In the world of anime, there are only a few titles that have managed to leave a long-lasting impression on viewers. Yoshiyuki Tomino is often referred to as the “God of Anime” due to his significant impact on the industry. Tomino is a famous Japanese anime director, and novelist best recognized for pioneering the Gundam anime franchise.
As the creator of Mobile Suit Gundam, Tomino revolutionized mecha anime with his complex storytelling and realistic portrayal of war. Since the release of the original 1979 series, there have been countless Gundam anime series and movies, directed under Tomino’s supervision.
Following Tomino’s notable feats in the industry, the legendary mangaka recently commented on his successor’s major misstep that is holding back the franchise’s potential to reestablish its place in the anime industry.
Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Advice to Save the Gundam Franchise from Decline
Yoshiyuki Tomino‘s Mobile Suit Gundam is the first title in the series and introduced the concept of Mobile Suits as the most advanced technological weapon. Through his work, the legendary mangaka aimed to highlight the long-term physical and psychological effects of war on humanity. The war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon showcases Tomino’s beliefs behind the anime’s highly praised narrative.
Despite consisting of only 43 episodes, Mobile Suit Gundam received rather low ratings, putting its chance of becoming a global sensation in serious jeopardy. Surprisingly, Bandai’s toy merchandising success helped boost its popularity and laid the groundwork for the expansive franchise we know today.
Although the anime debuted in 1979, the Gundam franchise has struggled to maintain its popularity among younger audiences, frequently overshadowed by newer anime. Interestingly, Yoshiyuki Tomino once opened up about his successor’s struggles to captivate the audience and maintain the franchise’s appeal.
In an interview, Tomino shares how adhering to one simple rule could shift the franchise’s popularity among the audience. He adds:
Actually it is difficult to convey a simple message, because there are many different generations [of fans]. My message would be, if Gundam made them start thinking, I would like them to graduate from such an approach.
If they can’t find answers, they should seek them from their children, the younger generation, instead of thinking of themselves. Repeated history shows the limitations of human beings so I would like them to break through the limits. The struggle is described in Gundam.
Tomino also discussed how younger artists often fail to appreciate traditional forms of mainstream entertainment, such as theater and cinema.
How Gundam‘s Creator Explores the Theme of War
From being a secret inspiration behind the Hollywood blockbuster movie Pacific Rim to solidifying its status as the father of mecha anime, Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Gundam is arguably the most popular franchise in the community.
The anime completely revolutionized the mecha genre and left a memorable impression on the audience due to Tomino’s narrative. Mobile Suit Gundam showed the perspectives of characters on both sides of a war, Team Zeon as much as Team Earth, which captivated several fans to the series. Tomino adds:
I was collecting information about the war which the Japanese had experienced twenty years previously. I had collected basic information about what war is all about. Most of the war-related dramas and movies were quite one-sided, described from one perspective.
However, war is something where millions of people meet and fight each other, each believing in justice on their own sides. Mecha anime tends to be one-sided, but considering war objectively, I thought I should describe war from both sides.
Thanks to Tomino’s hard work over four decades, Gundam has created a loyal fanbase. Moreover, the franchise has been constantly on the rise and is currently worth more than $26 Billion.
Mobile Suit Gundam is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
