Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Gundam AGE Begins Fall 2011 - Latest Info, Images & Bandai Channel Live Press Conference [Post Updated June 13th]

Images from the Bandai (Post Updated 6/13/11, Japan)
GUNDAM AGE Official Site Opens: www.gundam-age.net
This new series is scheduled to air this Oct. 2011 on MBS/TBS....I can hardly wait! >D
Gundam AGE Staff:
Director: Susumu Yamaguchi (The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Keroro Gunso films)
Story/Series Composition: Akihiro Hino The president of the game studio Level 5 (Inazuma Ileven)
Original Character Design: Takuzō Nagano (Inazuma Ileven, Professor Layton)
Animation Character Design: Michinori Chiba (Moblie Suit Gundam 00, Basilisk)
Mechanical design:
Kanetake Ebikawa (Mobile Suit Gungam 00, Full Metal Panic!)
Junya Ishigaki (Macross Frontier, Mobile Suit Gundam V, W, X,∀)
Kenji Teraoka (Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)
(Thanks Debris for the info)
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LATEST INFO FROM GUNDAM.INFO!

The new TV series "Mobile Suit Gundam AGE" starts in October 2011!




The new Gundam series has been announced as Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, a TV series set to air on TBS and MBS beginning this October.

The 14th Gundam TV series, Mobile Suit Gundam AGE is the first new Gundam since Mobile Suit Gundam 00 two years ago. Susumu Yamaguchi, director of the Sgt. Frog movies, will direct, Akihiro Hino will write the screenplay, Takuzo Nagano will draft the character designs and Michinori Chiba will adapt them for animation, and Kanetake Ebikawa, Jun'ya Ishigaki, and Kenji Teraoka will design the mecha. Level-5 is cooperating in the animation production. Namco Bandai group also announced a broad range of associated services and products for the new franchise, including models, toys, digital card games, entertainment software, and home video.

■ A tale which spans three generations!
Mobile Suit Gundam AGE takes place in the A.G. (Advanced Generation) era. As part of the resistance against UE (Unknown Enemy,) a mysterious for which attacks suddenly, the hero Flit Asuno uses data from the "AGE Device" given to him by his mother to develop the new mobile suit "Gundam" which is capable of evolving through battle using the "AGE System". As the story progresses, focus shifts first to Flit's son Asem Asuno, then to his son Kio Asuno, telling the tale of a family through three generations.

According to Sunrise Managing Director Yasuo Miyakawa, this series's theme will be "three generations". A first for Gundam, the hero will mature, have children, and the story will follow his son and then his grandson. Both adults and children will be able to enjoy this century-spanning epic story illustrating the protagonists' maturation and the inevitable differences between generations.











The AGE System allows a suit to evolve itself through combat. Can the boys' Gundam use this power to save their world? Now, an epic tale of Gundam across three generations begins!

 Story
Gundam AGE is set in the space age, several hundred years after the colonization of space began. The wars over domination of the Earth Sphere have ceased, and humanity settled into an era of peace. However, it was soon shattered by the sudden assault of a mysterious foe...


A.G. 101 (Advanced Generation)
The mysterious foe UE (Unknown Enemy) suddenly appears, attacking and destroying the space colony "Angel". This tragedy and the loss of life are remembered as "The Day the Angel Fell". The UE continue their assault on the Earth Sphere, plunging humanity into an age of suffering.


A.G. 108
The fight between Earth Federation forces and the UE continues. A seven-year-old boy from the colony Orvan, Flit Asuno, loses his mother to a UE attack. Before she dies, she passes down to him the Asuno family heirloom—the "AGE Device" memory unit. Using plans hidden within this unit, he begins to develop the mobile suit "Gundam", humanity's last hope.


A.G. 115
Flit, now age 14, completes development of the Gundam, now fitted with the "AGE System" which allows automatic evolution of the suit. He enters the fight against the UE who killed his mother.


 Mecha



▲ Gundam AGE-1 Normal
The ultimate mobile suit, carrying the name of the legendary savior "Gundam". Flit develops it from data contained within the AGE device passed down through the Asuno family. The core of resistance against the UE.


