MechaBay
MechaBay
Discord Mastodon Bluesky Twitter/X
Discord About us Support us

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (novel)

A novel series written by Fukui Harutoshi that serves as a sequel to Char's Counterattack.
Jenxi Seow Published 11 Jun 2025 Updated 11 Jun 2025
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (novel)

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (機動戦士ガンダムUC(ユニコーン), Kidō Senshi Gandamu Yunikōn) is a novel series written by Fukui Harutoshi with character and mechanical designs provided by Yasuhiko Yoshikazu and Katoki Hajime, respectively. It was first serialised in Kadokawa Shoten’s Gundam Ace magazine from February 2007 to August 2009, compiling into 10 volumes alongside one extra volume released on 26 March 2016.

The novel originally serves as a sequel to Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack and represents one of the most significant additions to the Universal Century timeline since the original series. The story explores the mystery of Laplace’s Box and the true meaning behind the Universal Century charter.

Synopsis

Main article: Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn episodes

The series begins in UC 0001, at the very beginning of human space colonisation, with the Laplace terror incident during a ceremony hosted by the Prime Minister to usher in the Universal Century dating system. The main story takes place in UC 0096, three years after the events of Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack and seventeen years after the One Year War.

The story revolves around Banagher Links, a seemingly normal boy living and going to school in the space colonies. His life changes when he meets a girl named Audrey Burne, as the encounter brings him into contact with a new Gundam and its connections to an item called “Laplace’s Box.” This mysterious artefact contains a secret so powerful it could fundamentally alter the balance of power between the Earth Federation and the space colonies.

When Zeon remnant forces known as “The Sleeves” attack Industrial 7 to obtain Laplace’s Box, Banagher becomes the pilot of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam. What follows is a journey across significant locations in Universal Century history as various factions race to unlock the secrets that could reshape humanity’s future.

Development

Conception

The Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn novel was commissioned by Kadokawa Shoten as part of their expansion of the Gundam franchise in print media. Fukui Harutoshi, already an established novelist known for works such as Shūsen no Lorelei and Bōkoku no Aegis, was selected to write what would become his most influential work within the mecha genre.

Fukui approached the project with the intention of creating a proper sequel to Char’s Counterattack that would address unresolved themes from the Universal Century timeline. His goal was to explore the philosophical implications of Newtypes and the political structures that had developed since the original series, whilst also providing closure to long-standing narrative threads.

Production

The novel benefited from the involvement of veteran Gundam staff. Yasuhiko Yoshikazu, the original character designer for Mobile Suit Gundam, provided character designs that maintained visual continuity with the classic Universal Century aesthetic. Katoki Hajime, renowned for his work on Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory and Mobile Suit Gundam F91, handled the mechanical designs, creating mobile suits that felt both modern and true to Universal Century design philosophy.

The serialisation in Gundam Ace magazine allowed Fukui to develop the story gradually, with each instalment building upon the complex political and philosophical themes that would define the series. The magazine format also enabled the inclusion of detailed illustrations and technical specifications that enhanced the reader’s understanding of the mobile suits and technology featured in the story.

Sources & Inspirations

Fukui drew extensively from existing Universal Century lore, particularly the political and social structures established in the original Mobile Suit Gundam series and its sequels. The novel serves as a bridge between different eras of the Universal Century, incorporating elements from the One Year War, the Gryps Conflict, and the Neo Zeon Wars.

The central mystery of Laplace’s Box was designed to address fundamental questions about the Universal Century’s founding principles and the role of Newtypes in human evolution. Fukui’s background in military and political thrillers informed his approach to the complex factional conflicts and conspiracy elements that drive the narrative.

Release

International Release

While the original novel series remained exclusive to Japan, fan translations began appearing online through projects such as Baka-Tsuki. These translations, whilst unofficial, helped spread awareness of the series internationally and contributed to demand for the subsequent anime adaptation.

The novel’s popularity led to increased international interest in Universal Century Gundam properties, particularly following the success of alternate universe series like Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam 00.

Compilation Volumes

The original 10 volumes were published as individual tankōbon volumes by Kadokawa Shoten, with ISBNs ranging from 978-4-04-713969-5 for Volume 1 to 978-4-04-715287-8 for Volume 10. An eleventh volume titled “Phoenix Hunting” was released on 26 March 2016, serving as an epilogue to the main series and later forming the basis for Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative.

The series has remained in print in Japan and continues to be available through various digital platforms and bookstore chains.

Reception

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn was critically acclaimed for its sophisticated approach to Universal Century lore and its successful integration of new characters and mobile suits into the established timeline. The novel was praised for addressing long-standing questions about the Universal Century’s founding whilst introducing compelling new mysteries.

Critics noted Fukui’s skill in balancing political intrigue with personal character development, creating a story that satisfied both long-time Gundam fans and newcomers to the Universal Century. The series was particularly commended for its respectful treatment of existing continuity whilst adding meaningful new elements to the timeline.

The novel’s success was reflected in strong sales figures and widespread fan discussion across Japanese and international Gundam communities. The detailed world-building and political complexity garnered praise from critics who appreciated the mature themes and philosophical depth.

Legacy

Anime Adaptation

The novel’s success led to a high-profile anime adaptation produced by Sunrise as a seven-episode original video animation series released between 2010 and 2014. Directed by Furuhashi Kazuhiro with music by Sawano Hiroyuki, the adaptation brought the story to a much wider international audience.

The anime adaptation was notable for its exceptional production values and worldwide simultaneous release, marking a significant shift in Gundam marketing strategy towards international audiences.

Influence on the Franchise

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn significantly impacted the direction of subsequent Universal Century productions. Its success demonstrated continued audience interest in the Universal Century timeline and influenced the development of later projects such as Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt, and Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway.

The novel’s treatment of Laplace’s Box and the Universal Century charter became canonical elements that influenced later Universal Century stories. The RX-0 Unicorn Gundam became one of the most recognisable mobile suits in the franchise, leading to a full-size statue being erected in Tokyo’s Odaiba district.

Spin-off Media

The novel spawned numerous related works, including:

  • Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Bande Dessinée - A manga adaptation illustrated by Oomori Kouzou
  • Mobile Suit Gundam UC: The Postwar War - A prequel novel exploring Full Frontal’s origins
  • Mobile Suit Gundam UC: Phoenix Hunting - The eleventh volume that served as the basis for Gundam Narrative
  • Multiple side-story manga and games expanding the UC 0096 timeframe

Credits

Writing Staff

Publication

  • Magazine: Gundam Ace
  • Serialisation: February 2007 - August 2009
  • Volumes: 10 (plus 1 additional volume)
  • Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten

Appearances