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Studio Ghibli stands as an iconic studio in the world of animation, delivering stunning films that have left an indelible mark on global audiences and the anime industry itself. Although the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki has often addressed his ambivalent feelings about mainstream anime and the culture surrounding it, he still approaches the industry with a level of respect and rivalry that mirrors his own standards.

Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro | Credit: Studio Ghibli

This year, Hayao Miyazaki’s son revealed how his father regards other animators, including those working on popular series like One Piece as worthy rivals; regardless of their age or standing. His statement hints at the complex relationship Hayao Miyazaki has with both his industry peers and the larger anime landscape.

Goro Miyazaki’s Statement on His Father’s Relentless Work Ethic

In 2024, Studio Ghibli received the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes International Film Festival,...

After the success of the “Mobile Suit Gundam” trilogy, fans were clamouring for more. Two sequels, “Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam” in 1985 and “Mobile Suit Gundam Zz” in 1986, followed and featured many of the original series’ characters in supporting roles. Yet there was a definite desire to see one last big showdown between rivals Amuro Ray and Char Aznable. Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino more than delivered in “Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack” which was also the first fully original film in the franchise.

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It has been fourteen years since the One Year War that saw the Earth Federation fight off the invading forces of the Principality of Zeon. Key in that victory were the efforts of Amuro Ray and the advanced Gundam mobile suit. Now Zeon have risen again with Char Aznable at the head and a sinister plot to destroy Earth itself.

Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, Gundam is an internationally renowned franchise spanning 83 animated series and movies. Its toy and retail business are huge, with the Gundam franchise generating over $600 million annually.

The original franchise launched with 1979’s anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, and is considered the pioneer of the giant-robot mecha genre. The series is set in the Universal Century, a future where humanity has colonized space. A rebellion erupts between Earth and its colonies, with the conflict fought by pilots in giant, mechanized suits known as mobile suits.

A live-action adaptation of the series is in the works, with Jim Mickle attached to write and direct. Production is slated to begin in early 2025, though plot details remain undisclosed.

The order for watching the Gundam franchise follows the Universal Century timeline.

When the news of The Boy and The Heron’s release first came out, Hayao Miyazaki fans and film enthusiasts were equally excited to watch the spectacle in theaters. Without aggressive marketing, the film garnered a lot of attention as Miyazaki’s supposed last film. However, the hype didn’t translate well into the reception of the film. It got mixed reviews and some fans and critics even call it Miyazaki’s worst film so far.

Mahito | Credits: Studio Ghibli

The Boy and The Heron is undeniably flawed, but it’s far from the worst. As an experience, the film is definitely a visual delight and a must-watch. So what led to the negative reception and why the film deserves better than the poor ratings it received?

The General Discourse Around The Boy and The Heron

Having led Studio Ghibli for more than 30 years, Hayao Miyazaki has created numerous films...

Deadline reports that Sweet Tooth showrunner Jim Mickle has been tapped to write and direct the live-action adaptation of Gundam, which is being co-developed by Legendary and Bandai Namco Filmworks.

Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise, Gundam has been described as a space opera depicting a battle waged between massive mechs and armies of space colonies fighting for independence from Earth. The Gundam franchise has grown into a juggernaut over the decades, with dozens of TV shows, video games, manga, and much more.

Now, you may recall that this isn’t the first time Hollywood has attempted to get a live-action Gundam movie off the ground. It was announced in 2021 that Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island) was working on a Gundam movie for Netflix and he seemed quite pumped about the project. Some concept art was even released showcasing one of the giant mechs, but Deadline’s report states that...

Legendary has closed a deal for Jim Mickle to write and direct a live-action adaptation of “Gundam,” co-developed between Legendary and Bandai Namco Filmworks, the company announced on Thursday. Mickle will also produce with his partner Linda Moran through their company Nightshade.

One of the most revered animé, “Gundam” is thought of as the Star Wars or Marvel Universe of Japan, and is the pioneer of the mecha genre of IP. The plot is currently under wraps, but the film is looking to start production in early 2025.

Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, “Gundam” is an internationally renowned franchise spanning 83 animated series and movies. Its toy and retail business are huge, with the Gundam franchise generating over $600 million annually. This will be its first live-action film.

Most recently Mickle was director, showrunner, and writer of Netflix’s acclaimed series “Sweet Tooth,” based on Jeff Lemire’s Vertigo comic and co-produced with Team Downey.

It's been six years since Legendary and Sunrise/Bandai Namco Filmworks teamed up to announce a Hollywood live-action Mobile Suit Gundam film. Now Sweet Tooth showrunner Jim Mickle is being brought on board to write and direct.  In addition to those duties, Mickle will produce the film along with his partner Linda Moran and their Nightshade company. While little is known about the story, the live-action Gundam film is reportedly hoping to start production in early 2025. Related: Sunrise and Legendary Co-Launch Gundam Live-Action Film Project Prior to this update, the Gundam movie had Legendary and Bandai Namco working with Netflix with director Jordan Vogt-Robers ( Kong: Skull Island ) at the helm.  Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the Mobile Suit Gundam series started with the 1979 TV anime , which is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll. Synopsis: Universal Century 0079. The rebel space colonies of the Principality of Zeon launch a war of independence against the Earth Federation,...

