Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team is an OVA series that explores the One Year War from the perspective of an Earth Federation ground unit.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (機動戦士ガンダム 第08MS小隊, Kidō Senshi Gandamu Dai Zerohachi Emu Esu Shōtai, lit. Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Platoon) is an original video animation series in the Gundam franchise. Released from 25 January 1996 to 25 July 1999, the 12-episode series was originally directed by Kanda Takeyuki and later by Iida Umanosuke following Kanda’s death during production.
The series was a return to the Universal Century timeline after Sunrise had focused on alternate universe series. Set during the One Year War in UC 0079, it details the exploits of an Earth Federation ground unit in the jungles of Southeast Asia, specifically during the final months of the conflict. Unlike previous Gundam series that focused on exceptional pilots or space combat, The 08th MS Team presented a more grounded perspective of warfare through the experiences of ordinary soldiers.
Synopsis
Main article: Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team episodes
In Universal Century 0079, the jungles of Southeast Asia have become a theatre of brutal guerrilla warfare between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. Both factions are fighting for control of the resource-rich region, with Zeon’s hopes resting on an experimental mobile armor called the Apsaras and its pilot, Aina Sahalin.
The Federation receives reinforcements in the form of Ensign Shiro Amada, newly assigned as commander of the 08th Mobile Suit Team. The unit comprises veteran soldiers including Sergeant Karen Joshua, the superstitious Sergeant Terry Sanders Jr., the music-loving Corporal Eledore Massis, and the romance-obsessed Corporal Michel Ninorich.
Before taking command, Shiro encounters Aina in space when both are stranded after a battle. Despite being on opposite sides, they work together to survive, forming an unexpected bond. This chance meeting becomes fateful when Shiro later discovers that Aina is the pilot of the Zeon mobile armor his team is tasked with capturing. Their forbidden relationship develops against the backdrop of escalating conflict, forcing both to question their loyalties and the nature of war itself.
The series explores themes of love transcending political boundaries, the human cost of warfare, and the moral complexities faced by soldiers on both sides of the conflict. As the war reaches its climax, Shiro and the 08th MS Team must navigate not only enemy forces but also suspicion from their own command structure.
Development
Conception
By the mid-1990s, Sunrise had concluded Mobile Suit Victory Gundam and begun focusing on alternate universe series such as Mobile Fighter G Gundam and New Mobile Report Gundam Wing. The studio decided to revisit the Universal Century timeline with an original video animation that would provide a fresh perspective on the One Year War.
The series concept emerged in 1995, with the intention of presenting the war from the viewpoint of average soldiers rather than exceptional pilots. This approach allowed for a more realistic portrayal of mobile suit combat and the psychological impact of warfare on ordinary personnel.
Production
Kanda Takeyuki was selected to direct the series, bringing his experience from previous mecha series including Armored Trooper Votoms and Kiko Senki Dragonar. However, tragedy struck on 27 July 1996 when Kanda died suddenly after directing the first six episodes.
Iida Umanosuke from Gonzo took over production for the remaining episodes, maintaining the series’ visual style and thematic consistency. The final episode, the compilation movie Miller’s Report, and the first episode of Ginga Hyōryū Vifam 13 were all dedicated to Kanda’s memory.
Sound
Tanaka Kōhei composed the music for the series, creating a score that emphasised the military atmosphere and emotional weight of the story. The opening theme “Arashi no Naka de Kagayaite” (嵐の中で輝いて, Shine in the Storm) and ending theme “Mirai no Futari ni” (未来の二人に, The Future for Both of Us) were both performed by Yonekura Chihiro.
Design
The mechanical designs were handled by Okawara Kunio, Yamane Kimitoshi, and Katoki Hajime, while Kawamoto Toshihiro and Kado Tomoaki provided character designs. The mobile suits featured more weathered, realistic appearances compared to previous series, reflecting the harsh conditions of ground combat.
Release
Initial release
The series premiered in Japan on 25 January 1996 with the first episode “War for Two”. Due to the production delays following Kanda’s death, the series concluded on 25 July 1999 with the 12th episode “Last Resort”. A compilation movie titled Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Miller’s Report was released theatrically on 1 August 1998.
International release
Bandai Entertainment licensed the series for North American release in 2000. The English dub premiered on Cartoon Network’s Toonami programming block on 23 July 2001 during the Midnight Run time slot. The series later aired on the weekday afternoon Toonami block from 1 October 2001 to 2 November 2001.
