Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Rises Again Through Sunrise's Announcement Trailer

A highly anticipated sequel to one of the critically acclaimed Gundam anime series is currently in development. Titled "Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans: Urdr-Hunt," the upcoming project was announced on Sunrise's Twitter/X account. This new installment is based on the mobile game of the same name, which is connected to the Iron-Blooded Orphans OVA series. While not much is known about the project at this time, it has been confirmed that Sunrise BEYOND, the renowned Gundam anime production studio, is involved. A trailer released alongside the announcement provides a sneak peek at various characters and their respective mobile suits, including the Gundam Hajiroboshi piloted by Wistario Afam. Set between the first and second seasons of the Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans anime, the story promises to captivate fans.

The specific scope of the new project is still uncertain; however, the announcement implies that it may be an anime movie rather than an OVA series like the original Iron-Blooded Orphans. Interestingly, this announcement comes amidst negative news regarding the Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans G mobile game, which is set to be shut down in early 2024. Nevertheless, the Gundam franchise will persist, including animated adaptations such as the Urdr-Hunt game with its animated cutscenes.

Furthermore, there are numerous other Gundam projects in the pipeline, including a new installment in the Cosmic Century timeline. The movie Mobile Suit Gundam Seed FREEDOM furthers the narrative of the Gundam Seed subseries, solidifying its status as a successful and enduring alternative continuity alongside the iconic Universal Century timeline. As for video games, Mobile Suit Gundam: U.C. Engage is being localized for Western audiences, a missed opportunity for the Iron-Blooded Orphans G game.

Originally broadcasted in 2015, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans presented a fresh take on the franchise with an alternate storyline. The narrative delved into the harsh realities of war, showcasing the struggles of young soldiers who felt abandoned by society. Despite generating controversy for its somber themes, it has garnered immense praise and proven to be a triumphant addition to the Gundam franchise. Kazuma Isobe's manga adaptation, which has been ongoing for eight years, further expands the universe of Iron-Blooded Orphans. With an upcoming new anime series on the horizon, it is highly likely that this iteration will once again take the spotlight as the primary alternate timeline within the Gundam universe.

Source: X (formerly Twitter)

Editor's P/S

Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is one of my all-time favorite anime series, so I'm incredibly excited about the announcement of a new anime project. The original series was a dark and gritty take on the Gundam formula, and I'm hoping that the new project will continue in that vein. I'm also curious to see how the story will fit into the overall Gundam timeline.

The announcement trailer for the new project features a number of familiar faces, including Mikazuki Augus, Orga Itsuka, and Atra Mixta. It also introduces a new character, Wistario Afam, who will pilot the Gundam Hajiroboshi. I'm looking forward to learning more about these characters and their roles in the story.