Exclusive: Sweet Tooth showrunner Jim Mickle is coming on to write and direct a live-action adaptation of Gundam, which has been co-developed between Legendary and Bandai Namco Filmworks. Mickle will also produce with his partner Linda Moran through their company Nightshade.

One of the most revered animé, Gundam is thought of as the Star Wars or Marvel Universe of Japan, and is the pioneer of the mecha genre of IP. The plot is currently under wraps, but the film is looking to start production in early 2025.

Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, Gundam is an internationally renowned franchise spanning 83 animated series and movies. Its toy and retail business are huge, with the Gundam franchise generating over $600 million annually. This will be its first live-action film.

Legendary has been high on this priority for some time and one point was working on a movie with Netflix and Jordan Vogt-Roberts but both the streamer...

In the age of franchise, Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Gundam series would be considered one of the greatest series that has been going strong since 1979. The Mecha franchise has expanded over these years, giving birth to several series that have helped it to remain popular, even after all these years. As a result, the series has stood the test of time, becoming one of those few names that the fans just can’t get enough of.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Unicorn. Credits: Nippon Sunrise

Another project that rivals the anime franchise’s popularity is George Lucas’ sci-fi franchise, Star Wars, which tells the age-old skirmish between the Jedis and the Siths set in a galaxy far, far away. Though the recent additions have not shown love, the original six films were showered with it, establishing it to be a series that appealed to multi-generational fans.

However, Tomino-Sensei had some big words to say to the sci-fi franchise.

Inuyasha remains a cherished classic and a nostalgic favorite for anime fans. Long before the Isekai genre dominated anime, Inuyasha was a pioneering classic that helped bring this genre into the spotlight. Following Inuyasha‘s immense success and popularity, Rumiko Takahashi created a name for herself in the community.

Inuyasha and Kagome | Credits: Studio Sunrise

Despite its popularity, Takahashi often finds herself centered around controversies and some narrative flaws from the fandom. Indeed, Inuyasha is full of questionable plotlines or qualities that viewers may have either noticed immediately or overlooked. Though widely celebrated for creating Inuyasha, Takahashi once revealed the major adjustments they had to navigate while working on the manga series.

Inuyasha‘s Creator Shares the Toughest Hurdle They Faced

Inuyasha, for the lack of better words, is one of the Og isekai anime that has transformed numerous individuals into anime enthusiasts. The story is jam-packed with action and adventure,...

Hayao Miyazaki often reflects on his own life and values through his films and The Boy and The Heron was no exception. If anything, it was the most accurate to his grief and sentiments surrounding his mother’s death, whom he was incredibly close to, and his distaste for his father’s contribution to Japan’s part in World War II. Despite the personal nuance and a clear anti-war sentiment, China has claimed The Boy and The Heron is a hypocritical film that doesn’t match what Miyazaki has claimed about war so many times in his life.

Mahito releasing a Warawara in The Boy and The Heron. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

The concerns emerging from China about The Boy and The Heron are valid and have some fruit to them due to the movie’s lack of focus on the war. Many reviews said that the plot was rather disconnected and confusing.

The overall feel of any anime or manga series is decided by the way it concludes the story. The ending is a crucial part of any series or movie, and it makes or breaks the success of the art form. A similar thing happened with Rumiko Takahashi’s Inuyasha. While Inuyasha is one of the most prominent anime series of the 90s, some fans are to this day disappointed by its ending.

Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi | Credit: Studio Sunrise

Although the narrative majorly focused on fantasy and adventure, fans expected the series to have a sad ending considering the different parts of the stories. However, these expectations could not be fulfilled as Takahashi decided to go with a happy ending that, according to her, justified the overall structure of the story.

Thus, fans were not at all satisfied with how things ended and majorly blamed Takahashi. The mangaka then decided...

The adventure continues. After the massive success of the first “Mobile Suit Gundam” movie, it was near inevitable that more would follow and five months after the first film, “Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow” was released. In Another compilation of Yoshiyuki Tomino‘s original Mobile Suit Gundam series, there is a clear intention by Tomino to streamline and refine that original series.

Gundam II is screening as part of Ax Cinema Nights

Having survived against the formidable Commander Char Aznable, the crew of White Base make their way to the safety of the Earth Federation’s secret base. Still pursued by agents of the Principality of Zeon, they need to rely on all their skills. The pressure is also mounting for Amuro Ray, pilot of the Federation’s experimental mobile suit, who must face what it truly means to be a soldier.

