Rediscovering Mobile Suit Gundam – The Origin: A Mecha Masterpiece

Let’s face it: almost everyone has heard of Gundam, even if just by name. Synonymous with a wave of iconic merchandise and figurines, Gundam stands as one of the most emblematic mecha franchises. While less mainstream in France, it is a cultural cornerstone in Japan, beginning in 1979 with the seminal anime Mobile Suit Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino. The series redefined the mecha genre and birthed a universe that continues to captivate fans.

Since its debut, countless Gundam series and films have been released, drawing new audiences through streaming platforms and manga editions. Enter the deluxe reissue of Mobile Suit Gundam – The Origin, adapted directly from the original anime by mangaka Yoshikazu Yasuhiko. Published by Vega-Dupuis, this beautifully crafted edition offers the perfect gateway into the legendary mecha saga.

The Origins of a Mecha Icon

The manga was serialized between 2001 and 2011 in Gundam Ace, a magazine dedicated exclusively to the franchise. Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, a seasoned artist and character designer for the original anime, helmed this adaptation. In France, the series was first published by Pika in 24 volumes, including a complementary tome, until 2018.

Now, Vega-Dupuis has reintroduced this epic in a deluxe edition, condensed into 12 volumes. This monumental release celebrates the franchise’s pivotal role in pioneering the "real robot" subgenre, where mechs are portrayed as militarized vehicles piloted from within.

A Mecha at War

Mobile Suit Gundam is a gripping space opera set in a future where humanity has colonized space. Despite this expansion, divisions remain. The colony Side 3 declares independence as the Principality of Zeon, sparking war with the Earth Federation and its allied colonies. The two factions clash using advanced mobile suits—mechs designed for combat.

The story begins in Universal Century 79, in the neutral colony Side 7. The conflict erupts when Zeon soldiers infiltrate the colony to investigate a secret military project: the revolutionary Gundam mobile suit. Amid the chaos, young Amuro Ray, a brilliant civilian, accidentally pilots the Gundam to defend himself, marking the start of his reluctant journey as a soldier.

Yasuhiko’s sharp, modernized artwork respects the original anime’s design while delivering an immersive war narrative where the Gundam is less a hero and more a devastating weapon.

Man and Machine

This first volume chronicles the dramatic meeting between Amuro and the Gundam, as the young protagonist fights to survive in a ruined colony. The survivors’ desperate flight aboard the Federation’s powerful warship, the White Base, sets the stage for an intense narrative.

The series captures the gravity of war from multiple perspectives, including those of Zeon’s charismatic antagonist, Char Aznable, known as the Red Comet. His enigmatic presence and combat prowess terrify Federation soldiers, establishing him as one of the franchise’s most compelling figures. Flashbacks to Char’s youth enrich his character, while his masked appearance adds an aura of menace and intrigue.

Amuro, meanwhile, is a precursor to Evangelion’s Shinji—fragile yet driven by instinct. Far from being a typical hero, he struggles under the military’s authority, embodied by the stern Lieutenant Bright. The tension between these flawed characters adds depth to the story, making it as much about human conflict as mecha battles.

A Flamboyant Mecha

Vega-Dupuis has done justice to this classic with a deluxe hardcover edition featuring high-quality paper. Comprising 12 double volumes, this edition costs €29 each—a reasonable price compared to similar reissues of iconic manga, like Panini’s deluxe edition of Lone Wolf and Cub at €32.

Yasuhiko’s art balances old-school charm with modern dynamism. The action sequences are meticulously composed, with dramatic depictions of mechs, spaceships, and war-torn landscapes. These visuals enhance the emotional weight of the narrative, making the series accessible even to newcomers unfamiliar with the 1979 anime.

A Must-Have for Mecha Fans

This deluxe reissue of Mobile Suit Gundam – The Origin is a spectacular starting point for exploring a franchise that revolutionized the mecha genre. Volume 1 plunges readers into the chaos of war, featuring unforgettable moments like Amuro’s first encounter with the Gundam, his battle with Char Aznable, and the series’ epic tone that resonates across every page.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this timeless masterpiece, which continues to influence the genre and captivate audiences worldwide.

Want to dive deeper into the Gundam universe? Check out a podcast with French Gundam expert Pink Platypus here, or explore our article on Gundam Seed, another beloved installment in the Gundam saga.