▲ Gundam AGE-1 Spallow
A new form of the Gundam AGE-1 developed by the AGE System. Focused on speedy combat, it uses its ninja-like movements to outmaneuver the enemy.

▲ Gundam AGE-1 Titus
A new form of the Gundam AGE-1 developed by the AGE System. Specializing in melee combat, it crushes the enemy with its fearsome power.


▲ Genoace
The Earth Federation's mass-production mobile suit. Was rolled out at the same time as the Earth Federation military was established to battle the UE. A wide variety of customized units exist.

▲ Gafran
A mysterious foe known as UE (Unknown Enemy.) Appeared suddenly 14 years ago, spreading destruction across the world. Can transform between humanoid and dragon shapes.


 Characters



▲ Flit Asuno (Male, age 14)
A civilian engineering contractor for the military from a young age. Develops the Gundam and the AGE System from data within the AGE Device his mother left to him.


▲ Asem Asuno (Male, age 15)
Flit's son.

▲ Kio Asuno (Male, age 13)
Asem's son.


▲ Emily Armond (Female, age 14)
Flit's first friend as he arrives at Nora, only seven years old and newly orphaned.

▲ Grudech Aynor (Male)
Commander in the Earth Federation forces. Captain of a certain space battleship.

▲ Miles Aloi (Female)
Lieutenant in the Earth Federation forces. Controls onboard systems aboard a certain space battleship.



 A variety of goods and services to tie up with the TV airing!
Namco Bandai group also announced a broad range of associated services and products for Mobile Suit Gundam AGE. Most notable among these is the new Gage-ing lineup, Gundam's first model-toy crossover line.






The new Gunpla grade AG (Advanced Grade) and the new Gundam figure line BG (Gage-ing Builder) carry "Gage-ing Chip" circuitry which, when scanned by the Gage-ing Link system, allow models and figures alike to compete on the same field. Using devices like the free-play Gage-ing Battle Base kiosk, planned for installation at hobby shops, there will be more and more ways to play.

Namco Bandai games also plans entertainment software, and Bandai Visual will release home video titles.





● Model kits





▲ AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Normal / Titus / Spallow
630 yen each / Available beginning in October

A new line of 1/144 scale (approx. 12.5cm) gunpla featuring suits from Gundam AGE. The larger body parts snap together like blocks, and absolutely no tools or adhesives are necessary to build the kits. These kits contain a Gage-ing chip, allowing play of a battle simulation game when scanned by the hobby shop Gage-ing Battle Base kiosk or Gage-ing Haro (sold separately).




 Toys





▲ GB (Gage-ing Builder) 1/100 Gundam AGE-1 Normal
2,940 yen / Available October

A 1/100 (19cm) painted, assembled figure. The figure has 15 points of articulation, and includes four Gage-ing Chips mounted in locations like the shoulders and torso, allowing play of a battle simulation game when scanned by the hobby shop Gage-ing Battle Base kiosk or Gage-ing Haro (sold separately)., just like the AG model line. Replicating the Gundam AGE's arm/leg swap system, enhancement parts called "G-Ware" (sold separately, priced from 1,260 yen, available beginning October) and arms and legs from future GB figures can be attached to recreate onscreen combinations or create your own original MS!







▲ Gundam Activation Device "AGE Device"
2,415 yen / Available October

The key the Asuno family uses to activate the Gundam, made into a toy! Plays character voices and sound effects, plus seven different pilot simulation games. It can also connect to the Gage-ing Haro and Gundam Battle Base to store player experience and level up just like the heroes of the show!







▲ Gage-ing Haro
5,985 yen / Available October

A toy shaped like the hero's partner robot Haro. Capable of "Gage-ing" (scanning) models and figures with Gage-ing Chips, it then displays the MS on its LCD and allows play of the same battle simulation game available on the Gage-ing Battle Base. By saving battle data from the Gage-ing Haro to the AGE Device, it is possible to level up.







