Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, Vol. 1- Activation

I've watched the Original Mobile Suit Gundam TV series. I own the film trilogy. But this surpasses even the films. It isn't my favorite manga, but it is the GREATEST manga I've ever seen. Where do I start? If you are familiar with Mobile Suit Gundam Universal Century you'll appreciate this as a masterful retelling of the Origin story of one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time. As is mentioned in the introductory essay (there are three), there is a lot of subtle world-building detail to be found in this story, a maturation of the story into what it always had the potential to be. The dialog is crisp and powerful in its delivery, and full of emotion. The artwork is incredible, better than either the TV show or the films. Some of it is in color (the cover image is actually from one of the color panels inside the book), and the color sections are absolutely astounding in their quality. The blacks are deep and fully saturated, and the paper is a brilliant high-quality white semi-gloss. If you're used to manga then you know what to expect as far as details that represent motion, sound, emotion, etc. Words simply cannot convey what an incredible step-up this manga is from "ordinary" manga. Judge a Book by it's Cover For once you CAN judge a book by its cover. When I saw this book in the store, with it's thick waxy hardcover, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It's GORGEOUS. It's not a cheap glossy cover like you're used to or a cheap paperback. This is archival quality paper inside, not cheap newsprint. That would be great if the content was okay, but... A Giant Among Classics This manga is fantastic. It stands as a work of art alongside the greatest graphic novels and comics of all-time. You'll want to own every one of them and display them on your bookshelf alongside your Complete Calvin and Hobbes and most treasured trade hardbacks of great comic stories. I haven't been so starstruck since the first volume of Queen Emeraldas and Zita the Spacegirl for sheer nostalgic wish-fulfillment that makes me feel like a five-year-old taking his first glimpse at his dad's comics from his locked desk drawer. THIS is the reason why I watch anime. THIS is the reason why I read manga. If you miss out on this, you are missing out on one of the greatest works of art ever created. Yoshikazu Yasuhiko is a grand master and this is one of the greatest graphic novel/comic/manga creations of all time. If you love Gundam, if you love Manga, if you love ART, buy this now and read it immediately. If you've a shred of appreciation for the greatest heights of the Manga Art Form, you will treasure it forever.

I still remember seeing the original Viz release of the Origin in stores when I was younger. While I appreciate that they tried to bring us The Origin back then, Vertical has brought us the definitive release. This release isn't meant for the younger me who couldn't afford those thin issues back in the day; it's for the adult me who can appreciate a good book. Volume 1 - Activation is a massive release at over 400 pages and great care has been taken to bring Master Yoshikazu Yasuhiko's brilliant artwork to western readers. The glossy pages make the black and white art pop out and even better still the water color pages are a treat in themselves that make this worth owning. There are even short essays from the likes of the artist/author himself and Hideaki Anno. All of this is hard bound with an absolutely gorgeous cover. All of that said, the presentation would be meaningless if the content within wasn't any good, and I can tell you that this is one origin story well worth revisiting. Not only is the artwork beautiful, but I dare say that this is the definitive telling of the Gundam story. The lay out of the panels is clean and imagery is often used to tell the story rather than words. The action is gorgeously drawn and easy to follow, the lines of the fighting mecha always staying distinctive. The characters retain Yas's classic style and really come to life in this medium. The original Gundam has often been lauded for its story that set it apart from other robot cartoons of its day and the strong characters it created. Those looking back on it now will often cite the artwork of the series the only downside. Now, that excuse no longer stands as the manga format allows Yas to fully realize his artistic vision. The story and characters still remain a strong point, but now the complete package is present. This book is well worth the listed cover price, but you'd be a fool not to pick this up at lower price it's going for now. This isn't just a treat for Gundam fans. If you at all consider yourself a connoisseur of comics and graphic novels, then this release is a must buy. I've already pre-ordered and am eagerly awaiting the subsequent releases of Gundam The Origin.

Una gran lectura sobre la guerra.

If you are a anime especially Gundam Fan this is for you. Epic Origins story and a fantastic read. Little side note: I ordered the first books of this series cause on sale, only to find out book# 2 is never in stock. So I send them all back and bought instead the deluxe edition and I’m super happy. Bigger format, better paper quality and great on the shelf. Do yourself a favour and do the same book 2 is sold out everywhere.

Lecteur français, je me suis tourné vers cette édition anglaise car Pika n'édite plus les premiers tomes en France. C'est vraiment triste, d'autant plus qu'ils continuent de sortir les tomes suivant, sans même proposer le début ! L'anime de l'époque, s'il vaut la peine d'être vu, a extrêmement mal vieilli et c'est avec plaisir qu'on découvre les origines de Gundam dans cette série papier de toute beauté, sur un papier de qualité et en hardcover ! Toutes les informations qui m'ont échappé dans l'anime deviennent ici parfaitement claires et permettra, je l'espère, de faire découvrir les origines de Gundam à plus de gens hors du Japon.

updated version of the beginning of the Gundam saga. Recommended

excellent condition, great coloring. love it.