The August issue
of Kadokawa's Monthly Gundam Ace magazine,
released on June 26, brought with it the return of Hiroyuki
Tamakoshi's Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga,
with a new chapter and the announcement of a short serialization
of three installments.
In a
message shared in the magazine, Tamakoshi revealed that he continues to slowly
work on the manga while receiving chemotherapy, and that he
currently has three chapters already finished that he wishes
to share with readers. Despite the difficulties, he expressed his desire to
resume the work completely before the end of the year.
The
author faces a new relapse in his health
A few days
later, on June 28, Tamakoshi updated his situation on his X
account (formerly Twitter), reporting that cancer cells had
reappeared in his liver, so he will have to undergo more chemotherapy
treatments. Even so, he stated that he will continue to work on his
manuscripts to the best of his ability, and that he will make
further announcements when he has enough material accumulated.
The manga
had gone on hiatus in December 2023, when the author revealed that
the cancer had spread through his liver. Previously, in December
2022, he had already confirmed a relapse of liver cancer that
led to a third surgery in January of this year.
The initial
diagnosis of stage 3 cancer was announced in September
2022, starting intensive medical treatment that has set the pace for the
manga's publication.
A
faithful adaptation of the classic Gundam
Tamakoshi
released the Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket manga
in June 2021. The play is based on the acclaimed 1989 OVA series
and focuses on the perspective of the character Christina Mackenzie
(Chris). Kadokawa published the fourth compilation volume in December
2023.
A
veteran author with an extensive legacy
In addition
to this project, Hiroyuki Tamakoshi is widely known for his work on the
long-running Boys Be... franchise, in collaboration with Masahiro
Itabashi. Since its debut in the 90s, this series has had multiple seasons,
spin-off mangas, an animated adaptation, and even live-action series
and musicals in Japan.
Currently,
the Boys Be... ~adult season~ version continues to be
published irregularly in Kodansha's Evening magazine. In the
meantime, his fans are celebrating this brief return of Gundam 0080:
War in the Pocket, hoping that Tamakoshi can move forward both personally
and creatively.