As another compilation film, covering episodes 16-30 of the original anime,...

Yoshiyuki Tomino is one of the celebrated pioneers of the mecha genre along with Go Nagai. His series, Mobile Suit Gundam, stands as a revolutionary anime. This is especially true with its commentary on war and society. The series is also among the trailblazing anime that shaped the mecha genre. That isn’t all considering his contribution to shaping the trailblazing genre of Isekai.

Robot Design in a still from the Gundam series | Credit: Nippon Sunrise

Apart from revolutionizing the mecha genre, Tomino created the first modern Isekai anime. As a pioneer anime fusing mecha and fantasy, the series is a trailblazer nonetheless. What is even more interesting is that very few people are unacquainted with the series. More so when it comes to a genre like this. On top of that, both series project the themes of anti-war and demilitarization.

Yoshiyuki Tomino laid the foundation for the Isekai genre

In layman’s terms,...

Hayao Miyazaki, the director responsible for many of our favorite anime films, is a one-of-a-kind visionary in the industry. His Studio Ghibli movies are in a league of their own with works like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbour Totoro, dominating the anime film genre. More recently, he directed The Boy and The Heron, a work inspired by his own life and the process of grieving his mother. His career is filled with great moments with little left to explore.

Hayao Miyazaki. [Credit: Oscars YouTube channel]

Studio Ghibli was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or at the Grand Théâtre Lumière in May 2024. Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Goro Miyazaki, accepted the award on behalf of the studio as its creative development head and had a few words to say on the meaning behind winning this and the future of Studio Ghibli. He essentially expressed his father’s thoughts that winning this...

Roughly corresponding to the episodes 31-43 of the first Gundam TV series, “Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space” is among the most dramatic parts of the story, in another epic space film.

Gundam III is screening October 23&27, as past of Ax Cinema Nights

Continuing exactly from where the second movie finished, White Base launched off from Jaburo having changed the tide of the war on Earth, and now head towards space. The Earth Federation is starting to take new type humanoids more seriously, considering the successes White Base had, but eventually decide to use them as a decoy, in order for the Zeon Forces to go after them. In the meantime, the feud between Amuro and Char continues, despite the fact that the former seems to hold an advantage due to his Gundam. In the meantime, the presence of the New Types continues to complicate things, while a number...

Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance is a 2024 animated series released on Netflix, which adds to the vast library of the Japanese Gundam franchise, originally created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise. The series, consisting of six episodes, is set on Earth during the Revolutionary Wars, also known as the One Year War. The plot follows Iria Solari, a skilled pilot in the Red Wolves division of the Principality of Zeon, who have captured the European front and must fight back their enemies, the Earth Federation Forces, particularly their devastating new mobile suit Gundam. While most of the series follows a certain plot, with the protagonist having a very specific pursuit, the strange twist in the end has left many fans of the franchise quite stumped and disappointed.

Spoiler Alert

What is the Netflix animated series about?

Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance begins on November 6th, in the year U.C. 0079, clearly set in...

Where there is rivalry, there is bound to be sportsmanship as well. This extends to the anime industry as well. Of all the mecha anime, Gundam is a cult-popular series in most aspects. From its robots to profound storytelling, the series holds relevance to this date. What’s more interesting is the creator’s approach to the rivalry.

Kou Uraki in a still from the series | Credit: Nippon Sunrise

Yoshiyuki Tomino has a unique take on rivalry and competition. Despite deeming Hayao Miyazaki as his enemy, he reveres him. This is clear in his defense of the Ghibli founder in an interview. This statement reflects the sportsmanship and healthy competition among the artists.

Gundam creator’s rivalry with Hayao Miyazaki

Gundam is one of the finest and most revolutionary mecha series created by Yoshiyuki Tomino. From its robot designs to its anti-war stance, the series is truly avant-garde. Like its predecessors,...

Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of the famous Gundam series, has always stuck to his craft. Gundam has been the greatest in the mecha genre of anime, with very few rivals. He is a mastermind in his own right and many fans are grateful to him for creating Gundam. However, despite his long and celebrated career, he has his own doubts about his artistic abilities. Tomino’s decision to remain loyal to Sunrise, the studio where Gundam was created, is due to his insecurity about not being on equal grounds with other artists in the anime industry.

Space Runaway Ideon. [Credit: Nippon Sunrise]

The creator becomes vulnerable about his journey in the anime industry and reveals why he has never left Sunrise, despite being one of its biggest icons. He doesn’t mince his words around his thoughts about the industry and his rivals, particularly about Hayao Miyazaki. He also discusses the philosophical aspects of Gundam.

The recent spike in One Piece’s popularity is extraordinary. From fans to renowned figures of the anime industry like Takehiko Inoue and Yoshiyuki Tomino, many sing praises for Eiichiro Oda’s exceptional skills as a mangaka. It’s not common for those in the manga industry to openly criticize their contemporaries, and an exception to this norm is Hiroya Oku, the creator of Inuyashiki and Gantz.

