The manga adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket, penned by Hiroyuki Tamakoshi, has officially resumed serialization with a three-chapter run. The announcement came in Kadokawa’s Monthly Gundam Ace magazine, with a new chapter published on June 26. This limited return marks a significant moment for fans, as the series had been on hiatus since December 2023 due to Tamakoshi’s health challenges.
Author’s Health and Dedication
The manga’s interruption stemmed from Tamakoshi’s ongoing battle with liver cancer. He had previously revealed a diagnosis of stage 3 cancer in September 2022, leading to an initial hiatus, though the manga briefly resumed in May 2023. Unfortunately, his liver cancer recurred, necessitating a third operation in January of this year. Despite these formidable health obstacles, Tamakoshi has expressed his dedication to the series, stating that he is drawing manga slowly while undergoing chemotherapy and has prepared these three chapters for readers. He also conveyed his intention to work towards a full resumption of the series within the year.
A Unique Perspective on a Beloved OVA
Tamakoshi’s Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga first launched in Monthly Gundam Ace in June 2021. Unlike previous adaptations, this manga uniquely retells the acclaimed 1989 Original Video Animation (OVA) from the perspective of Christina “Chris” MacKenzie, offering new insights into the narrative surrounding the Gundam Alex and the events on Side 6. Kadokawa released the manga’s fourth compiled book volume in December 2023.
The original Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket OVA is renowned for its grounded and often tragic portrayal of war, focusing on the personal experiences of characters rather than grand-scale battles. It introduced a different facet to the Universal Century timeline, distinguishing itself from other Gundam entries by not featuring prominent characters like Amuro Ray or Char Aznable. Tamakoshi’s manga adaptation continues to explore this poignant story, further enriching the beloved Gundam universe for its dedicated fanbase.
