1979 PUBLICATIONS

Over the last forty years, there have been many different Gundam data books published, covering a wide variety of material from the series. Many of them are long out of print or are obsolete in terms of information, while others have been used as the basis for future publications. Still, many of the books recycle much of the information time and time again, often repeating information that has been overwritten by animation.

Below is my attempt at giving a detailed look into many of the books in my own collection as well as some information I could scrape together on books that I’m still missing or searching for. You won’t find complete translations of materials in the books, but if there are questions regarding a particular segment, feel free to reach out and ask. Clicking on either the Japanese or English title will take you to a more detailed description of the book.

機動戦士ガンダム新番組　4月スタート!設定情報

Mobile Suit Gundam New TV Show Starts in April!

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

Publisher: Sotsu Agency
Released: 1979
Price:
Size: B5

Includes details of the new program proposal, introduction of the program, guide to merchandising rights, royalties, and contract deposit. In the introduction of the story, it is set in the year 2XXX A.D. and the White Base is described as the spacecraft carrier. Furthermore, there are many points that differ from the current setting, such as the introduction of the height of the Gundam as XX meters and a different family name for Mirai.

冒険王コミック文庫　5月号第2ふろくコミック

Adventure King Comics Paperback May No.2 Supp

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

Publisher: Adventure King
Released: 1979.05.01
Price:
Size: B6

Adventure King Comic’s May No. 2 Supplement kicked off the first manga adaptation of the Mobile Suit Gundam television series by Yuu Okazaki. The retelling has some considerable deviations from the television series (Salamis-class, Magellan-class, Gwazine-class, and Musai-class are all used on Earth) as well as some added gore (civilians eyeballs popping out during the Side 7 Zaku attack).

すごいぞ！機動戦士ガンダム絵本

Awesome! Mobile Suit Gundam

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

Publisher: Kodansha
Released: 1979.08.25
Price: 250
Size: B5

A fun kindergarten picture book based on the television series. The book was renowned for its size and cheap price at the time. Later revisits by older fans often joke about the same disproportionate drawing style as the television series as well as some rather bizarre setting material (like the Gundam traveling through space at Mach 3.0!). Various reprints incorporated subtle changes. The final print version added Char on the cover.

機動戦士ガンダム 1小説

Mobile Suit Gundam 1

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

Publisher: Asahi Sonorama
Released: 1979.11.30
Price: 340
Size: A6

The first volume in the Mobile Suit Gundam novelization series by Yoshiyuki Tomino. Although the novel contained artwork based on the television series, it is known for its drastic re-versioning of events. Fans of the series have often commented that the novel was difficult for them to read. Nonetheless, it would set the stage for Tomino to pen alternative versions of his television series and movies as a way to include more backstory and worldbuilding.

ロボットひみつ大全集　機動戦士ガンダム設定情報

Secret Robot Complete Collection Mobile Suit Gundam

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

Publisher: Kodansha
Released: 1979.12.01
Price: 340
Size: A6

I wasn’t able to dig up much information on this book, but it was originally released as a supplement to Television Magazine’s December issue. The few scans of the interior that I could find give a cursory overview to the series and talks of the Gundam (who made it, the pilot, brief overview of weaponry and whatnot). Also included in the book is a similar exposition on Brave Raideen.

機動戦士ガンダム　記録全集1設定情報

Mobile Suit Gundam Record Collection 1

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

Publisher: Nippon Sunrise
Released: 1979.12.20
Price: 2700
Size: B5

The first installment in the Record Collection released by Sunrise animation studio. It is one of the earliest sources on the history and technology of the Universal Century. Some names of characters and machines changed several times during the production, but the books largely reflect names that were utilized in the animation