A still from Inuyashiki: Last Hero | Credits: Studio Mappa

The creator has been quite vocal about his hate for One Piece, and he is seemingly proud of it, too. He never misses an opportunity to engage in some Oda and Op slander. Sometimes, he takes it too far by incorporating it into his works as well.

Hiroya Oku’s Hate for One Piece And the Frequent Reminders of It Hiro asks the girl her favorite manga | Credits: Studio Mappa

Inuyashiki is a fairly...

Having dabbled in various roles in the anime-manga industry, Yoshikazu Yasuhiko commands respect from everyone who has ever crossed paths with the Gundam series. Gundam is one of the most influential anime series of all time and enjoys widespread popularity. Yasuhiko has worked on Gundam as the animation director as well as the mangaka of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin | Credits: Studio Sunrise

After all these active years in the industry, the man has seen the evolution the industry has undergone. His words reflect the experience he has gained over the years. Besides Gundam, Yasuhiko has worked on numerous projects but he doesn’t feel positively about all his works, as he shared during an interview.

Yoshikazu Yasuhiko Calls his Own Works Unacceptable A still from a fighting sequence in Gundam | Credits: Nippon Sunrise

Some of the notable works Yasuhiko has worked on are Venus Wars,...

Every fan of the Gundam series has their unique ranking of the different shows that are a part of the franchise. Still, there are some shows that are equally favored by fans across the board. Yoshiyuki Tomino’s comeback to the Gundam franchise with Turn A Gundam falls under the same category.

A still from Turn A Gundam | Credits: Studio Sunrise

Despite being evidently different from its predecessors, Turn A has a special appeal that draws fans in. There are numerous reasons behind the particularly positive reception of the series. However, hearing Tomino’s thoughts tells us that the director’s bold vision was the primary reason. Tomino delved into the idea behind the show during an interview.

Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Vision Behind Turn A Gundam A still from the fighting sequence in Turn A Gundam | Credits: Studio Sunrise

First released in 1999 and listed with around 50 episodes, Turn A Gundam...

The Gundam.info official YouTube channel has started streaming a pre-show video for Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom , a new interactive virtual reality movie based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. The movie's story is set in 0096 U.C. (Universal Century), around the same time as Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn . The video explains the history of the Universal Century world from the One Year War (0079-0080) to the Second Neo Zeon War (0093), as well as the introduction of the prorogue of the Silver Phantom story. And a 30-minute special program for the movie was streamed on September 29. The program features Shoko Nakagawa , who performs the theme song "Across The World." Additionally, exclusive interview footage with key staff members, such as director Kenichi Suzuki , scriptwriter Ryoji Sekinishi , and composer Yoshiya Ikeda , are included. Additionally, the movie's original soundtrack album., composed by Yoshiya Ikeda ( Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger ) will be available digitally first on...

Ever since Gorō Taniguchi’s Code Geass came out in 2006, anime fans have found an uncanny resemblance between the series and the prominent series Mobile Suit Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino that started in 1979. Be it the characters of the series or the narrative, Code Geass feels like it has drawn inspiration from the science fiction series and followed in similar footsteps.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion | Credit: Studio Sunrise

Although the theme and the base storyline of the two series are completely different, certain elements and characters of Code Geass draw parallels with Mobile Suit Gundam. Even the dynamics between Lelouch and Suzaku felt like a varied representation of Gundam’s protagonists, Amuro Ray and Char.

However, last year Taniguchi made a major revelation and put an end to the discourse about Code Geass and Gundam’s similarities. He also revealed the difference between Lelouch and Amuro’s characters.

Today’s day and age is seeing some of the most artistic mangakas like Gege Akutami and Takeru Hokazono. The rising age of manga sees unique designs that may compare to those who came before them but also mark an entirely new era of what is to come. Whether it was with regard to Kentaro Miura’s detailed art to Takehiko Inoue’s realism, manga offers it all.

Toji Fushiguro | Credit: Mappa

In the same spectrum comes the world of anime and animation. These artists and their creativity are brought to life by the hands of some of the most talented people within the industry. As the world of anime continues to expand, so will the possibilities that come with it. Hayao Miyazaki is the beacon of a lot of that hope.

Hayao Miyazaki is the Benchmark

2024 marks a big year for anyone who was a fan of anime and manga.