▲ Free gaming kiosk "Gage-ing Battle Base"
Free play/Available October

A free-to-play standalone game intended for hobby shops, capable of "Gage-ing" (scanning) models and figures with Gage-ing Chips and then playing a battle simulation game featuring that suit. One to three AG models can be scanned to form a platoon, or one GB figure can be customized and powered up with different arms and legs. Changes in parts or platoon composition change power, leading to a fun game of building the strongest squad or suit!

In addition, experience earned playing the Gundam Battle Base can be stored and used to level up an AGE Device. By connecting such an AGE Device to the Gundam Battle Base or Gage-ing Haro, the player's suits evolve stronger and stronger!

The Gundam Battle Base is planned for installation at toy stores, department stores, discounters, and model shops nationwide.




 Model kits





▲ HG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Normal
1,260 yen/Available late September

A 1/144 scale model of the main character's mobile suit. By using different-colored plastic parts, the coloring from the show is recreated without paint. With 41 points of articulation, poses from the show can be recreated faithfully. Along with continuing HG releases, MG and Mega Size kits are also planned.




 Digital Card Game







▲ Gundam Try-Age
1 play 100 yen/Set 0 late July, set 1 early October

A card game using a flat-panel reader. By placing MS and pilot cards on the reader, they appear on the monitor. The player then moves the cards to direct their attacks. Set 1, scheduled for early October, focuses on Mobile Suit Gundam AGE. Cabinets will be available at toy stores, major retailers, and arcades.


 Entertainment software


【1】SD Gundam G Generation series
Date / Hardware TBD
Mobile Suit Gundam AGE will appear in future SD Gundam G Generation series.


【2】Mobile Suit Gundam AGE RPG (working title)
Date / Hardware TBD
A role playing game developed by Level-5 will be released.

※ The above reflects the situation as of writing and is subject to change without notice.
※ Pictured products are development samples and may differ from final products.
※ All prices include tax.



The assembled staff also commented on their excitement for Mobile Suit Gundam AGE.
"With 2009 marking the 30th anniversary of Gundam as a TV animation, and 2010 the 30th anniversary of Gunpla, we firmly believe that Mobile Suit Gundam AGE will open a new era for Gundam while honoring its long traditions. We intend to write a new page in Gundam history, showing another part of Gundam's future to both existing fans and the children of the future."
(Bandai Co., Ltd. President, Chief Executive Officer, and CGO Kazunori Ueno)



"Gundam depicts rich human drama and finely-detailed mechanicals through a unique SF lens, adapting through its 30-year history to appeal to broad audiences. We would like to expand the Gundam world with Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, connecting to new markets and raising a new generation of Gundam fans."
(Sunrise Managing Director and Executive Producer Yasuo Miyakawa)



"Mobile Suit Gundam AGE will expand into games, initially through the SD Gundam G Generation series. We also plan codevelopment of a game with Level-5."
(Namco Bandai Games Vice President Shin Unozawa)



"I feel the pressure of working on Gundam, but I'd like to keep a festive mood throughout production. I hope to live up to everyone's expectations for the animation and detailed setting while maintaining a pleasant atmosphere. Not focusing on small quibbles, but a festive, enjoyable feeling. I hope everyone supports that kind of enjoyable Mobile Suit Gundam AGE."
(Mobile Suit Gundam AGE Director Susumu Yamaguchi)



"As a Gundam fan since I was a child, I'm honored to take such a crucial role in developing a new Gundam project. Like the director, I'd like to produce an enjoyable Gundam, but I also aim to appeal to not only Gundam fans but the parents who haven't watched Gundam lately and the children who have never watched. The title Mobile Suit Gundam AGE refers to our desire to create a new age of Gundam."
(Level-5 Inc. President and CEO, Mobile Suit Gundam AGE Scriptwriter Akihiro Hino)

Finally, we bring you a photo report of the goods on exhibit at the unveiling. On display were the new line of models AG, as well as HG and Mega Size kits. Also shown were Gage-ing and Gundam Try-AGE machines.













