Bandai Namco Filmworks CEO Calls The Witch From Mercury "Still Quite Basic"
Makoto Asanuma compared the 2022 series unfavourably with Mobile Fighter G Gundam, as Gundam confirms a 1979 remaster and two new projects.
Bandai Namco Filmworks president and CEO Makoto Asanuma said in an interview that Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is "still quite basic" compared with Mobile Fighter G Gundam, according to cbr.com. Asanuma described G Gundam as the most extreme Gundam in his personal view.
He also said debates took place during production of The Witch From Mercury over its school setting and its female protagonist. The series, which aired in 2022, was the first Gundam anime with a female lead and drew on strong LGBTQ+ themes in the franchise's 43-year history.
Three projects confirmed
Alongside the interview, Gundam has announced a remaster of the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam anime, a new series titled Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO, and a new Gundam Wing anime project. Asanuma said Gundam has adopted a faster release strategy for its newer titles.
Mobile Fighter G Gundam was released in 1994 and ran 49 episodes, directed by Yasuhiro Imagawa. It was the first Gundam title not set in the Universal Century timeline, built around a martial-arts-style tournament held every four years by space colonies representing nations on Earth.
G Gundam was considered controversial at release for departing from the franchise's rules, but later became a cult classic, especially in the West. The Gundam franchise approaches its 50th anniversary in 2029.
Quick answers
What did the Bandai Namco Filmworks CEO say about The Witch From Mercury?
Makoto Asanuma said the series is still quite basic compared with Mobile Fighter G Gundam, which he called the most extreme Gundam in his personal view.
What new Gundam projects have been announced?
A remaster of the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam anime, a new series titled Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO, and a new Gundam Wing anime project.
When did Mobile Fighter G Gundam air?
It was released in 1994 and ran 49 episodes, directed by Yasuhiro Imagawa.