Gundam Thunderbolt: Manga Will End in Its Next 8 Chapters

Announcement of the End

The acclaimed manga "Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt," created by Yasuo Ohtagaki, is coming to its conclusion. Ohtagaki himself announced on X/Twitter that the manga will enter its final arc and be completed in just eight chapters. The news comes after the publication of chapter 222 in Big Comic Superior last Friday, marking the series' return after a three-month hiatus. This announcement was accompanied by a video, generating great anticipation among fans eagerly awaiting the closure of this epic saga. Sales lists already indicated that volume 26, released on May 29th, would mark the beginning of the final arc.

The Narrative Context of 'Gundam Thunderbolt'

"Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt" is set in the "Mobile Suit Gundam" universe, specifically during the One Year War (UC 0079). The story follows the brutal battles between star pilots from both the Principality of Zeon and the Earth Federation, which take place in Sector Thunderbolt, an area plagued by the wreckage of space colonies and warships. This location is characterized by its dangerous and strategic terrain, becoming a key setting for the clashes between opposing forces and contributing to the intense and pessimistic atmosphere that defines the manga.

The Manga's Trajectory: Hiatuses and Ohtagaki’s Legacy

The creation of "Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt" was initiated by Yasuo Ohtagaki in Big Comic Superior in March 2012, proving to be a long and intense endeavor. The project has had its ups and downs, including a significant hiatus between September 2018 and December 2018 due to tendinitis that affected the artist, specifically his dominant left hand. Ohtagaki had to adapt his style to avoid aggravating his condition, prioritizing health over the level of detail in his illustrations. The author had already announced in February 2022 that the manga had entered its "final stage," which is now being finalized with this announcement of the definitive closure.

Celebrations and Spin-offs: An Impact Beyond the Main Manga

The tenth anniversary of the manga in 2022 was celebrated with an exhibition at Gundam Base Tokyo, from September to October. During the opening, Ohtagaki had mentioned his intention to continue the manga for another five or six years, a plan that unfortunately could not be fully carried out due to the aforementioned circumstances. In addition to the main manga, “Gundam Thunderbolt” has inspired two original internet anime series, each later compiled into films, and also features a spin-off titled "Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Gaiden," also drawn by Ohtagaki, further expanding the franchise's universe.