#United States #San Diego #Bandai Namco #Gundam Wing #San Diego Comic-Con

Gundam Wing 30th Anniversary at San Diego Comic-Con 2025

The vibrant atmosphere of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 was electrified as fans gathered to celebrate the monumental 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. This iconic series, which marked the entry of Gundam into the American market, was honored with a fantastic panel that promised to stir nostalgia and excitement among attendees.

Hosted by the charismatic Jacki Jing, the panel was set ablaze from the start with the unveiling of a stunning retrospective opening animation that transported fans back to the show’s unforgettable moments. The audience erupted with cheers as celebrated English voice actors Mark Hildreth (Heero Yuy), Scott McNeil (Duo Maxwell), and Brad Swaile (Quatre Raberba Winner) took the stage, joined by the esteemed Gundam executive producer, Naohiro Ogata. The event offered an array of exclusive giveaways, featuring coveted Gunpla kits, art cards, posters, and a special commemorative booklet, creating an environment buzzing with excitement and camaraderie.

In a heartwarming moment, fans were introduced to a newly-designed key visual celebrating this milestone. The visual art drew inspiration from the classic eye-catch frames seen during the original broadcast, bridging past and present. The voice cast shared personal anecdotes and insights that reflected on Gundam Wing's profound influence on both their careers and the landscape of anime in the West. McNeil remarked, "We got the buzz right from the get-go... This was something special," while Swaile and Hildreth echoed sentiments about the series' immediate success in the American market.

The panel was infused with announcements that thrilled both new fans and veterans of the franchise. Noteworthy highlights included a remastered 4K screening of Gundam Wing Endless Waltz - Special Edition- coming to U.S. theaters this fall, along with a surprise that all episodes of Gundam Wing (English dub) are now available for free streaming on the Gundam Info YouTube channel. The panel also spotlighted a new highlight reel narrated by the original voice of Duo Maxwell, Toshihiko Seki, which premiered during the event.

Furthermore, attendees were treated to news about an upcoming Gundam Wing manga scheduled to launch in Japan this August, featuring fresh narratives and insights into beloved characters such as Meilan Long and Adin Lowe—continuing the legacy of storytelling that Gundam is known for. Additionally, the reveal of newly drawn character reference sheets for protagonists like Heero, Relena, Zechs, and the five Gundam pilots indicated an exciting approach towards revitalizing fan engagement.

In a spectacular showcase of creativity and skill, the voice cast participated in a live Gunpla building challenge, which saw Brad Swaile crowned the winner amidst enthusiastic applause from the adoring audience. This element served as a delightful reminder of the fun, hands-on culture that surrounds the Gundam community and its deep-rooted creativity.

Looking to the future, fans were given sneak peeks of what's next for the Gundam franchise, including a teaser for MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM Hathaway and its sequel, The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, with confirmations for upcoming North American releases. New merchandise was also unveiled, such as the Entry Grade Wing Gundam and upcoming figures from the Gundam Universe series, elevating fans' anticipation for new collectibles.

As the celebration concluded, a heartfelt video message by Hikaru Midorikawa, the Japanese voice of Heero Yuy, reached the fans. He, along with the English cast, expressed their gratitude, emphasizing that the fans are what keeps Gundam alive and thriving. "Thank you for supporting Gundam for 30 years," said Ogata, marking this occasion as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.

This anniversary event is not only a celebration of the past but also a promising look to the future with many exciting developments on the horizon for fans worldwide. For more updates and exclusive content, fans are encouraged to stay connected through Gundam's official website and the Gundam Info YouTube channel, ensuring that the legacy of this beloved franchise continues to thrive.