Editorial Design: GUNDAM - by Giovanni Damian

GUNDAM The origin, the evolution, the uprising of one on Japan’s most famous icons

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Anime

Anime:

the origin and what followed

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CONTENTS

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Gunpla:

a beautiful world of engineering and plastic

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Gundam:

one of the icons of the Japanese and international cultures

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4

ANIME

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MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM GUNDAM RX-78/2 The original mobile suit piloted by Amuro Ray in the first anime of the series, first published in 1979.

The original mobile suit, with its famous colours (blue, yellow, red and white), was designed by Yoshiyuki Tomiyo in 1979 and since then the first ever anime of the franchise was created. It had an enormous success in Japan, where it debuted, and then proceeded to expand its public and fanbase throughout the entire world.The series is about a semi-realistic war between two opposing realities, the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon.

Original artwork of the Gundam RX-78/2 | Yoshiyuki Tomiyo | 1978

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Anime

Mechanical structure artworks of the RX-78/2. The top one shows a more simple exoskeleton of the mobile suit, mainly made out of pistons and springs. The bottom one presents a more complicated and in-depth analisys of the mechanical structure adopted for the robot’s final design

Mobile Suit Gundam

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TOBE! GUNDAM

The opening title screen from the 1979 anime “Mobile Suit Gundam�

The RX-78/2 in the anime opening, holding its beam sword and shield | 1979

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Anime

Not your average robot-mecha anime

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation

crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces.

Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive.

On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from Zeon’s Zabi family as part of his revenge scheme. Amuro also meets ensign Lalah Sune with whom he falls in love, but accidentally kills when facing Char. When the Federation Forces

A profound and tragic story about war, its victims and its futility

Mobile Suit Gundam

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The villain who was more famous than the hero The charismatic and powerful leader of the Zeon army

A COMET PAINTED RED

Char Aznable, born Casval Rem Deikun and also gone by the name Édouard Mass, is a fictional character from the Gundam franchise. He is originally one of the main antagonists in Mobile Suit Gundam working for the Principality of Zeon, named after his late father Zeon Zum Deikun, with the honorary title of “The Red Comet” during Gundam’s One Year War. Despite having opposed Earth Federation soldier Amuro Ray several times, in the sequel Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam he becomes Quattro Bajeena, an Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG) pilot fighting alongside the series’ main characters against the elitist Titans. In his final appearance in Char’s Counterattack, he assumes leadership of the Neo Zeon movement, and becomes the titular antagonist of the film. Char

became one of Gundam’s most iconic characters, often overshadowing Amuro’s popularity. He also appeared as the most popular male anime character in Animage’s Anime Grand Prix poll as well as in several other polls highlighting his popularity in the Gundam franchise. His role in the original has often been praised alongside his rivalry with Amuro.

Original concept art for the character ofv Char Aznable, the most famous antagonist of the Gundam franchise

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Anime

Artwork for the MS-06 Zaku, the Principality of Zeon’s industrial mobile suit | 1978

Mobile Suit Gundam

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MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM WING

Promotional poster for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam Wing | 1995

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and

attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces.

Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive.

On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from Zeon’s Zabi family as part of his revenge scheme. Amuro also meets ensign Lalah Sune

The series that made Gundam famous in the entire world 12

Anime

Gundam Wing

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Original concept art for the Wing Gundam Zero | 1995

How can we improve a giant mechanic robot?

Let’s give him a pair of wings!

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Anime

The most faithful representation of the anime in a plastic figure

High Grade model kit of the Wing Gundam Zero | 1999

Gundam Wing

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GUNDAM WING

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RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces.

Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from Zeon’s Zabi family as part of his revenge scheme. Amuro also meets ensign Lalah Sune with whom he falls in love, but accidentally kills when facing Char. When the Federation Forces invade the Fortress of A Baoa Qu to defeat the Zeon forces, Amuro engages on a final one-onone duel against Char due to both blaming the other for Lalah’s death. Having realized he forgot his true enemy, Char stops fighting

Anime

ENDLESS WALTZ

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process.

Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the

SHEER PRESENCE, ELEGANCE AND BEAUTY Original concept art for the Wing Gundam EW | 1999

Hi-Resolution model kit of the Wing Gundam EW | 2017

Gundam Wing

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THE THUNDERBOLT SECTOR LIGHTS UP THE STORY

Opening title for the first season of the anime | 2016

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Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal— the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces. Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from Zeon’s Zabi family as part of his revenge scheme. Amuro also meets

Anime

Promotional image representing the two main characters, Io Fleming and Daryl Lorenz, with their respective mobile suits | 2016

Gundam Thunderbolt

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Anime

Promotional posters for the first and second seasons of the anime, December Sky (Left) and Bandit Flower (Up) | 2016 & 2017

Gundam Thunderbolt

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Original concept art for the Full Armor Gundam, with its entire armament and backpack, viewed from the front (Top left corner) and back (Center left), and the Psycho Zaku, fully armed (Top right corner), the suit alone (Center Right) and the backpack on its own (Bottom left corner) | 2016

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Anime

HEROISM IN WAR IS ULTIMATELY MEANINGLESS WHEN WEIGHED AGAINST THE ABJECT SUFFERING THAT IT INEVITABLY CREATES

Gundam Thunderbolt

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GUN

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PLA

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Gunpla

TIME TO SCALE UP

- High Grade/Real Grade (HG/RG) | 1/144 Scale

- Master Grade (MG) | 1/100 Scale

- Perfect Grade (PG) | 1/60 Scale

- Mega Size | 1/48 Scale

The biggest line up of model kits in the entire world

HG & RG | 1/144

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon.

However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most

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Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon.

However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces. Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive.

1/144 | HG

The HG Gundam Fenice Rinascita | 2014

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Small and cheap, the best deal for an entertaining and fun modeling experience

Gunpla

EXCITEMENT EMBODIED

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon.

However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most

HG & RG | 1/144

1/144 | RG

The RG Unicorn Banshee Norn (Up) and Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina (Left) | 2017 & 2018

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1/100 | MG

The MG Gundam GP02 Physalis| 1999

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Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon.

However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces. Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon

Gunpla

Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from Zeon’s Zabi family as part of his revenge scheme. Amuro also meets ensign Lalah Sune with whom he falls in love, but accidentally kills when facing Char. When the Federation Forces invade the Fortress of A Baoa Qu to defeat the Zeon forces, Amuro engages on a final one-on-one duel against Char due to both blaming the other for Lalah’s death. Having realized he forgot his true enemy, Char stops fighting

How to represent Japan’s history, culture and traditions?

But with Gundam, obviuosly!

The MG God Gundam (Left) and Shin Musha Gundam (Down) | 2001 & 2008

MG | 1/100

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The MG Nu Gundam Ver.Ka (Right) and Sazabi Ver.Ka (Left) | 2012 & 2013

THE VER.KA FAMILY Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed

by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process.

Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds

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Gunpla

1/100 scale brought to absolute perfection

Full Mechanics: the little brothers of the Master Grades

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed

by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces. Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation

The Full Mechanics Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex | 2017

Ver.Ka & Full Mechanics | 1/100

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PEAK PERFECTION Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces.

Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive.

On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander

Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from Zeon’s Zabi family as part of his revenge scheme. Amuro also meets ensign Lalah Sune with whom he falls in love, but accidentally kills when facing Char. When the Federation Forces invade the Fortress of A Baoa Qu to defeat the Zeon forces, Amuro engages on a final one-onone duel against Char due to both blaming the other for Lalah’s death. Having realized he forgot his true enemy, Char stops fighting to kill the last surviving Zabi member, Kycilia Zabi. Amuro then reunites with his comrades as the war reaches its end. In February 1980, Mobile Suit Gundam was aired in Italy, the first country to broadcast the show outside Japan.[8] Mobile Suit Gundam was also later aired by the anime satellite television network, Animax, across Japan, with the series continuing to be aired on the network currently, and later its respective networks worldwide, including Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and other regions.

IT DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN THIS

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Gunpla

The PG Gundam Mk-II AEUG | 2001

PG | 1/60

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Details and particular areas of the Perfect Grade Exia Lighting Mode | 2017

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Gunpla

THIS KIT ASSERTED THE ‘PERFECT’ IN THE PERFECT GRADE LINE

The PG Gundam Exia Lighting Mode | 2017

WHEN LED LIGHTING MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

PG | 1/60

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Custom painted and gloss coated RG Gundam 00 Raiser

THE WORLD OF CUSTOMIZATION

Custom painted and modified MG Sazabi Ver.Ka

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Gunpla

Anime-accurate dioramas of the HG Sazabi facing the HG Nu Gundam (Up) and of a crashed RG Wing Gundam EW (Down)

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon.

Customs

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WORLD OF GUNDA

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D M

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THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO 42

World of Gundam

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they

are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces. Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable.

Gundam Base Tokyo

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THE TWO FACES OF THE GUNDAM BASE

The life-size statute of the Gundam RX-78/2 at Diver City Tokyo | 2012 - 2017

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Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces.

A Zeon reconnaissance team member

disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal— the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces. Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from

World of Gundam

THE REVOLUTIONARY GUNDAM SUIT THAT EVERYONE LOVES: UNICORN!

