Gundam 0080: War in your pocket

Introduction

In 1989, the animation studio Sunrise, in collaboration with the toy company Bandai, created a series that would mark a crucial moment in the history of Gundam. “Gundam 0080: War in Your Pocket” was created to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Gundam franchise, founded by Yoshiyuki Tomino in 1979.

Direction and Production

For the first time in the history of the franchise, direction has been entrusted to someone other than its creator, Yoshiyuki Tomino. Fumihiko Takayama, known for his work on Orguss 02 and WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3, has taken the reins of the series. The screenplay was written by Hiroyuki Yamaga, with a scenario by Kasuga Yuki, while the character designs were handled by Haruhiko Mikimoto.

History

“Gundam 0080: War in Your Pocket” is a parallel story to the main Gundam universe, set in the fictional era of the “Universal Century”. The series takes place in the final days of the “One Year War” between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. But, unlike the epic battles and indomitable heroes that often populate the world of Gundam, this story is an intimate and poignant portrait of war seen through the eyes of a child and a young soldier.

What the series is about?

In Universal Year 0079, Zeon Intelligence discovers that the Federation is developing a prototype Gundam at an Arctic base. An elite Zeon commando team is sent to destroy the prototype, but fails when the Gundam is launched into space. The Gundam reappears at a Federation research base in the neutral space colony Side 6, prompting Zeon to launch a covert operation to destroy it.

Characters

Bernard “Bernie” Wiseman is a young Zeon recruit who survives the failed attack and finds himself trapped in the colony. There, he meets Alfred “Al” Izuruha, an elementary school boy fascinated by the romantic idea of ​​war, and Al's neighbor, Christina “Chris” Mackenzie, who is actually the Gundam's test pilot. Bernie and Al form a deep friendship, while Bernie develops an infatuation with Chris, unaware of his true identity.

The Dilemma

As time passes, Bernie learns that Zeon will destroy Side 6 with a nuclear weapon if they fail to destroy the Gundam. Feeling trapped in a corner, Bernie decides to take on the Gundam to save the colony. Chris, believing the colony is under Zeon attack, pilots the Gundam to defend it. The two clash in a devastating battle inside the station, culminating in the destruction of Bernie's mobile suit and Al's horrifying realization that war isn't "cool" at all.

In the finale, Chris, unaware that she has killed Bernie, tells Al that she is leaving Side 6 and asks him to say goodbye to Bernie for her. Al, too pained to reveal the truth, agrees. The series ends with a school assembly in which the principal talks about the effects of the war. Al, remembering his time with Bernie, begins to cry uncontrollably, while his friends, misunderstanding his pain, try to reassure him that there will be another "cool" war soon.

Reflections

“Gundam 0080: War in Your Pocket” is a story of growth and loss, exploring the complexity of war and innocence through well-developed characters and an engaging plot. It's a unique chapter in the Gundam franchise, offering a more human and poignant perspective on the cost of war.

Distribution and Formats

Originally, the series was released in Japan in VHS and Laser Disc formats as a six-part original video animation series, between March 25 and August 25, 1989. Bandai Visual later re-released the series in various formats, including a set of Blu-ray in 2017.

Launch in North America

In the United States, distribution was handled by Bandai Entertainment with dubbing produced by Animaze. After several release date changes, the series was finally released in two DVD volumes between February 19 and April 23, 2002. It also aired on Cartoon Network, first in the Toonami Midnight Run block and then in the Adult Swim block.

Subsequent editions

After the closure of Bandai Entertainment in 2012, domestic distribution of the video was discontinued. However, in 2016, Right Stuf announced a new DVD edition in collaboration with Sunrise, which was actually released in early 2017.

Conclusion

“Gundam 0080: War in Your Pocket” remains a point of reference in the world of Japanese animation, not only as a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Gundam franchise, but also as a work that expanded the boundaries of the series, thanks to the introduction of new talents in directing and screenwriting. With various editions and releases, both in Japan and North America, the series continues to be a must-see classic for anime fans.

Data Sheet

General informations

• Gender: Military science fiction, Action, Drama
• Format: Original Video Animation (OVA)
• Episodes: 6
• Exit date: From March 25, 1989 to August 25, 1989

Production Staff

• Regia: Fumihiko Takayama
• Production:
  • Kenji Uchida
  • Minoru Takanashi
• Film script: Hiroyuki Yamaga
• Screenwriting: Kasuga Yuki
• Music: Tetsurou Kashibuchi
• Animation Studio: Sunrise
• Distribution in North America: Sunrise/Right Stuf

Manga adaptations

First version

• Written by: Shigeto Ikehara
• Published by: Kodansha
• Magazine: Comic BomBom
• Demography: Children
• Publication Period: From April 1989 to August 1989

Second Version

• Written by: Hiroyuki Tamakoshi
• Published by: Kadokawa Shoten
• Magazine: Gundam Ace
• Demography: Shōnen
• Publication Period: From June 26, 2021 to today