As a fan of the Gundam franchise, you may have come across the latest addition to the series, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway. This 2021 film, based on the novel by Yoshiyuki Tomino, has been making waves in the anime and mecha fandoms.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the story behind the book and movie, discuss the film’s unique locations, provide a parent guide, delve into character breakdowns, and much more.
Whether you’re a seasoned Gundam fan or new to the franchise, this guide will give you everything you need to know about Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway and its impact on the Gundam universe.
A brief summary of the book and movie
Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway is a three-part film series, with the first installment released in 2021. The story is based on a novel series called Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash, written by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of the Gundam franchise. The novel series was released in Japan from 1989 to 1990 and consists of three volumes.
The story follows Hathaway Noa, the son of Federation ship captain Bright Noa, who previously appeared in Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. Hathaway becomes the leader of a terrorist organization called Mafty and pilots the powerful Mobile Suit Xi Gundam in a battle against the Earth Federation government. The story takes place in the Universal Century timeline, 12 years after the events of Char’s Counterattack.
When and where Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway takes place
As mentioned earlier, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway is set in the Universal Century timeline, specifically in the year U.C. 0105.
The story takes place on Earth, with various locations featured throughout the film, including Australia, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia.
Film locations and travel guide
While the movie is set in a futuristic version of Earth, the locations still offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Mobile Suit Gundam.
For fans wishing to visit these locations, there are several travel options available.
Hong Kong, one of the primary settings for the film, offers a unique blend of modern and traditional architecture, making it a perfect destination for Gundam fans.
The city’s vibrant streets, iconic skyline, and bustling markets provide an exciting atmosphere for any traveler.
Another location featured in the film is Sydney, Australia, with its famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
In addition, various parts of the Philippines are also depicted in the movie, showcasing the country’s beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Parent guide and age-appropriate content
It’s essential to be aware of the content in Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway to determine its age-appropriate rating.
The film contains intense action scenes, violence, and some scenes of emotional distress. As a result, the movie may not be suitable for younger viewers, and it is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Parental discretion is advised, and it’s essential to watch the film with your child to address any questions or concerns they may have.
Who’s who: character breakdown
In this section, we’ll take a look at the key characters in Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway and provide a brief overview of their roles in the story.
- Hathaway Noa: The protagonist and son of Bright Noa, Hathaway becomes the leader of the terrorist organization Mafty and pilots the powerful Mobile Suit Xi Gundam. He is driven by his desire to create a better future for humanity and end the Earth Federation’s corruption.
- Gigi Andalucia: A mysterious and enigmatic woman who becomes involved with Hathaway and Mafty. Her true intentions and allegiances remain unclear throughout the story.
- Kenneth Sleg: A high-ranking officer in the Earth Federation’s space force. He is tasked with hunting down and eliminating Mafty, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse with Hathaway.
- Lane Aim: A member of Mafty and close friend of Hathaway. He supports Hathaway’s mission and helps him throughout the story.
- Emerelda Zubin: A skilled pilot and member of Mafty, Emerelda is fiercely loyal to Hathaway and the organization’s cause.
Notable quotes from the book and movie
Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway is filled with memorable quotes that highlight the characters’ motivations and beliefs.
Here are some notable examples:
- “A world that doesn’t change has no future.” – Hathaway Noa
- “You can’t change the world by just running away from it.” – Kenneth Sleg
- “There’s no point in living if you can’t leave your mark on history.” – Gigi Andalucia
- “No matter how difficult the path, we must keep moving forward.” – Lane Aim
- “The strong will always oppress the weak. That’s the way of the world.” – Emerelda Zubin
Hiroyuki Sawano’s soundtrack and its impact on the film
The soundtrack for Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway was composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, a renowned composer known for his work on popular anime series like Attack on Titan and Kill la Kill. Sawano’s music adds an epic and emotional dimension to the film, heightening the intensity of battle scenes and capturing the characters’ inner struggles.
Sawano’s distinctive style, characterized by powerful orchestral arrangements and hauntingly beautiful melodies, perfectly complements the film’s themes of hope, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a better future.
The soundtrack is an essential element of the film’s success, creating a memorable and immersive experience for viewers.
Curiosities and behind-the-scenes facts
As with any major film production, there are many interesting behind-the-scenes facts and curiosities related to Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway.
Here are a few examples:
- The film was initially scheduled for release in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Hathaway’s Flash, the novel on which the film is based, was originally intended as a sequel to the novel version of Char’s Counterattack, rather than the animated film.
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway is the first Gundam film to be released in the Dolby Cinema format, providing an enhanced visual and audio experience for viewers.
