New Chapters Arrive for "Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket" Manga, Following Author's Battle
The Resumption of "Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket" Serialization
After a hiatus due to health concerns, the manga adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is set to resume with three new chapters. This announcement came during the release of Kadokawa’s Monthly Gundam Ace magazine's August issue. The serialization will be presented as a collective release, allowing fans to anticipate and receive the new content together. Author Hiroyuki Tamakoshi has been diligently working on these chapters while undergoing chemotherapy treatment, managing to stockpile three installments he wishes readers to experience first. He aims for a full resumption of the series by the end of the year, promising continued updates on his progress and the manga's development.
"Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket" - OVA & Manga: A Brief History
The "War in the Pocket" story initially gained recognition through its original 1989 OVA (Original Video Animation). Described by MyAnimeList, this compelling narrative focuses on Alfred Izuruha, a young boy obsessed with the ongoing war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. His life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Bernard "Bernie" Wiseman, a Zeon rookie pilot, during a skirmish involving a downed Zaku mobile suit. The manga adaptation shifts the perspective to that of Chris, providing a potentially deeper exploration into the events and characters surrounding this pivotal period in the Gundam universe. Launched in June 2021 in Monthly Gundam Ace, it has already reached its fourth compiled book volume, showcasing significant reader interest.
Creator's Resilience: Tamakoshi's Battle and "War in the Pocket"
The resumption of "War in the Pocket" is intertwined with a challenging personal journey for creator Hiroyuki Tamakoshi. Diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in September 2022, he began chemotherapy treatment which necessitated a hiatus for the manga. The series initially paused, then again in December 2023 after a recurrence of his cancer, requiring further surgery and treatment. Despite these obstacles, Tamakoshi has shown remarkable resilience, continuing to work on manuscripts whenever possible. His recent update on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed another recurrence, leading to additional chemotherapy, but he remains committed to delivering the prepared chapters as soon as they are ready.
Beyond "Gundam": The Works of Tamakoshi and Itabashi
Hiroyuki Tamakoshi isn't a stranger to producing popular manga series. Alongside collaborator Masahiro Itabashi, he’s known for the "Boys Be…" franchise, which spans several iterations including “Boys Be… 2nd Season,” “Boys Be…L Co-op,” “Boys Be… 2009 1-Gakki,” and “Boys Be… Next Season.” Their latest work in the series, “Boys Be… ~adult season~,” is published irregularly in Kodansha's Evening magazine. Additionally, they have a "Boys Be... ~young adult~" manga which ran in Kadokawa’s Monthly Dragon Age magazine until 2018. The experience and dedication demonstrated by this creative partnership certainly contribute to the quality of their projects, including “War in the Pocket.”
A Story of Dedication: The Future of "War in the Pocket"
The upcoming three-chapter serialization represents more than just a continuation of a beloved series; it's a testament to Hiroyuki Tamakoshi’s dedication and perseverance amidst challenging circumstances. The announcement has been met with excitement from fans eager to see the next installments of “Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket.” With Tamakoshi aiming for a full resumption by the end of the year, readers can look forward to witnessing more chapters of this compelling story, all while admiring the author’s strength and commitment to his craft.