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces. Scrambling

Gundam Base Tokyo

The life-size statute of the RX-0 Gundam Unicorn at Diver City Tokyo | 2017 - Now

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UNICORN Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The

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World of Gundam

conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s

DESTROY

The statue of the Gundam Unicorn in Unicorn mode (Left) and Destroy mode (Right)

How could Gundam get any better? How about a real life size statue of it?

Gundam Base Tokyo

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CUSTOM LIKE A REAL PRO

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the

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World of Gundam

Custom painted and modified RG Gundam Freedom | Fire & Ice

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s

newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces.

Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive.

On their journey, the White Base members often

GBWC

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IS THERE A GUNDAM KIT OF A MIGHTY TWO-HEADED BEAST? NO? WELL MAKE ONE OF YOUR OWN!

Custom built RG Gundam Astray Red Frame (Right) | Sengoku Spirit Shogun

Custom built HG Gundam Knight | Double Trouble

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World of Gundam

GBWC

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GUNDAM: ONE MECHA, ONE LOVE

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the

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Federation’s newest weapon.

However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces. Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey,

World of Gundam

One of the two marble statues of the Gundam RX-78/2 in Odaiba and Shibuya

The 1/3 scale Gundam Wing statue in a Hong Kong mall | 2015

In Japan you can find Gundam anywhere, in a mall, on the streets, even in the underground

A train in the Tokyo underground with a Zaku-themed head

Gundam in Society

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A Nu Gundam vs Sazabi statue at Hong Kong Docks | 2018

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World of Gundam

The Gundam Café in Akihabara, Japan | 2010

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon.

However, they are closely followed

by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces.

Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the

Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from Zeon’s Zabi family as part of his revenge scheme. Amuro also meets ensign Lalah Sune with whom he falls in love, but accidentally kills when facing Char. When the Federation Forces invade the Fortress of A Baoa Qu to defeat the Zeon forces, Amuro engages on a final one-on-one duel against Char due to both blaming the other for Lalah’s death. Having realized he forgot his true enemy, Char stops fighting to kill the last surviving Zabi member, Kycilia Zabi. Amuro then reunites with his comrades as the war reaches its end. In February 1980, Mobile Suit Gundam was aired in Italy, the first country to broadcast the show outside Japan.[8] Mobile Suit Gundam was also later aired by the anime satellite television network, Animax, across Japan, with the series continuing to be aired on the network currently, and later its respective networks worldwide, including Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and other regions.

Gundam in Society

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It’s almost like being in the anime

Set in a fictional universe in the year 2179 (Universal Century year 0079 according to the Gundam Calendar), the Principality of Zeon has declared independence from the Earth Federation, and subsequently launched a war of independence called the One Year War. The conflict has directly affected every continent on Earth, also nearly every space colony and lunar settlement. The story begins with a newly deployed Federation warship, the White Base, arriving at the secret research base located at the Side 7 colony to pick up the Federation’s newest weapon. However, they are closely followed by Zeon forces. A Zeon reconnaissance team member disobeys mission orders and attacks

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the colony, killing most of the Federation crew and civilians in the process. Out of desperation, young Amuro Ray accidentally finds the Federation’s new prototype arsenal—the RX-78 Gundam, and manages to beat back Zeon forces.

Scrambling everything they can, the White Base sets out with her newly formed crew of civilian recruits and refugees in her journey to survive. On their journey, the White Base members often encounter the Zeon Lieutenant Commander Char Aznable. Although Char antagonizes Amuro in battle, he takes advantage of their position as Federation members to have them kill members from Zeon’s Zabi family as part of his revenge scheme.

Anime

Various Gundam-themed mugs, available in any Gundam shop in Japan

LIVE THE GUNDAM EXPERIENCE IN JAPAN. AND DON’T FORGET TO BUY A SOUVENIR BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

Gunpla-filled shelfs in the Gundam Café in Akihabara, Japan

World of Gundam

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CREDITS Free University of Bolzano - Bozen Faculty of Design and Art Bachelor in Design and Art - Major in Design WUP 18/19 | 1st semester foundation course Project Modul: Editorial Design Design by: Giovanni Damian Magazine | Gundam Supervision: Project leader Prof. Antonino Benincasa Project assistants Maximilian Boiger, Gian Marco Favretto Photography: The Gundam Base Tokyo Yoshiyuki Tomiyo Sotsu Sunrise Paper: Munken Lynx 150 gr.

Arjowiggins Curious Skin Black 270 gr.

Curious Metallic Acciaio 120 gr.

Fonts: Replica-Regular Replica-Bold Replica-Light Univers LT Std Printed: Bozen-Bolzano, January 2019 Inside pages – Digital Print | Canon Cover – UV-Serigprahy

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Credits Anime

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Mobile Suit Gundam

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TOBE!

Issue n°02, December 2018, Project by Giovanni Damian

GUNDAM