Mobile Suit Gundam AGE writes a new page in Gundam history!
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Bandai: Gundam AGE Live Press Conference Video
***Images from Bandai Live Press Conference***
GB (Gage-ing Builder) 1/100 Gundam AGE product line
GB 1/100 Gundam AGE-1 Normal (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 2800 yen)
GB 1/100 Garfan (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 3000 yen) 
GB 1/100 G-Wear Core (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1,000 yen)
GB 1/100 G-Wear Sparrow Arm (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1200 yen) 
GB 1/100 G-Wear Sparrow Leg (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1300 yen) 
GB 1/100 G-Wear Titus Arm (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1200 yen) 
GB 1/100 G-Wear Titus Leg (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1300 yen) 
GB 1/100 Genoace (Release Date; Oct 2011, Price: 3000 yen)
AG (Advanced Grade) 1/144 Gundam AGE product line
*** It was mentioned that this line of gunpla can be assembled without the use of any model tools ***
AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Normal (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 600 yen) 
AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1T Titus (Release Date: Nov 2011, Price: 600 yen)  
AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1S Sparrow (Release Date: Dec 2011, Price: 600 yen)  
AG 1/144 Genoace (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 600 yen) 
AG 1/144 Garfan (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 600 yen)  
HG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 (Release Date: Sept 2011, Price; 1200 Yen)

Mega Size 1/48 Gundam AGE-1 Normal (Release Date: TBA, Price: TBA)
Other Images:
Gage-ing Haro (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: TBA)
Both the GB & AG products will incorporate Gage-ing chip to be attached to the Gage-ing Haro.
There will be a memory chip built into the GB figures, when attached to the Gage-ing Haro, it will activate that Gundam onto Haro's LCD Screen, and can be used to play in the battle simulation game.
AGE Device - there will also be a AGE Device toy (memory storage) that can be attached to the Gage-ing Haro to activate various games.
GAGE-ING BATTLE BASE
Both the Gage-ing figures with Gage-ing chip can be using at any GAGE-ING BATTLE BASE in Japan.  There you can insert the chip to the system to access a squad based battle game.  By attaching the AGE Device, games can be downloaded to be played on the Gage-ing Haro.
A card based arcade game will be release in Japan in July 2011
GUNDAM AGE Promotion Video (Looks pretty awesome to me!):
          
Initial Gunpla Releases:
HG 1/144 & Mega Size 1/48 Gundam Age will be the initial releases this Fall... and MG 1/100 Gundam Age is in the works!!!  The AG (Advanced Grade) line-up and the GB 1/100 (Gage-ing Builder) action figure line will be also be avaliable this Fall.
More Info @ Bandai Hobby Site
*** Official Bandai Images ***
HG (Hige Grade) Gundam AGE-1  (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: TBA)
Mega Size 1/48 Gundam AGE-1 
MG (Master Grade) 1/100 Gundam AGE-1
GB (Gage-ing Builder) 1/100 Gundam AGE-1 Normal + G-Wear Parts, & AG 1/144 product line (http://gage-ing.com/) 
AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Normal (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 600 yen)
AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Titus (Release Date: Nov 2011, Price: 600 yen)
AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Spallow (Release Date: Dec 2011, Price: 600 yen)
AG 1/144 Genoace (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 600 yen)
AG 1/144 Garfan (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 600 yen)
*** It was mentioned that this line of gunpla can be assembled without the use of any model tools ***
GB 1/100 Gundam AGE-1 Normal (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 2800 yen)
GB 1/100 G-Wear Core (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1,000 yen)
GB 1/100 G-Wear Sparrow Arm (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1200 yen)
GB 1/100 G-Wear Sparrow Leg (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1300 yen)
GB 1/100 G-Wear Titus Arm (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1200 yen)
GB 1/100 G-Wear Titus Leg (Release Date: Oct 2011, Price: 1300 yen) 

GUNDAM AGE Video Game Announcement:
Also in the news, Japan's Bandai Namco Games announced on Monday that the game studio Level 5 is developing a role-playing game based on Kido Senshi Gundam AGE, the new Gundam anime series that Level 5 is planning iwth the studio Sunrise.  Bandai Namco Games will be the distribution company for the game.

