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Just
Communication . . .:
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
Mixx
Manga/Tokyopop Graphic Novels Volumes 1-3 Review by:
Troy
Brownfield
Art
by: Koichi Tokita
From
a story by: Hajime Yadate & Yoshiyuki Tomino
For more on these items: www.tokyopop.com
For more on Gundam: www.bandai-ent.com,
www.gundamofficial.com
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Review
Foreward: If you're unaware, Gundam is the wildly popular
phenomenon from Japan. Spread out over more than a dozen TV
series and movies, the basic Gundam premise is that of young
pilots commanding massive robotic Mobile Suits to fight for
freedom in a variety of situations. This particular storyline,
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, is presented in anime form
in the 49-episode series of the same name, and finishes in
the 3-episode Endless Waltz. This set of three Gundam
Wing graphic novels in a manga adaptation of the 49-episode
series, and was originally presented in twelve monthly issues
from Mixx Manga and Tokyopop.
I know
you've heard of Gundam Wing. Gundam may have been huge
for years in Japan, but it wasn't until recently that the
whole deal caught fire in the States. That's largely due to
Cartoon Network picking up the mid-'90s series Gundam Wing
for its Toonami block of programming. Set in a timeline distinct
from the other Gundam series, Gundam Wing had the luxury
of being both familiar and able to innovate in terms of plot
and characters. The philosophical dialogue of the series,
coupled with amazing anime and full-on action, told a fast-paced,
engrossing story that cut across demographic lines. Now, manga
fans get a special treat in this adaptation. Covering the
length of the series, this three volume set features fantastic
black & white work by Koichi Tokita.
The most
impressive thing about this manga is how effortlessly it seems
to capture the look and nuances of the Gundam Wing
anime. You'd almost believe that the animation team simply
copied their work into print form; it's that close. Also,
the absence of color works very well here, as we see how strong
the characters and concepts are when pared to their essence.
My only
negative reaction is actually a lopsided positive: the manga
simply goes by too quickly. I found myself wanting a bit more
depth and a bit more length. However, that's only a compliment
to both the show and the page, as both are so entertaining
as to demand more attention.
The manga
version of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is something that
fans of the series will want to embrace, and it might even
bring over new fans from the comics community. The volumes
are priced fairly, and are generally available in comic shops
and online. For the die-hard or the casual observer, I'd say
it's certainly worth your time.
Troy
Brownfield is the Editor-in-Chief of Shotgun Reviews. He's
also watched a LOT of Gundam. Email him at psikotyk@aol.com
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