If you’ve been a Gundam fan for any length of time, chances are Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin holds a special place in your heart. For me, my love of the franchise started back in the late ’90s, when Toonami introduced millions of kids—including myself—to giant mecha, political intrigue, and emotional storytelling that went far beyond your typical Saturday morning cartoon. From Gundam 00 to Thunderbolt, I’ve watched, read, built, and played through countless installments—but the original U.C. 0079 series will always be where it all began.
So when Kodansha announced The Origin Deluxe Edition, I was immediately intrigued. Could it really surpass the excellent Vertical hardcover editions from years prior? Let’s dive in and see how it stacks up.
Quick Story Overview
Set in the year U.C. 0079, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin retells the classic story that started it all—the war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. When Zeon declares independence from Earth, humanity is thrown into a devastating conflict that reaches both space colonies and the planet’s surface.
We follow Amuro Ray, a young boy who finds himself piloting the Earth Federation’s experimental Mobile Suit, the RX-78-2 Gundam. On the opposing side stands Char Aznable, the enigmatic “Red Comet,” whose charisma and cunning make him one of anime’s most iconic antiheroes. What sets The Origin apart from the original anime is how it fleshes out the characters and political complexities, giving us a richer, more emotionally grounded version of the story we know.
Vertical Hardcover Editions (Original Release)
The original Vertical hardcover releases were a masterclass in presentation. Each of the 12 volumes featured stunning matte covers showcasing Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s artwork, vibrant galaxy-inspired color palettes, and a personality-filled design. They included glossy paper, sewn binding, and—best of all—extra content like essays, art galleries, and creator commentaries.
These editions were a joy to read and hold, offering bright, punchy visuals and excellent durability. They retailed for about $29.95 each, bringing the total cost for the full set to roughly $360. For collectors and longtime fans, the Vertical line felt definitive—an archival-quality presentation worthy of Gundam’s legacy.
Kodansha Deluxe Editions (Current Release)
Kodansha’s new Deluxe Edition volumes take a very different approach. Each book is oversized, with a faux-leather embossed cover, no dust jacket, and a clean, mechanical aesthetic dominated by a uniform blue color scheme—an intentional nod to the RX-78-2’s colors. These are hefty, display-worthy books meant to anchor a collector’s shelf.
Each deluxe volume combines two of the original Vertical releases into one massive tome—Volume 1, for example, collects Activation and Garma for a total of 880 pages. The larger format allows Yasuhiko’s detailed art to shine, and the matte paper gives a softer, more natural look to the colors, enhancing subtle shading and linework that the glossy Vertical pages sometimes overpowered.
However, there are trade-offs: most of the essays and bonus illustrations from the Vertical editions have been removed, and the matte paper—while easier on the eyes—loses a bit of that premium gloss finish. The sheer weight of the book also makes it less comfortable to hold; you’ll likely want to read it at a desk rather than curled up on the couch.
At $54.95 per volume, these are premium products—but since there are only six volumes total, the complete set actually comes out slightly cheaper overall.
Final Thoughts
So which version is better? Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you already own the Vertical hardcovers, there’s little reason to upgrade—those editions capture the vibrancy, spirit, and bonus-rich experience of The Origin beautifully. But if you’re new to Gundam or want a cohesive, deluxe presentation with massive page spreads and bookshelf presence, the Kodansha editions are an excellent way to experience one of the most important stories in anime and manga history.
For me, the Vertical set still holds the edge—but I won’t deny the Deluxe Editions look phenomenal lined up on a shelf. Either way, this series remains a must-own for any serious Gundam collector or manga enthusiast. Now if only we could finally get the amazing Gundam Thunderbolt collected this way….
In the mood for some more mech related content? Check out my review of the Cobra S.n.a.ke. armor.
