Since it first appeared in 1979 the Gundam series has been one of the cornerstones of science fiction anime, but like the many different Star Trek series, the various Gundam properties present viewers with a daunting challenge if they wish to fully comprehend the expansive Gundam universe, the nature of which is recounted in nine separate animated television series, eight movies, and 4 OAV releases.  To help viewers sort out all things Gundam, the staff at Animerica put together an all-Gundam issue, which they have subsequently expanded into a 128-page book, Gundam The Official Guide, which will retail for $12.95 when it appears in March.  The Guide distinguishes between the various Gundam worlds, identifies which storylines are interconnected as well as who the heroes and villains are for each series.  In addition The Official Guide provides pictures and descriptions of the important mobile suits as well as coverage of all the hottest Gundam model kits and toys.  Gundam is a most important property and Gundam: The Official Guide is a 'must-have' item for fans and collectors -- and with several Gundam series running on the Cartoon Network (see 'New Gundam Series on the Cartoon Network'), this is a volume that pop culture retailers, who deal in either anime and manga should seriously consider.

 

Gundam Wing: Episode Zero

In March Viz is also releasing this trade paperback collection of the Gundam Wing manga by Akira Kanbe and Katsuyuki Sumisawa.   This 200-page, black and white provides 'backstory' for the popular Gundam Wing series, which was produced in 1995, but was the first Gundam series to be shown on the Cartoon Network.  Gundam Wing featured a photogenic group of five young pilots who made the series a hit both in Japan and in the U.S.  Rather than recount the action of the Gundam Wing series, Gundam Wing: Episode Zero traces the troubled younger years of the Gundam Wing pilots, any one of whom endured more hardships growing up than Oliver Twist and David Copperfield combined.  The Gundam Wing manga is an interesting blend of shojo style and science fiction action.  The shojo (girl's comics) elements stem from the character design of the Gundam Wing heroes, who are all extremely good-looking.  The intriguing Gundam Wing: Episode Zero graphic novel is an excellent adjunct to the Gundam saga.  The square bound, 200-page trade paperback will retail for $16.95.