The next installment in the Battle Angel Alita saga, titled GUNNM: Kikō-Jutsu Senki (GUNNM: Panzer Kunst Chronicle or Battle Angel Alita: Panzer Kunst Chronicle), has been delayed to spring 2026. This announcement came from the 11th and final volume of Yukito Kishiro’s Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle manga series, which was released on April 23.
Mars Chronicle Concludes, Panzer Kunst Chronicle Awaits
Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle officially concluded on March 11. In November 2024, Kishiro had initially indicated that the story would continue under a new title later in 2025. However, fans will now have to wait until spring 2026 for the new series to launch.
A Look Back at Alita’s Journey
The original Battle Angel Alita manga captivated readers from 1990 to 1995 in Shueisha’s Business Jump magazine. This was followed by the prequel Ashen Victor (1995-1996) and the standalone GUNNM: Other Stories. In 2001, the story continued with a partial retelling, Battle Angel Alita: Last Order, which moved to Kodansha’s Evening magazine due to a disagreement between Kishiro and Shueisha’s Ultra Jump magazine. Viz Media previously published the original manga and Ashen Victor in North America.
Mars Chronicle: A Deep Dive
Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle serves as the third installment in the Battle Angel Alita series and a sequel to Battle Angel Alita: Last Order. The manga, written and illustrated by Yukito Kishiro, is a science fiction series set on a colonized Mars.
The narrative of Mars Chronicle unfolds across two timelines:
- ES 594: Three years after the events of Last Order, Alita returns to Mars, her home planet, for the first time in centuries.
- ES 373: This timeline explores Alita’s childhood as Yoko, a young cyborg girl, as she struggles to survive in war-torn Mars.
Yoko’s Early Life on Mars
Before mastering Panzer Kunst, Yoko, originally known as Galli, and another orphan named Erica, navigate the harsh realities of post-war Mars. With the help of Dr. Finch, the two cyborg girls find refuge in an orphanage in a small Martian settlement, but their safety is short-lived when the town is attacked.
Publication Timeline of Mars Chronicle
Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle was serialized in Kodansha’s Evening magazine from October 28, 2014, to February 28, 2023, and later on the Comic Days website from January 16, 2024, to March 11, 2025.
Alita’s Origins and Panzer Kunst
Alita, known as Gally in the original Japanese version, is the main character of Yukito Kishiro’s cyberpunk manga series Gunnm and its sequels Last Order and Mars Chronicle. Originally a Martian cyborg named Yoko, Alita is renowned for her fighting skills as a practitioner of Panzer Kunst and her prowess in Motorball. Her past was hinted at in the original series but explored in greater detail in Last Order and Mars Chronicle.
Panzer Kunst: The Art of Armored Combat
Panzer Kunst (機甲術, Pantsā Kunsuto, lit. “armor art”) is a powerful cyborg martial art. Alita’s mastery of Panzer Kunst is a defining aspect of her character and fighting style. The series delves into how Alita learned this skillset and the political intrigue surrounding it on Mars.
Alita’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Throughout the series, Alita embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with questions of identity and purpose. Mars Chronicle aims to reveal Alita’s origins and the events that led her to become the “Battle Angel”. The manga explores Alita/Yoko’s true identity and the reasons behind her fighting style.
The World of Battle Angel Alita
The Battle Angel Alita series is set in a post-apocalyptic world, blending cyberpunk elements with themes of identity, memory, and the human condition. The story follows Alita’s adventures in the Scrapyard and her battles against various adversaries.
Scrapyard and Tiphares
The world of Battle Angel Alita is divided into two main areas: the Scrapyard, a sprawling junkyard where humans and cyborgs struggle to survive, and Tiphares (Salem in the English adaptation), a floating city inhabited by the elite. The contrast between these two worlds highlights the social and economic disparities in the series.
Motorball: A Deadly Sport
Motorball is a popular and dangerous sport in the Scrapyard. Alita’s participation in Motorball showcases her combat skills and determination. The sport serves as a metaphor for the struggles and challenges faced by the inhabitants of the Scrapyard.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Battle Angel Alita has garnered critical acclaim for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and action-packed storyline. The series has been praised for its exploration of philosophical themes and its examination of the relationship between humans and technology.
Impact on Cyberpunk Manga
Battle Angel Alita is considered a seminal work in the cyberpunk manga genre. The series has influenced numerous other manga and anime作品, and its themes and aesthetics have resonated with fans worldwide.
Live-Action Adaptation
In 2019, a live-action film adaptation of Battle Angel Alita, titled Alita: Battle Angel, was released. The film, directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, brought Alita’s story to a wider audience. While the film received mixed reviews, it was praised for its visual effects and Rosa Salazar’s performance as Alita.
Looking Ahead
While the delay of GUNNM: Panzer Kunst Chronicle is disappointing, it allows Yukito Kishiro more time to craft the next chapter in Alita’s saga. Fans can anticipate a return to the action, intrigue, and philosophical themes that have made Battle Angel Alita a beloved series for over three decades. The new series promises to delve deeper into the world of Panzer Kunst and explore new facets of Alita’s character and her ongoing quest for self-discovery.