The official website for Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom , a new interactive virtual reality movie based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, today announced Japanese dub voice cast members for the eight main characters. Protagonist (male) voiced by Yuuki Shin (Iharu Furuhashi in Kaiju No.8 ) Protagonist (female) voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki (Anya Forger in Spy x Faimily ) Babia Lena voiced by Mariya Ise (Killua Zoldyck in Hunter × Hunter ) Fixzi Fix voiced by Yuki Kaji (Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan ) Haro voiced by Ryo Hirohashi (Alice Carroll in Aria The Animation ) Azami Meggineh voiced by Kikuko Inoue (Mirellia Q. Melromarc in The Rising of the Shield Hero ) Joff Idiy voiced by Hiroya Egashira (Carter in A Sign of Affection ) Mabel Lena voiced by Yukari Oribe (Ayano Watanabe in Squid Girl ) Japanese Trailer Comments from Yuuki Shin (protagonist - male): I am very happy to have had the opportunity...

Gundam has truly become a cultural phenomenon at this point, cementing itself as a generational sensation in Japanese pop culture history. It also pioneered the whole mecha genre since its very first appearance, setting up the definition of Mecha for decades to come.

Suletta Mercury from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury | Credits: Studio Sunrise

However, there’s one question still remains that fans might be wondering about. While already having the original TV series, what exactly was the need for the addition of all the movies and alternative storylines in the franchise? To say the truth, there was more to commercial success and public demand than meets the eye.

The TV Animation Was a Rather Simplified Version, Showing Both Sides Of a War A still from the Gundam series | Credits: Studio Sunrise

In an intriguing interview, Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Gundam himself, explained that he wanted to...

Yoshiyuki Tomino has always been straightforward with his answers. He never felt shy about answering something related to the Gundam franchise or the anime and manga industry. The 82-year-old mangaka created the first Gundam anime in 1979, which has turned into a multi-billion dollar franchise. People are massive fans of his works, but not so much of his words.

The anime and manga industry has changed for the good. It has gone mainstream and has attracted millions of overseas viewers. With digitalization’s help, manga artists can design their characters using computer graphics. Being a mangaka of the older generation, Tomino is dead against computers taking over hand-drawn characters.

Yoshiyuki Tomino Is Not A Fan Of Computer Graphics Yoshiyuki Tomino “The World of Gundam” at Opening Ceremony of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival

Computer graphics has the entire anime and manga industry within its grasp. While the old generation mangaka is shifting to digitalization,...

Hayao Miyazaki’s unique outlook towards filmmaking has helped him become a 2-time Oscar winner. From the hand-drawn frames to the personal touches every single film of his gets, there is a step-by-step process of understanding and appreciating Studio Ghibli films. Once they make a place in the fans’ hearts, there is no room for their departure.

Howl’s Moving Castle | Credit: Studio Ghibli

The depiction of people in his movies is extraordinary with how they all seem so realistic and individualistic. They all have a sense of belonging and even their moral standings are depicted in such a way that regardless of their species, they all seem human and flawed. Such is the magic of a Ghibli movie, having everyone simply sit back, relax, and enjoy tales that are crafted with care.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Opinion on American Movies

During an interview with Kotaku, Hayao Miyazaki talked about American filmmaking...

Yoshiyuki Tomino is one of the greatest storytellers ever. The creator of the Gundam franchise has influenced multiple manga artists through his works and to date, remains a celebrity that people look up to. Even though his popularity extends overseas, Tomino has an infamous reputation for being too upright with his words.

The Gundam creator never sugar-coated his words and always delivered his true feelings. Hayao Miyazaki and he are from the same generation, yet he was brave enough to say that he never liked the multiple Academy Award winners. It surprised countless fans, but there is a particular reason as to why he felt such a thing.

Yoshiyuki Tomino Is Not Convinced About Hayao Miyazaki Being A Craftsman The Boy and the Heron (Credits: Studio Ghibli)

Hayao Miyazaki is known worldwide for his anime movies with Studio Ghibli. Since the 1970s, he has been actively making movies and won...

In the world of anime, there are only a few titles that have managed to leave a long-lasting impression on viewers. Yoshiyuki Tomino is often referred to as the “God of Anime” due to his significant impact on the industry. Tomino is a famous Japanese anime director, and novelist best recognized for pioneering the Gundam anime franchise.

Yoshiyuki Tomino | Credits: Dick Thomas Johnson via Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

As the creator of Mobile Suit Gundam, Tomino revolutionized mecha anime with his complex storytelling and realistic portrayal of war. Since the release of the original 1979 series, there have been countless Gundam anime series and movies, directed under Tomino’s supervision.

Following Tomino’s notable feats in the industry, the legendary mangaka recently commented on his successor’s major misstep that is holding back the franchise’s potential to reestablish its place in the anime industry.

Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Advice...

Be it power-packed battles or giant robots, the Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino is one of the iconic mecha anime of all time. The anime is popular for its futuristic visuals and depiction of realism. With mecha often reduced to stereotypes, the profound meaning and themes behind it are lost in translation.

A still from the 1979 series Gundam | Credit: Nippon Sunrise

Gundam was one of the earliest anime that shaped the mecha genre for future generations. Although the backdrop of the story is fictional, Tomino san based Char on a historical figure namely, Manfred Von Richthofen, also known as The Red Baron.

