One of the Best Gundam Series Is Returning (But Not How You Expect)

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After a prolonged delay due to unfortunate circumstances, the manga adaptation of one of the top Gundam series is back on track again. Starting in 2021, manga author Hiroyuki Tamakoshi began adapting the 1989 miniseries “Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket.” Unlike the original protagonists Al and Bernie, this new series is told from Chris’ point of view. In September 2022, Tamakoshi revealed that he had stage 3 cancer and started chemotherapy, causing a brief pause in the War in the Pocket production. The manga resumed in May 2023 but was once more put on hold in December 2023 as Tamakoshi focused on his recovery.

Last December, it was disclosed that the author’s liver cancer had recurred, leading him to undergo a third surgery in January. He recently shared on platform X (previously known as Twitter) that additional cancer cells were discovered in his liver. Tamakoshi is now preparing for another round of chemotherapy. Despite this, a new chapter for the “War in the Pocket” manga was published in the Gundam Ace magazine on June 26, signaling the series’ comeback for a three-chapter serialization. Tamakoshi has assured his fans on X that he is still writing manuscripts for “War in the Pocket” and another manga, “The AV Actress with One Year Left to Live,” while undergoing chemotherapy. A note within Gundam Ace indicates that he has already prepared three chapters for release.

Gundam War in the Pocket Is One of the Franchise’s Best

【Message Reported】 Cancer cells have been detected in the liver again, so I will continue with additional chemotherapy treatment. I’ll keep you updated on the progress as much as possible. If there is enough stock, I will announce it whenever ready. I look forward to your continued support for “The War within Gundam Pocket” and “A Year Left with AV Actress”. Thank you.

— 玉越博幸 (@H_tamakoshi) June 28, 2025

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket presents the most heartfelt anti-war statement within the franchise, unfolding during the One Year War from the initial series. The original OVA miniseries centers around a young boy named Al, who resided in a tranquil space colony, distant from the hostilities. With an affinity for combat and brutality, the war unexpectedly encroaches upon his peaceful sanctuary when hostile Zeon troops invade his colony to demolish a cutting-edge mobile suit. In the ensuing events, Al develops a friendship with a young Zeon soldier, fostering a unique bond between them as they collaborate to find the advanced mobile suit.

The miniseries stands out as one of Gundam’s finest productions, with a heartfelt narrative exploring themes of childhood purity and brotherhood. The bond between the two leading male characters is touching, making their sad fate even more poignant. In this series, Chris is introduced as the female test pilot for the clandestine Gundam, marking her as the first major female Gundam pilot. Despite having limited screen time in the original show, Chris has left a lasting impression on Gundam fans. Her distinctive red hair would later inspire the appearance of female protagonists in series like Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. Chris takes center stage in the War in the Pocket manga, providing an engaging reinterpretation of the classic anime, filling gaps left by the original series, particularly delving into Chris’s background.

Hiroyuki Tamakoshi is a renowned Japanese comic artist, primarily recognized for his extensive anthology series titled “Boys Be…” which ran from 1991 to 2001. Despite battling cancer and receiving chemotherapy, he remains committed to his work, expressing optimism about resuming the manga within a year. However, we fervently wish that he is not overexerting himself during this period of illness and instead focuses on recovering well. We wholeheartedly hope for a swift recovery for Tamakoshi and that his health takes precedence over completing “War in the Pocket“.

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2025-07-12 06:09