Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: Volume 12 manga review

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Graphic Novel Volume 12 cover image

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt, a science fiction manga, is set in the classic anime universe of Mobile Suit Gundam.  It apparently takes place simultaneously with the events depicted in the original “Mobile Suit Gundam” anime.  Created by mangaka Yasuo Ohtagaki, this manga focuses on two rival mobile suit (MS) pilots, Io Fleming of the Earth Federation and Chief Petty Officer Daryl Lorenz of Principality of Zeon, each bent on destroying the other.

As Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt, Vol. 12 (Chapters 98 to 105) opens, the Federation plans to make its move against the Nanyang Alliance's base in the Taal volcano in order to destroy the Psycho Zaku manufacturing facility.  Io Fleming is welcomed into the “Trust Squadron,” and the members bond before the struggle to come.  The federation assault ship, the “Spartan,” is close to being repaired and resupplied, as it prepares for full-scale combat operations.

Meanwhile, at Taal, Daryl Lorenz prepares to face is old nemesis, Io Fleming.  As Alliance leader, Sojo Levan Fu, guides his legions, he may not be aware that he is not the only “Newtype” in the coming battle.  Introducing the sisters, Lily and Yith Sirena.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt manga remains a fantastic read.  I have very little experience with the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, but I don't need to in order to fully enjoy this fantastic science fiction war comic book.

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Graphic Novel Volume 12 is super-f*****g good, just as Vol. 11 was, with both being two of this series very, very best volumes.  Creator Yasuo Ohtagaki often deals with how a long, devastating war will drive people crazy, and he readily depicts the horrors of war.  However, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt is also a fun high-intensity battle manga, and this volume features the explosive opening to what looks to be a volatile chapter.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for classic mecha manga will want the VIZ Signature title, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt.

A+
10 out of 10