The long-running Gundam series has been the key robot combat saga in the world of anime for the past twenty years, and its reign appears to be far from over.  A new series, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed bows in Japan in October, while G-Gundam, which ran for 49 episodes in Japan in 1994 and 1995 makes its American debut on the Cartoon Network on Monday, August 5 during the network's highly rated afternoon Toonami block.  With books from Viz (see 'Viz To Publish Gundam Trades'), manga from Tokyopop (see 'Tokyopop Plans Major Manga Expansion'), an RPG from R. Talsorian (see 'R. Talsorian To Do Gundam RPG'), DVDs from Bandai Entertainment (see 'Bandai's New Anime Acquisitions') and a mammoth line of toys from Bandai America  (see 'Bandai Expands Anime Collector Sets'), Gundam has the potential to become as important in the U.S. anime market as it is in Japan.

The fact that there is yet another new Gundam series starting in Japan indicates that the property has not yet run its course in Japan.  The number of Gundam TV episodes available could eventually top even the endless Dragon Ball saga -- and this means the property will be able to run longer on voracious outlets like the Cartoon Network (with its daily scheduling) before episodes have to be repeated.  Each new Gundam series also introduces new toys -- there are 10 new Gundam type mechas in the new Gundam Seed series, and these new figures help keep the toy line fresh.  Kunio Okawara from the original MS Gundam series and Kimitoshi Yamane of Cowboy Bebop fame bring their expertise to the new series as mecha designers.