Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga is set to resume serialization on June 26th, bringing a wave of excitement to Gundam fans. After a hiatus that began in December 2023 due to Tamakoshi’s health challenges, the beloved manga is making a comeback in the July issue of Kadokawa’s Monthly Gundam Ace magazine. This marks a significant moment for both the creator and the fans, promising a continuation of the unique perspective on a classic Gundam story.
A Story of War, Seen Through New Eyes
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is a six-episode OVA (Original Video Animation) series that debuted in 1989 as the first OVA in the Gundam franchise. Directed by Fumihiko Takayama and written by Hiroyuki Yamaga, with character designs by Haruhiko Mikimoto, it quickly became a fan favorite for its intimate and personal portrayal of war. Unlike the grand, sweeping narratives often associated with Gundam, War in the Pocket focuses on the experiences of an eleven-year-old boy, Alfred “Al” Izuruha, during the One Year War, illustrating the war’s impact on ordinary lives.
The Allure of Gundam 0080
The OVA distinguishes itself from other entries in the Universal Century Gundam universe by downplaying the theme of Newtypes. This shift broadened its appeal, attracting viewers who appreciated stories centered on ordinary soldiers and civilians caught in the crossfire. The series explores the grim realities of war, challenging the romanticized or glorified depictions often found in mecha anime.
Manga’s Unique Angle
Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s manga adaptation, launched in June 2021, offers a fresh lens through which to view the War in the Pocket narrative. The manga tells the story from the perspective of Christina “Chris” Mackenzie, Al’s neighbor and the test pilot of the Earth Federation’s RX-78NT-1 Gundam “Alex.” This shift provides deeper insight into Chris’s experiences and motivations, adding layers to the already complex storyline.
Hiroyuki Tamakoshi: A Creator’s Journey
Hiroyuki Tamakoshi is a seasoned manga artist known for his work on various titles, including Boys Be… 2nd Season, created in collaboration with writer Masahiro Itabashi. Their partnership began with the first Boys Be… series in Weekly Shōnen Magazine in the 1990s and continued with Boys Be…L Co-op and subsequent series.
Battling Illness, Continuing to Create
Tamakoshi’s journey with the Gundam 0080 manga has been marked by personal challenges. In September 2022, he revealed his diagnosis of stage 3 cancer and began chemotherapy. This led to an initial hiatus, but Tamakoshi demonstrated remarkable resilience, resuming the manga in May 2023. However, in December 2023, he announced that his liver cancer had recurred, necessitating a third operation in January 2024 and another hiatus. Despite these setbacks, Tamakoshi remained committed to his work, assuring fans that he was still working on the manuscript for Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket and his other series, Yomei 1-nen no AV Joyū (The AV Actress With One Year Left to Live).
A Testament to Perseverance
The upcoming resumption of the Gundam 0080 manga on June 26th is a testament to Tamakoshi’s perseverance and dedication. His determination to continue creating despite his health challenges has resonated deeply with fans, who eagerly await the next installment of the story.
Diving Deeper into Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket unfolds during the final days of the One Year War in Universal Century 0079. The story begins when Zeon intelligence discovers the Earth Federation is developing a new Gundam prototype in the Arctic.
Plot Overview
Elite Zeon commandos are dispatched to destroy the prototype, but the Gundam is launched into space before they can complete their mission. The Gundam eventually arrives at a Federation R&D base inside the neutral space colony Side 6. The Principality of Zeon launches a covert operation to destroy the Gundam, tasking the commando team initially sent to the Arctic base, including rookie pilot Bernard “Bernie” Wiseman.
The raid fails, resulting in the death of the entire team except for Bernie. In Side 6, Bernie encounters Alfred “Al” Izuruha, a young boy fascinated by mobile suits and space battles. Al sees Bernie as a friend and becomes deeply involved in his mission, unaware of the danger. Adding to the complexity, Al’s neighbor, Christina “Chris” Mackenzie, returns home with a new “government job”—she is secretly the test pilot of the Gundam Alex, the target of Bernie’s mission.
The convergence of these three lives—Bernie, Al, and Chris—forms the emotional core of War in the Pocket. Their interactions and the unfolding events profoundly change their lives, illustrating the personal cost of war.
Key Characters
- Alfred “Al” Izuruha: A young boy with an innocent fascination for mobile suits and war, Al’s perspective provides a ground-level view of the conflict. His friendship with Bernie and his unwitting involvement in the Zeon mission highlight the impact of war on civilians.
- Bernard “Bernie” Wiseman: A Zeon rookie pilot, Bernie’s character arc explores the disillusionment and moral compromises faced by soldiers. His interactions with Al humanize him, showcasing his internal struggles and the complexities of his mission.
- Christina “Chris” Mackenzie: As the test pilot of the Gundam Alex, Chris represents the Federation’s efforts to develop advanced mobile suit technology. Her role places her in direct opposition to Bernie, creating a tragic conflict between duty and personal connections.
Themes and Impact
- The Human Cost of War: The series emphasizes the personal stories and emotional toll of war, moving away from grand battles and heroic narratives to focus on individual experiences.
- Loss of Innocence: Al’s journey from a naive child to someone who understands the grim realities of war underscores the theme of lost innocence.
- Moral Ambiguity: The characters in War in the Pocket operate in a morally gray area, where right and wrong are not always clear. This ambiguity challenges viewers to consider the complexities of war and the choices individuals make under pressure.
Reception and Legacy
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket has garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. It is often cited as one of the best Gundam series due to its unique focus and mature themes. The series has had a lasting impact on the Gundam franchise, influencing subsequent works that explore the human side of war.
Other Adaptations and Related Media
Besides the original OVA series and Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s current manga, Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket has inspired various other adaptations and related media.
Previous Manga Adaptations
Shigeto Ikehara created a manga version of War in the Pocket that was serialized in Kodansha’s Comic BomBom magazine from April to August 1989. This adaptation offered a different interpretation of the story, catering to a younger audience.
Novelizations
Kyosuke Yuki wrote a novelization of the OVA series, illustrated by Haruhiko Mikimoto, which was published by Kadokawa Shoten in October 1989. Additionally, Hiroyuki Yamaga wrote a novel based on the anime, titled The Dreams Chris Sees (クリスが見る夢, Kurisu ga Mieru Yume), which was included as a bonus item in the April 1989 issue of Tokuma Shoten’s Animage magazine.
Print Media
Yūtarō Mochizuki wrote a gamebook illustrated by Studio Hard and released by Bandai on March 20, 1989. Asahiya Publishing released two “film comics” titled Mobile Suit Gundam 0080 the OVA Movies in June and July 1998.
Gundam Ace Magazine
Kadokawa’s Gundam Ace magazine has been a significant platform for Gundam 0080 related content, including Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s manga. The magazine is known for featuring various Gundam-related manga, novels, and articles, making it a hub for Gundam fans.
Where to Find the Manga
The Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga is published by Kadokawa Shoten and serialized in Monthly Gundam Ace magazine. As of December 2023, four compiled book volumes of the manga have been published. For those interested in reading the manga, it can be found in Japanese bookstores and online retailers that sell Japanese manga. Digital versions may also be available through various online platforms.
Final Thoughts
The return of Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga is more than just a continuation of a story; it is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of the Gundam franchise. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate the next chapter, ready to immerse themselves once again in the poignant and thought-provoking world of War in the Pocket. The resumption on June 26th marks a new beginning, promising fresh insights and emotional depth from Chris Mackenzie’s perspective.
