The ongoing manga adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket, penned by Hiroyuki Tamakoshi, has resumed serialization with a three-chapter limited run. The new chapters began appearing in Kadokawa’s Monthly Gundam Ace magazine, with the first chapter released on June 26. This eagerly awaited return follows a period of hiatus necessitated by Tamakoshi’s ongoing health challenges.
A Resilient Return to the Universal Century
Fans of the Gundam universe can once again delve into the poignant narrative of War in the Pocket through Tamakoshi’s unique manga rendition, which launched in June 2021. Unlike previous adaptations, this manga notably retells the classic 1989 OVA series from the perspective of Christina Mackenzie, a central character in the original story. This fresh angle offers readers new insights into the Universal Century timeline’s closing days of the One Year War, a period already celebrated for its gritty and personal portrayal of conflict.
The decision to serialize three chapters stems from Tamakoshi’s commitment to his work despite a persistent battle with liver cancer. In a message published in Monthly Gundam Ace, the author revealed that he has been slowly drawing manga while undergoing chemotherapy and wanted to share these completed chapters with his readership. He also expressed his determination to continue working on the series and aims for a full resumption within the year, as soon as he has a sufficient stock of manuscripts.
Navigating Hiatuses and Health
The Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga has faced several interruptions since its inception due to Tamakoshi’s health. The series first went on hiatus in September 2022 after he disclosed his diagnosis with stage 3 cancer and the commencement of chemotherapy. While it resumed serialization in May 2023, the manga was put on hold again in December 2023 following the recurrence of his liver cancer and the need for a third operation in January of the current year.
Despite these significant personal challenges, Tamakoshi has consistently updated fans on his condition via social media, reaffirming his dedication to his craft. His ability to continue producing content, even in the face of such adversity, speaks volumes about his passion for the Gundam series and his commitment to its fans.
The return, albeit brief, of the Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga is a testament to the enduring appeal of the OVA and the resilience of its manga creator. It provides a welcome continuation for fans eager to see the iconic story unfold further through Christina Mackenzie’s eyes, while also highlighting the remarkable fortitude of Hiroyuki Tamakoshi.