However, only 11 episodes aired on Toonami, with the final episode never broadcast on American television. Episodes were edited for content to meet Cartoon Network’s standards, removing explicit language, nudity, and graphic violence. Some scenes from Miller’s Report were incorporated into episode 8 specifically for the Toonami broadcast.
Home media
Bandai Entertainment released the series on DVD in North America, with volumes released between 2001 and 2002. Following Bandai Entertainment’s closure in 2012, the series went out of print until Right Stuf Inc. acquired the licence. Right Stuf released the complete series and Miller’s Report on Blu-ray and DVD in May 2017, distributed through Nozomi Entertainment.
Compilation movies
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Miller’s Report was released as a compilation film that recapped the first eight episodes whilst adding new material. The film focused on the investigation into allegations that Shiro Amada might be a Zeon spy, introducing the character Alice Miller as a Federation intelligence officer. The film premiered alongside the theatrical version of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz as part of “Gundam: The Movie”.
In 2013, a new short film titled Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Battle in Three Dimensions was created for the Japanese Blu-ray memorial box set, featuring the 08th MS Team in a brief jungle skirmish.
Reception
Critical reception
The 08th MS Team was praised for its realistic portrayal of warfare and its focus on character development over large-scale battles. Critics appreciated the series’ grounded approach to mobile suit combat, showing machines that could be damaged by conventional weapons and required maintenance and repairs.
The series was particularly commended for its animation quality, with detailed mechanical designs and environmental artwork that brought the Southeast Asian jungle setting to life. The extended production schedule allowed for greater attention to detail compared to typical television series.
Fan reception
Among Gundam fans, The 08th MS Team is frequently cited as one of the best entries in the franchise for its mature themes and realistic approach to war. The series is often recommended as an entry point for newcomers to Gundam due to its self-contained story and focus on relatable characters rather than superhuman pilots.
The romance between Shiro and Aina was particularly well-received, with many fans appreciating the star-crossed lovers narrative and its impact on both characters’ development throughout the series.
Legacy
Television
The series influenced subsequent Gundam productions in its approach to ground-based combat and focus on ordinary soldiers. Elements of its realistic military portrayal can be seen in later series such as Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.
Manga
A manga adaptation titled Mobile Suit Gundam 08th MS Team: U.C.0079+α was created by Iida Umanosuke and serialised in Monthly Gundam Ace from 2007 to 2009. The four-volume series provided additional context and expanded on certain story elements from the original OVA.
Video games
The series has been featured in numerous Gundam video games, including the SD Gundam G Generation series and Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs series. The mobile suits from the series, particularly the RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type and RX-79[G]Ez-8 Gundam Ez8, remain popular choices among players.
Credits
Cast
| Character | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|
| Shiro Amada | Hiyama Nobuyuki | Steve Staley (credited as Steve Cannon) |
| Aina Sahalin | Inoue Kikuko | Brown Emilie de Azevedo (credited as Emily Brown) |
| Karen Joshua | Koyama Mami | Rogers Debra (credited as Debbie DeRosa) |
| Terry Sanders Jr. | Genda Tesshō | Kramer Steve |
| Michel Ninorich | Yūki Hiro | Ricci Anthony (credited as Tony Ricci) |
| Eledore Massis | Fujiwara Keiji | Frierson Eddie |
| Ginias Sahalin | Hayami Shō | Lang Lex |
| Kiki Rosita | Nishimura Chinami | Ruff Michelle |
| Norris Packard | Ichikawa Osamu | McConnohie Michael |
Crew
- Directed by Kanda Takeyuki (episodes 1-6), Iida Umanosuke (episodes 7-12)
- Written by Okeya Akira and Kitajima Hiroaki
- Music by Tanaka Kōhei
- Character design by Kawamoto Toshihiro and Kado Tomoaki
- Mechanical design by Okawara Kunio, Katoki Hajime, and Yamane Kimitoshi
- Art direction by Ikeda Shigemi
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Characters
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Events
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Locations
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Mobile weapons
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Organisations
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Vehicles and vessels
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team – Weapons and technology
External links
- Official Gundam.info page
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team on Wikipedia
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team on Anime News Network
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team on MAHQ