Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt is a 2015 original net animation series based on the manga by Yasuo Ohtagaki.
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (機動戦士ガンダム サンダーボルト, Kidō Senshi Gandamu Sandāboruto) is an original net animation series produced by Sunrise and directed by Matsuo Kō. Based on the manga of the same name by Ohtagaki Yasuo, the series was released in two seasons between December 2015 and July 2017.
The series is known for its distinctive jazz soundtrack composed by Kikuchi Naruyoshi, its detailed animation quality, and its mature, gritty portrayal of war within the Universal Century timeline. Set during the One Year War of UC 0079, it focuses on the brutal conflict between the Earth Federation and Principality of Zeon forces in the debris-filled Thunderbolt Sector.
Synopsis
Main article: Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt episodes
During the One Year War of UC 0079, the Earth Federation’s Moore Brotherhood and the Principality of Zeon’s Living Dead Division engage in fierce battles at the Thunderbolt Sector, a shoal zone littered with the wreckage of destroyed space colonies from the former Side 4 “Moore”.
The story centres on two ace pilots: Io Fleming, a Federation ensign known for playing free jazz music over his radio during combat, and Daryl Lorenz, a Zeon sniper who lost his limbs in battle and uses prosthetics to pilot his mobile suit. After Fleming successfully infiltrates Zeon’s sniper field, he is given control of the latest Gundam prototype, the FA-78 Full Armor Gundam. To combat this new Federation threat, Lorenz volunteers for experimental surgery to directly interface with the MS-06R Psycho Zaku, sacrificing his humanity in the process.
The second season follows the aftermath of the One Year War, with both pilots continuing their rivalry as new conflicts emerge involving the South Seas Alliance and remnants of Zeon forces.
Development
Conception
The anime adaptation was announced on 28 October 2015, following the success of Ohtagaki Yasuo’s manga series which began serialisation in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Superior magazine in March 2012. Director Matsuo Kō was brought on after completing work on Gundam Reconguista in G, tasked with adapting Ohtagaki’s unique vision of the One Year War.
The production team aimed to create a more mature and realistic portrayal of war within the Gundam franchise, moving away from the heroic narratives typical of earlier series. The decision to focus on the psychological toll of combat and the dehumanising effects of war reflected contemporary concerns about modern warfare.
Production
The series was produced as an original net animation, distributed initially through digital sell-through services where users could download episodes after purchase. This distribution method allowed for greater creative freedom and higher production values compared to traditional television broadcast constraints.
Character designs were handled by Takaya Hirotoshi, while mechanical designs were created by Naka Morifumi, Nakatani Seiichi, and Katoki Hajime. The production team prioritised detailed animation and realistic mobile suit combat, with particular attention paid to the destructive nature of battles in the debris-filled Thunderbolt Sector.
Music
The series’ most distinctive feature is its jazz-influenced soundtrack composed by Kikuchi Naruyoshi, a renowned Japanese jazz musician and composer. The music serves both as atmosphere and character development, with protagonist Io Fleming’s love of free jazz contrasting with Daryl Lorenz’s preference for older, more melancholic styles.
Kikuchi’s compositions range from aggressive, chaotic jazz pieces that accompany battle sequences to quieter, introspective tracks that underscore the characters’ psychological struggles. The soundtrack received widespread critical acclaim and was released separately on CD and vinyl formats.
Release
Initial distribution
The first season of four episodes was released between 25 December 2015 and 8 April 2016, with early access provided through the Gundam Fan Club app service from 11 December 2015. The first episode was streamed internationally for a limited time from 25 December 2015 to 7 January 2016.
A second season was announced by Bandai Visual on 18 November 2016 and premiered on 24 March 2017, concluding on 14 July 2017. Sunrise announced at the 2017 Anime Expo that the second season would receive an English dub.
Compilation films
Two theatrical compilation films were produced. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky (機動戦士ガンダム サンダーボルト DECEMBER SKY), adapting the first season, was released in Japanese cinemas on 25 June 2016 with a Blu-ray release on 29 July 2016. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: Bandit Flower (機動戦士ガンダム サンダーボルト BANDIT FLOWER), compiling the second season, was released theatrically between 18 November and 1 December 2017.
International release
Sunrise and Anime Limited distributed the films internationally. An English dub was produced by NYAV Post and released on 11 July 2017 for December Sky, featuring Johnny Yong Bosch as Daryl Lorenz and Max Mittelman as Io Fleming.
Home media
The series was later distributed in North America by Right Stuf Inc following Bandai Entertainment’s closure. Both compilation films received premium Blu-ray releases with extensive bonus features including staff interviews, mechanical design galleries, and soundtrack CDs.
Reception
Critical response
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt received widespread critical acclaim for its mature storytelling, exceptional animation quality, and innovative use of music. Critics praised the series for its unflinching portrayal of war’s psychological toll and its complex characterisation of both protagonists.
The series was particularly noted for its visual design, with reviewers highlighting the detailed mobile suit battles and the atmospheric depiction of the debris-filled Thunderbolt Sector. The animation quality was consistently praised as being among the finest in the Gundam franchise.
The jazz soundtrack received universal acclaim, with many critics noting how effectively it complemented the series’ themes and enhanced character development. The music was described as integral to the storytelling rather than merely atmospheric.
Commercial performance
Both compilation films performed well in Japanese cinemas, with December Sky drawing significant audiences during its limited theatrical run. Home video sales were strong, with the Blu-ray releases consistently ranking highly in anime sales charts.
The series significantly boosted interest in Ohtagaki’s original manga, leading to increased international licensing and publication. The success of the anime adaptation contributed to the manga’s continued serialisation beyond its originally planned conclusion.
Awards and recognition
The series received recognition at various anime industry events and was nominated for several awards recognising excellence in animation and music composition. The soundtrack albums received particular acclaim within the Japanese music industry.
Legacy
Influence on the franchise
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt has been cited as representing a new direction for the Gundam franchise, demonstrating that mature, complex narratives could be successfully integrated with the traditional mobile suit action that defines the series. Its success paved the way for other experimental Gundam projects that explored darker themes.
The series’ use of music as a narrative device has influenced subsequent Gundam productions, with several later series incorporating more prominent musical elements into their storytelling.
Cultural impact
The series has been praised for its sophisticated approach to depicting the psychological impact of warfare, contributing to broader discussions about the representation of conflict in anime. Its mature themes and complex moral landscape have made it a subject of academic study within animation and media studies.
The distinctive visual style and mechanical designs have influenced other mecha anime productions, with particular impact on how space combat and debris-field environments are depicted in animation.
Credits
Cast
| Character | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|
| Io Fleming | Kimura Ryōhei | Max Mittelman |
| Daryl Lorenz | Koki Uchiyama | Johnny Yong Bosch |
| Claudia Peer | Yukinari Toa | Cherami Leigh |
| Cornelius Kaka | Sawaki Ikuji | Christian La Monte |
| Karla Mitchum | Yukino Satsuki | Tara Sands |
| Fisher Nes | Yamadera Koichi | Chris Jai Alex |
| Billy Hickam | Iizuka Shozo | Todd Haberkorn |
Crew
- Directed by Matsuo Kō
- Written by Matsuo Kō
- Music by Kikuchi Naruyoshi
- Character design by Takaya Hirotoshi
- Mechanical design by Naka Morifumi, Nakatani Seiichi, and Katoki Hajime
- Art direction by Nakamura Hideki
- Original manga by Ohtagaki Yasuo
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt characters
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt episodes
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt mecha
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt factions
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt vehicles
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt vessels
External links
- Official website
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt on Wikipedia
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt on Anime News Network