Red Comet Char’s connection to Red Baron in Yoshiyuki Tomino’s manga

Char Aznable, also known as Casval Rem Deikun originally appeared as an antagonist in Yoshiyuki Tomino‘s series Gundam (1979). As a commanding officer and later, pilot, Char excelled in combat, firearms, and the use of mobile suits.

The creator of Gundam, Yoshiyuki Tomino is famous for his eccentric personality. His straightforwardness and peculiar opinions raise eyebrows, but fans are fascinated with the way his brain works. After all, it’s the same brain that created one of the most influential anime of all time. Beyond the cool robots, Gundam takes a nuanced take on war, intergenerational differences, and human nature.

Amuro | Credits: Nippon Sunrise

While some scenes in Gundam might not make a viewer react, Tomino’s explanation is sure to do so. Tomino doesn’t shy away from voicing his controversial takes in interviews, which makes them intriguing and insightful. But sometimes, he says things that could land him in trouble.

Tomino’s Controversial Explanation of One Scene in Mobile Suit Gundam Bright hits Amuro | Credits: Nippon Sunrise

The relationship between Amuro and Bright in Gundam develops as the story progresses. Although initially, they were off to a rough start.

Yoshiyuki Tomino is a legend in the anime and manga industry. He is the creator of the Gundam franchise, which commenced in 1979. Since then, there have been countless Gundam anime series and movies, and Tomino has directed most of them. Even though he is the creator of the series, Tomino realized he should have refrained from showcasing a particular thing.

Mobile Suit Gundam featured human-controlled robots that were used to fight intergalactic wars. Yoshiyuki Tomino wanted to relay the message that wars are harmful and cause destruction. Unknowingly, he focused more on wars than the story, even though the anime was directed at children. Later, he regretted taking such a step.

Too Much Emphasis On War Led Yoshiyuki Tomino To Deviate From The Original Plan Mobile Suit Gundam (Credits: Sunrise)

Yoshiyuki Tomino created the Gundam franchise so people would learn about the true horrors of war. Instead of focusing on the inner meaning,...

Masashi Kishimoto’s artwork for Naruto held a special amount of care. Each and every character was designed carefully even if they weren’t to receive an immense amount of care. The scenes all held impact and the characters themselves were expressive no matter how significant or insignificant a sequence was. This added to the beauty of a series that told so many stories in one tale.

Naruto and Sasuke | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The artistic prowess that Kishimoto displayed contributed heavily to what his manga ultimately became. His art style was unique and his characters were even more impactful. Through his pen, he created a world so immersive that fans find themselves captivated by it for decades to come. However, one obstacle that is already obstructing his story’s legacy is also tampering with the art.

The Art of Expression

It is very important to nail the task of expressing through art.

Popularly known for Mobile Suit Gundam and an extremely straightforward personality, Yoshiyuki Tomino ranks high among the important figures in the anime industry. His creation, Gundam, can easily top the list of the most influential anime of all time. When someone of his stature says something, it’s bound to draw attention, like a list of his favorite mangaka. Not only will it draw attention, but his opinion in this case will undoubtedly surprise some Naruto Fans.

A still from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack | Credits: Studio Sunrise

That’s right! Some Naruto fans will be surprised to discover that Masashi Kishimoto was nowhere to be seen on Yoshiyuki Tomino’s list of best creators. Even though Kishimoto himself is a huge fan of Gundam.

Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Top 3 is a Shocker for Naruto Fans Uzumaki Naruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

Yoshiyuki Tomino is always honest, sometimes brutal too.

The furious clashes of towering mobile suits have thrilled Gundam fans for decades. Since the ’80s, the saga created by Yoshiyuki Tomino has piloted viewers through futuristic wars and built a devoted following with its intriguing mecha and characters. Beyond the hit TV shows, special editions, and films, Gundam has inspired in fans a desire to craft their own steel giants.

Gunpla, or Gundam plastic models, invite builders to construct customizable versions of their favorite mobile armors through assembly and painting. Like any fandom, the fun extends beyond initial viewing into participatory outlets. Now the latest entry in the long-running Gundam Breaker series lets fans engage in a new way—battling mechas of their own design within a virtual world.

Gundam Breaker 4 transports players into GB4, a simulated online arena for testing unique Gunpla in combat. As beta testers, they join the in-game community to support new recruits and unravel mysteries lurking within.

Netflix’s One Piece Live Action has broken the shackles of the anime live adaptation failures. Production houses and directors were afraid to venture into the anime live adaptations genre after the continuous failures in that genre. After One Piece’s massive success, many have found the confidence to try their luck in the mentioned category.