New official info & images:
Is been several hundred years since mankind had migrated into space, living inside space colonies. Wars on earth had long ended, and the world seems to be in a peaceful era.  But this peace is about to crumble.
A.G. (Advanced Generation) Year 101
An UE (Unknown Enemy) suddently appears, they attack and destroyed the space colonly [Angel].  This disaster is known as the 'Day of the Fallen Angel', and the peace on earth was replaced with war & despairs.
AG Year 108
As the war with UE rages on, the once peaceful space colony [Ovan] was invaded by these unknown enemies.  Frit Asuno (7 yrs old boy) lives on this colony with his mother.  When the aliens invaded, his mother was killed.  Before she die, she uploaded her memory onto the AGE Device and gave it to her son.  And with this device, Frit will be able to pilot the ancient mobile suit Gundam.
A.G. Year 115
Frit is now 14 years old, living in the space colony [Nora], stationed in the Earth Federal Military Base [Arinsuton].  Seven years had passed since he inherited the Gundam, and through years of research, he was able to engineer & completes the revolutionary AGE system for the Gundam (Gundam AGE-1), which is able to self evolved thru combat experience. 
The time had finally came when the UE attacks [Nora], and now the 14 yrs old Frit will fight them with the Gundam.. can he overcome such a formidable adversary?
Characters:
Frite (or Gullit) Asuno – Main character who developed the Mobile Suit Gundam AGE-1 equipped with the AGE SYSTEM.
Emily - Friend of Frite since the age of seven.
Groudeck – Earth Federation Forces Commander. Captain of the battleship Diva.
Millais – Earth Federation Forces Lieutenant Junior Grade. Comm chief of the battleship Diva.
Asem Asuno - The second main character and son of Frite. Inherits the Gundam and fights.
Kio Asuno - The third main character and grandchild of Frite. Inherits the Gundam passed down from generation to generation.
Earth Fedaral Forces Mobile Suits:
GUNDAM AGE-1 NORMAL [AGE-01]
Legendary savior, holder of the mobile suit name "Gundam" .  Developed through the data retrieved from the AGE device passed down from the Asuno family.  This mobile suit is perhaps the only way to fight the UE.
GUNDAM AGE-1 TITUS (AGE-1T)
Suggested by the AGE System.  A new body type design for Gundam AGE-1.  It is designed to be a martial arts battle unit to go against enemies with its great strength.
GUNDAM AGE-1 SPALLOW (AGE-1S)
Another new mobile suit design suggested by the AGE System.  It's specialty is speed just like a ninja, and able to dispatch enemies quickly.
GENOACE [RGE-B790]      *** This is the GM type for this series =) ***
Earth Federal Forces home grown mobile suit.  This was engineered after the emergence of the UE. It can be customized to fit various battle requirements.
UE (Unknown Enemy):
GAFRAN - an unknown enemy which suddenly appeared 14 years ago and had rampaged the world.  This dragon shaped enemy can transformed into humaniod form.
AGE System:
The AGE System had been engineer by the lineage of the Asuno family.  It researches the evolution of living beings by digitizing the mysteries surrounding it.  Frit took this and further developed it.  It collects battle data to customize itself.  it grows alongside the pilot and is customized and used exclusively by the pilot.  The only person who can use this system is the main character, Frit.
In order to mobilize the Gundam, the AGE Device (bloodline of Asuno Family) will be the key. 
The AGE System + Mobile Suit + Frit = Gundam

