The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has a history that goes back almost 50 years, with the brand being one of the biggest of all time in Japan. However, it’s North America that’s now receiving an artistic celebration of the mecha anime, with this focusing primarily on the “main” Gundam universe.
The newly announced book release, Hidetaka Tenjin’s Artistry of Gundam, takes a look at the designs of an artist whose association with the brand spans decades. Along with the box art used for various collectibles, there’s also promotional material and other works from throughout the different timelines of the series. There’s even a special edition that can be bought straight from the source, giving fans the best look at the mecha-based artwork.
UDON Presents the Newest Mobile Suit Gundam Art Collection
As the name suggests, Artistry of Gundam is dedicated to the artwork of Hidetaka Tenjin. A notable science fiction illustrator and even a voice actor, Tenjin’s most well-known works are tied to mecha anime. This is especially the case with the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, where his artwork has been available for “purchase” through the brand’s most iconic form of merchandise.
These designs have been frequently seen on the boxes of Master Grade Gundam model kits, and it’s in the pages of the new art collection by UDON (known for publishing comic books based on Street Fighter and other Capcom video games) that fans can take a look back at just how prolific Tenjin’s career has been. Besides box art, images used for Blu-ray covers, magazine illustrations and video game artwork tied to the Bandai and Sunrise franchise are also included.
The pieces are all portrayed in full color, with 144 pages of art in total. The standard version will cost US$49.99 and be widely available at bookstores and hobby shops across the U.S., but fans can also purchase a special edition from UDON. This is the “U.C. Edition,” which will cost $89.99 and better displays the art at a size of 10×13.6″.
Despite the name, the artwork and model kits involved aren’t just from the original Universal Century timeline. In fact, one of the most recognizable images is based on the Gundam Astray Red Frame from the Cosmic Era continuity. Though still in the pre-order period, Hidetaka Tenjin’s Artistry of Gundam is scheduled to be released this month, so fans should hurry to secure their copy today.
Besides Gundam, Hidetaka Tenjin has worked on other mecha anime franchises. These include the equally acclaimed Macross property, which was adapted in the West in the 1980s to become the basis for the first section of Robotech. His voice acting work has involved an even broader array of anime, from Jujutsu Kaisen to Ghost in the Shell, as well as Japanese dubs for Hollywood works such as Star Wars and the 2000s sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.