One of the franchises that was inspired by One Piece Live Action is Gundam. Yoshiyuki Tomino’s masterpiece is 45 years old and will have a live-action movie released soon. Even though Gundam is quite a popular franchise, following One Piece’s footsteps might not be the right thing to do. Netflix has several pros, including the financial backing, which might be difficult for Legendary to match.

Gundam Live Action Could Suffer From Recency Bias Mobile Suit Gundam (Credits: Sunrise)

Recency bias has become common in the 21st century, especially in the entertainment industry. Before One Piece Live Action,...

The Gundam series has been controversial for several reasons throughout its long history. These controversies often stem from the complex themes the franchise explores, its mature storytelling, and the way it subverts traditional anime tropes. Among them, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, released in 1985, shook the foundations of the entire anime industry.

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam | Credit: Studio Nippon Sunrise

created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, this groundbreaking series brought with it a whirlwind of controversy due to its mature and often grim subject matter; themes that anime had previously avoided. Tomino’s exploration of subjects such as child soldiers, war profiteering, the darker side of capitalism, and the moral failings of jingoism was met with both praise and ridicule, with many fans expressing their outrage over the series’ direction.

Breaking New Ground in Anime with Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam was never satisfied with sticking to...

The official website for Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom , a new interactive virtual reality movie based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, announced today that the movie is set to release simultaneously worldwide on October 4 at 2:00 Pm (Jst), October 3 at 10:00 Am (Pdt). The price for the release is 2,800 yen (17.99 Usd). Those who pre-order the movie at Meta Quest Store can purchase it for 2,500 yen (15.99 Usd). Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest 3 is required to play. The Gundam.info's official YouTube channel is now streaming a new trailer announcing the worldwide release date. Related: Virtual Reality Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom Movie Reveals Main Trailer, Visual Main visual Related: Shoko Nakagawa Sings Virtual Reality Movie Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom Theme Song The main staff members include: Planning: Sunrise Distribution: Astrea 'Mobile Suit Gundam' original concept Hajime Yatate & Yoshiyuki Tomino Director Kenichi Suzuki ( Cells at Work! ) Scriptwriter: Ryoji Sekinishi...

The current generation of anime fans won’t know this, but before the cult-like following began for anime and manga series like Naruto and One Piece, Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Gundam gathered one of the biggest fan followings. This was also the reason why the series got so many spin-offs and sequels.

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam | Credit: Nippon Sunrise

The franchise began with the release of Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979 and is still going on, with new narratives being featured in movies and TV series from the franchise. However, Gundam gathered most of its fans with the first two series, Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985).

Tomino once revealed that he had plans for making Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam one of the biggest TV series within the franchise by gathering characters from the previous show and giving the series an ‘Avengers Assemble’ vibe. While this would have certainly made a huge impact on Gundam,...

Yoshiyuki Tomino is one of the living legends of the anime and manga industry. The mangaka has been ruling the mecha genre for more than four decades. Mobile Suit Gundam was released in 1979 and has since become one of the biggest franchises in the world. Gundam has multiple series, movies, and video games, and all of them happened due to Yoshiyuki Tomino.

Even though he is one of the most celebrated figures in Japan, he believes that he made a big mistake in his younger days. His masterpiece became so popular that the fans were not ready to see him in any other role. Eiichiro Oda faced the same scenario with One Piece, where no one would accept him in a different genre.

Gundam Has Its Advantages And Disadvantages Yoshiyuki Tomino (Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Mobile Suit Gundam revolutionized the mecha genre with giant robots shooting laser blasts during intergalactic wars.

Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Gundam series has become one of the most renowned titles in the anime world and has forever revolutionized the genre, creating a unique niche in the world. The show could not get any more perfect, as it not only featured an appealing storyline blended with political uprising but also delved deeper into the horrors of war.

A still from Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Credits: Sunrise

As a result, the mangaka created a series that became infectiously popular among the people in the United States of America. While some enjoyed the gripping storyline, others were impressed because it gave them a first-hand experience of intensifying the brutality of war.

To give us a closer look at the series, Katsuyuki Sumisawa, the screenwriter of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, describes how the show has appealed to the show’s legacy, which made the show so popular even after so many years.

Yoshiyuki Tomino is famous for creating the Gundam franchise. Mobile Suit Gundam was released back in 1979, and since then, has become one of the greatest anime in the mecha genre. Unlike the modern generation mangaka, who started young, Tomino created the franchise when he was 37. The equipment was also old school, but the mangaka was comfortable.

Yoshiyuki Tomino strongly believes that the anime and manga industry will never be overtaken by artificial intelligence. According to him, humans cannot be fooled so easily, and they always want natural things. He is keeping faith in humans when it comes to AI.

AI Cannot Withstand Against Analog Drawings Yoshiyuki Tomino (Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

The Gundam creator was pretty clear with his message when he said AI is not the future of the anime and manga industry. When Tomino created Mobile Suit Gundam, he used analog line drawings since Disney-fication was still not a...

