New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Blind Target

New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Blind Target (新機動戦記ガンダムW Blind Target, Shin Kidō Senki Gundam W Blind Target) was a manga miniseries and drama CD based on Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, featuring a side-story set between the TV series and Endless Waltz. Published from July 1998 to January 1999 in Pichi Comics and released in the United States by Viz Communications as Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Blind Target, the manga detailed a mission in which the Gundam pilots prevented remaining factions of White Fang from capturing the Gundams and carrying out a coup d’état against the newly formed Earth Sphere Unified Nation government.

Overview

Blind Target was set in After Colony 196, shortly after the conclusion of the Eve Wars but before the events of Endless Waltz. With Relena Darlian working to establish lasting peace through diplomatic conferences with colonial leaders, remnants of White Fang saw an opportunity to capture the Gundams and use them to restart the conflict. The manga explored how the Gundam pilots responded to this threat whilst grappling with their own roles in the new peacetime.

The story introduced new characters including Ralph Kurt, Trowa’s childhood acquaintance who joined White Fang, and Chris Marly, Relena’s aide who harboured connections to White Fang. The manga also featured the Century Discover Corporation, a former subsidiary of the Romefeller Foundation that sought to profit from renewed conflict by producing mobile suits on the moon.

Unlike other Gundam Wing side-stories, Blind Target featured the original Okawara Kunio-designed TV versions of the Gundams briefly, though no explanation was given for their changed appearance in Endless Waltz.

Story

The threat emerges

As Relena Darlian prepared for a peace conference with colonial leaders, Heero Yuy left his Wing Gundam Zero to sleep in the recesses of an abandoned space colony. Meanwhile, suspicious men approached each of the Gundam pilots, hinting at a “new war” and the need for the Gundams.

Chang Wufei was attacked by a mysterious group demanding Nataku, whilst Trowa Barton was approached by Ralph Kurt, a man from his past as No-Name who insinuated coming conflict. When an explosion rocked the building Quatre Raberba Winner was visiting, Heero warned Duo Maxwell that the pilots were being targeted.

Conspiracy revealed

Quatre survived the explosion that killed other colony representatives, hiding with Duo whilst General Sogran of White Fang’s remnants and the CEO of Century Discover Corporation advanced their plan. Ralph attempted to convince Trowa to give him the Gundam Heavyarms Custom and join White Fang’s resistance, though Catherine Bloom begged Trowa not to fight again.

Heero rescued Relena and her aide Chris Marly from attackers, bringing them to a spaceport before heading to an abandoned L3 colony where the pilots regrouped. Chris recognized it as her home colony, destroyed in an Alliance attack during her childhood. Heero revealed he was aware of Chris’s connection to White Fang and that the organisation was using the tragedy of destroyed colonies to manipulate supporters.

The truth exposed

When Ralph and Chris were captured, Trowa told Ralph “the truth”—that General Sogran had been dealing with the CEO of Century Discover Corporation, which sought to use White Fang to capture the Gundams and produce new mobile suits to start a profitable new war. The revelation that they were being used by war profiteers forced Ralph and Chris to confront what they had been fighting for.

Relena spoke with Chris about the pain the colonies suffered and asked for her support in fighting the hatred that caused such destruction. At a colony conference, Relena and Quatre exposed the Century Discover CEO’s plan, whilst Duo and Wufei destroyed the moon factory building new mobile suits. Heero and Trowa confronted Sogran, broadcasting his betrayal throughout the White Fang base.

Resolution

In the aftermath, Ralph and Chris evacuated White Fang members from the colony before its detonation. Heero and Relena shared a final goodbye and kiss before parting. Quatre suggested sending the Gundams into the Sun so they wouldn’t be used again—a proposal that led directly to the events of Endless Waltz. Wufei, however, was approached by a representative of the Barton Foundation, setting up his later involvement with Mariemaia Khushrenada and Dekim Barton.

Development

Blind Target was published alongside a drama CD featuring the original voice actors. The drama CD version included an opening theme “Mind Education” by Rumi Ohishi/Misty Eyes and the image vocal track “Take Off To The Sky” for Heero Yuy sung by Midorikawa Hikaru.

The English-language edition published by Viz Communications included “Remix” pages between chapters that explained various plot and character details from the TV series for readers unfamiliar with Gundam Wing.

Reception

Blind Target was appreciated by fans for bridging the gap between the TV series and Endless Waltz, explaining why the pilots decided to dispose of the Gundams and setting up Wufei’s involvement with Mariemaia. The manga’s focus on the pilots’ struggle with their roles in peacetime resonated with audiences who wanted to see how the characters transitioned from soldiers to civilians.

Appearances

New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Blind Target is a manga series (1 volume, 4 chapters + epilogue, 1998-1999) with accompanying drama CD.

External links

Blind Target at About Gundam Wing
New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Blind Target on the Gundam Wiki