AGE Device:
The memory unit stores the building blocks of the Gundam memory passed on by the Asuno lineage including the AGE System's basic engineering data.  The data is obtained throught the research of the Asuno Family, it is a book of family secrets.
Covers the 4 ultimate projects of Gundam AGE (Production of Manga, Hobby, Games & Cards)
(Thanks to Tsukinari Mugetsu)
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PREVIOUS POSTINGS:
So this is the new Gundam series that we were all anticipating for the past couple of months?  Well, it sure looks like it.  And for those of us hoping for another UC era series... well, you will be disappointed.  Just looking at the images below, it certainly looks like this series is indeed aimed for a younger audience, and the mobile suit designs reminds me of the G Gundam series.
This new Gundam TV Series will be promoted at this year's Tokyo Toy Show 2011 (June 16th - 19th). I am sure some gunpla & toys will be making their appearance. =)
A note from Katsumi Kawaguchi-sensei regarding his thoughts on all the negative rants for the new Gundam series (From Katsumi Kawaguchi's facebook). Is quite a good read, and his points are well taken.
** Another awesome fan art below **
More info from AnimeNewsNetwork:
Level 5 to Help Create Gundam AGE Anime This Fall
Corocoro Comic to also run manga of story with 3 generations of main leads
 The July issue of Shogakukan's Corocoro Comic magazine is announcing next Wednesday that the game developer Level 5 (Inazuma Eleven, Danbōru Senki) is working on all aspects of the new Gundam AGE anime for release this fall. In particular, Level 5 President Akihiro Hino is in charge of the story. There will also be a Gundam AGE manga running in the magazine.
The new series will have three generations of "father, child, and descendant" as the lead characters. The main characters pilot the Gundam unit to fight against an unknown attacking enemy (UE) and save Earth in a "One Hundred Year War" — an apparent homage to the One Year War of the first Gundam series.
The first main character is Furitto Asuno, who developed the Gundam AGE-1 mobile suit (humanoid mobile weapon) equipped with the AGE System (a self-adapting computer). The second main character is Asemu Asuno, Furitto's child. The third main character is Kio Asuno, Furitto's descendant who inherits the Gundam. The Gundam AGE-1 can be augmented as the Gundam AGE-1 Titus for more power, or as the Gundam AGE-1 Sparrow for more speed.
Other characters include Emily, Furitto's friend since he was 7. Guruudekku is a Commander in the Earth Federation Forces and the captain of the battleship Diva. Mireesu is a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the Federation Forces aboard the Diva.
Tied into the anime will be "four ultimate projects" in the works: manga, hobby (model kits and figures), games, and cards.

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New info from Zeonic Scanlations:
Here’s the latest information from the next Gundam series from the CoroCoro magazine release:
PLOT
Piloting a Gundam to fight to defend the Earth! Suffering an attack from the sudden appearance of the enemy “UE”, Frite completes the “Gundam” together with technological developers of the Federation Forces. With the power to become strong while fighting, the unknown enemy “UE” is beaten back one by one. In order to protect mankind, the Gundam sallies forth!
CHARACTERS
Frite (or Gullit) Asuno – Main character who developed the Mobile Suit Gundam AGE-1 equipped with the AGE SYSTEM.
Asem Asuno - The second main character and son of Frite. Inherits the Gundam and fights.
Kio Asuno - The third main character and grandchild of Frite. Inherits the Gundam passed down from generation to generation.
Emily - Friend of Frite since the age of seven.
Groudeck – Earth Federation Forces Commander. Captain of the battleship Diva.
Millais – Earth Federation Forces Lieutenant Junior Grade. Comm chief of the battleship Diva.
Gafuran – A mysterious enemy like an alien who strikes at mankind.
MECHANICS
The Gundam AGE-1 is the main characters unit. Although it’s a machine, surprisingly, the Gundam grows with the “AGE SYSTEM”. It’s form seems to change with growth from experience in battle!
GUNDAM AGE-1 NORMAL
GUNDAM AGE-1 SPARROW (Speed Type) – A cool blue unit is the highlight. The enemy is torn to shreds with the cutting edge of the sharp Sigl Blade.
GUNDAM AVE-1 TITUS (Power Type) - Though it doesn’t appear to carry weapons, with it’s unbelievable destructive power it crushes the enemy.
** Please not that the romanized names for the characters presented here are my take on them and may differ from other variations. They will suffice until official English names are available.
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Thanks to all these great source: CoroCoro manga Images from Otaku.com, some transalated info from Zeonic Scanlation, other images from CyberGundam, yaraon.blog109.fc2.com, gigazine.net, GA Graphic