The wrongful death lawsuit filed against Disney by Jeffrey Piccolo has reportedly taken a new turn. The lawsuit made headlines when Disney’s legal team argued that the case be put in arbitration as Piccolo had signed up for a Disney Plus subscription and had bought concert tickets that have an arbitration clause.

After receiving massive backlash from fans, the company issued a statement saying that they would not pursue the arbitration angle and would go to court for a settlement. However, fans seem to be skeptical about the conglomerate’s intentions and have criticized the PR statement.

Disney Issues A PR Statement Regarding Its Wrongful Death Lawsuit The Disney Plus Logo | Credits: Disney

Things looked bleak for Disney fans earlier this week as the company reportedly brought up their right to arbitration as the victim had signed for a Disney Plus subscription and bought theme park tickets years ago.

Mobile Suit Gundam was made by hand-drawn animation and became one of the greatest anime in the mecha genre. Yoshiyuki Tomino dedicated his time to creating the perfect drafts that were later animated. Previously, there was no concept of digitalization or computer-based drawings. Everything was done manually, and if there was a mistake, it had to be redone.

Even though it was ardous to work without digitalization, Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino prefers to work manually. During an interview, he even cautioned the studios and fans about digitalizing their works. He took up the example of Disney and mentioned how their animation had drastically degraded.

Yoshiyuki Tomino Prefers The Old Way For Animation Yoshiyuki Tomino (Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Yoshiyuki Tomino is 82 years old and spends most of their time doing things manually. The concept of digitalization is still like rocket science to him. He believes that the manual representation of the...

Mobile Suit Gundam is one of the classic anime franchises ever. Yoshiyuki Tomino’s masterpiece was adapted into an anime in 1979. The children were attracted to the flying mecha-battle suits and humanoids and how they fought each other. The anime was later adapted into a popular video game series and also has several movies under its banner.

While Mobile Suit Gundam earned worldwide fame and inspired several mangakas, Yoshiyuki Tomino never wanted the series viewed as a commercial anime. There is a hidden meaning to the story, yet the viewers are only attracted to it because of the mecha-humanoids. It was more of an obsession rather than liking the plot.

Fans’ Obsession Over Mobile Suit Gundam Led Them To Overlook Its Inner Meaning Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (Credits: Sunrise)

Mobile Suit Gundam is based on a different timeline and calendar from Earth. The anime earned worldwide popularity for reinventing the mecha genre.

An intense rivalry within an anime is a potent tactic that creators often use to hook the audience and fuel a compelling storyline in the main plot. The constant clash of ideologies and skills that is often sewn together with a complicated backstory adds to the lore’s richness.

A still from Mobile Suit Gundam. Credits: Nippon Sunrise

Such was the case with Mobile Suit Gundam, where the intense rivalry between Amuro and Char would keep its fans at the edge of their seats, anticipating future confrontations between the two. Nevertheless, their raging rivalry was one of the key aspects that made the show so charismatic.

However, their rivalry often had gayness to it to a certain extent, which a ton of fans had noticed. Though some fans deny it, Yoshiyuki Tomino, the series creator, got candid about their rivalry, dropping a bombshell revelation about their vendetta and the masked emotions behind it.

The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise's official portal site Gundam.info released a main trailer and key visual today for Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom , a new interactive virtual reality movie based on the franchise. Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom Japanese Trailer Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom English Trailer Key visual The main staff members were additionally announced, and include: Planning: Sunrise Distribution: Astrea 'Mobile Suit Gundam' original concept Hajime Yatate & Yoshiyuki Tomino Director Kenichi Suzuki ( Cells at Work! ) Scriptwriter: Ryoji Sekinishi ( Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury mechanical coordinator) Character Designer: Tsukasa Kotobuki ( Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin ) Mechanical Designer: Mika Akitaka ( Mobile Suit Gundam Zz ) Music Composer: Yoshiya Ikeda Sound Director: Sadayoshi Fujino Interactive Designer: Ferdinand Dervieux Technical Artist Director: Gaël Chaize CG Animation Director: Naoki Yamamoto An Atlas Ⅴ & Bandai Namco Filmworks production Related: Shoko Nakagawa Sings Virtual Reality Movie Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom Theme Song...

The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise's official portal site Gundam.info announced on June 27 that singer/otaku idol Shoko Nakagawa sings "Across The World," the theme song for Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom , a new interactive virtual reality movie based on the franchise. This is the first time that Nakagawa has sung a song for the Gundam franchise. She says, "An unprecedented cutting-edge immersion into the Gundam world! I never thought a future like this would come! I hope that the theme song 'Across The World,' which is linked to the movie, will become a memory of your new Gundam experience." "Across The World" will be available on digital services worldwide on July 3, 2024. At Anime Expo 2024, which will be held in Los Angeles from July 4 to 6, Nakagawa will take the stage at the Gundam Special Panel to present the latest information on Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom. The movie's official X...