertical, Inc. ‏@Vertical_Ed

@Askainv the confirmed preorders are not at break even yet. Half-way there to be exact.

The pre-orders need to double for the company to break even on Gundam: The Origin...jeez. That's kinda sad.

[Mewzard]

Volume 3 just went up for pre-order today:

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-ORIGIN-Ramba/dp/1935654977

Seems this volume will be covering the events on Earth with Ramba Ral.

[Mewzard]

Well, it took a while to get approved, but here's the cover to volume 1 of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/d4076ee853131fa69c418fae474eae3a/tumblr_mhyn057ZjX1rskdrao1_400.jpg

Not the original first cover, but I liked the cover they chose for it.

[Mewzard]

Well, I got my volume in today, was quite a good read. Here it is on the shelf:

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGUcrU9CAAAXz-B.jpg

Anyone else get theirs yet? It covers the start of Gundam to just before Garma goes to attack them. The color pages they have (about 50 or so) look like they were done with watercolors. It looks quite beautiful. Well worth the $17 I had to spend.