- The film’s director, Shí»kí´ Murase, is a veteran of the anime industry and has previously worked on popular series like Cowboy Bebop, Ergo Proxy, and Witch Hunter Robin.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like your favorite characters
Cosplay is a popular way for fans to express their love for their favorite characters, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway offers a wealth of inspiration for creative costumes.
Here are some tips for dressing like your favorite characters from the film:
- Hathaway Noa: To cosplay as Hathaway, you’ll need ablack military style jacket with gold buttons, matching pants, and black boots. You can complete the look with a wig that features his signature brown hair and glasses.
- Gigi Andalucia: To cosplay as Gigi, you’ll need a black leather jacket, black pants, and black boots. You can add a red scarf and a black beret to complete the look. Her unique hairstyle can be achieved with a wig or by styling your hair in a similar manner.
- Kenneth Sleg: To cosplay as Kenneth, you’ll need a black military style jacket with gold buttons, matching pants, and black boots. Add a blue shirt and tie, and don’t forget his blonde hair and mustache.
- Lane Aim: To cosplay as Lane, you’ll need a green military style jacket with gold buttons, matching pants, and black boots. You can add a black turtleneck and gloves to complete the look. His short blonde hair can be achieved with a wig or by styling your hair in a similar manner.
- Emerelda Zubin: To cosplay as Emerelda, you’ll need a purple jumpsuit with black boots and gloves. Add a black belt and don’t forget her short purple hair and headband.
Yoshiyuki Tomino: his biography and works
Yoshiyuki Tomino is the creator of the Gundam franchise and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the anime industry. Born on November 5, 1941, in Odawara, Japan, Tomino began his career as a writer and illustrator for various anime and manga publications.
In 1979, he created Mobile Suit Gundam, which revolutionized the mecha genre and spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations.
Tomino has been involved in many other anime projects throughout his career, including Space Runaway Ideon, Aura Battler Dunbine, and Brain Powerd. His work is characterized by complex characters, social commentary, and a focus on the consequences of war and conflict.
Shí»kí´ Murase and other media contributions
Shí»kí´ Murase is the director of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway and has been involved in many other anime projects throughout his career. He has worked as a director, storyboard artist, and character designer on series like Cowboy Bebop, Ergo Proxy, and Witch Hunter Robin.
In addition to his work in anime, Murase has also contributed to several video games, including the cult classic LSD: Dream Emulator and the popular fighting game series Street Fighter. His unique visual style and storytelling abilities have made him a highly respected figure in the industry.
The ending explained and potential sequels, spin-offs, and remakes
Without giving away any major spoilers, the ending of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway leaves several questions unanswered and hints at the possibility of future sequels, spin-offs, or remakes. The film’s open-ended nature has left fans speculating about what might happen next and eagerly anticipating any news about future projects.
One potential avenue for future stories is the novel series on which the film is based, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash. The series consists of three volumes, and the film only covers the events of the first volume. There is plenty of material for future adaptations, and fans are hoping that the success of the film will lead to more projects in the future.
Similar media to Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway
If you enjoyed Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway, there are several other anime series, movies, and books that you might enjoy.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack: This 1988 animated film is a direct prequel to Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway and features many of the same characters and themes.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn: Another entry in the Universal Century timeline, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn follows a young pilot named Banagher Links as he becomes embroiled in a conflict between the Earth Federation and the remnants of the Principality of Zeon.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: This classic anime series explores similar themes of identity, trauma, and the consequences of war. It features giant mecha called Evangelions and a complex, multi-layered story.
Book club questions and discussion topics
For fans who have read the original novel series, there are many discussion topics and questions to explore.
Here are a few examples:
- How does the film adaptation compare to the original novel series in terms of plot, characters, and themes?
- What might be the significance of the film’s unique locations, such as Hong Kong and Australia?
- What do you think the film is trying to say about war, conflict, and the struggle for a better future?
- How does the film’s music, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the story?
Video games inspired by Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway
In addition to the film and novel series, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway has also inspired several video games.
Here are a few examples:
- Gundam Breaker Mobile: This mobile game allows players to customize and battle with their own Gundam mobile suits.
- Gundam Versus: This fighting game features various mobile suits from throughout the Gundam franchise and allows players to battle against each other online.
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost ON: This arcade-style fighting game features various mobile suits from throughout the Gundam timeline and allows players to battle against each other in high-speed matches.
Conclusion
Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway is a thrilling addition to the Gundam franchise and offers a unique story, memorable characters, and stunning visuals.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this comprehensive guide has provided everything you need to know about the film, book series, and beyond.
From discussions of the film’s themes and characters to cosplay tips and travel guides, there’s something for every Gundam fan in this guide.
So grab your mobile suit and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the world of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway.
