The Birth of SD Gundam
In the 1980s, a junior high school student from Nagoya, Koji Yokoi, submitted an illustration to Bandai’s “Model News” magazine. The illustration featured a Gundam with a unique, super-deformed design, where the overall height of the Gundam was equal to two of its heads. This quirky design caught the attention of the chief editor, leading to Koji Yokoi serializing SD Gundam in 4-frame comics in “Model News.”
From Erasers to Empire
The super-deformed designs were perfect for capsule toys, and in 1985, Bandai released the first SD Gundam-shaped erasers as part of the Gashapon series, “SD Gundam World.” These small toys were a hit with Japanese schoolchildren, and the concept soon expanded to other forms of merchandising and media, including gunpla, manga, trading cards, anime, and video games. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, SD Gundam’s popularity had surpassed that of the rest of the Gundam franchise.
A New Wave of Robot Shows
SD Gundam’s more comical and exaggerated approach to the mecha anime genre inspired a new wave of super-deformed robot shows in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as Sunrise’s “Mashin Hero Wataru” and “Haō Taikei Ryū Knight,” as well as video games like the “Super Robot Wars” franchise.
Spin-Offs and Evolution
By the 1990s, SD Gundam had spawned numerous spin-off series, including “SD Gundam Sengokuden” (Musha Gundam), set in Japan’s Warring States period, “SD Gundam Gaiden” (Knight Gundam), set in a fantasy medieval world, and “SD Command Chronicles,” with a modern military style. The designs have also evolved, with recent depictions of SD Gundams using a 3-head scale instead of the classic 2-head scale.
Model Kits and Customization
SD Gundam models are designed for customization, with many kits allowing for variations of the stock models. Modifying SD models is extremely popular in Japan, even more so than their full-sized counterparts. Bandai has also held monthly contests for custom Gundam models, often featuring Musha-based designs.
Animation and Manga
The SD Gundam franchise has produced numerous animated works, including “Mobile Suit SD Gundam” (1988-1993), “Doozy Bots” (1991), and “SD Gundam Force” (2003). The manga series, including “SD Sengokuden” and “Knight Gundam,” have been published in various formats, including Comic Bom Bom and Hobby Japan.
Board Games and Video Games
SD Gundam has also expanded into board games, such as the “Gundlander” series, and video games, including turn-based strategy games and more recent releases in other genres.
Carddass and Collectibles
Bandai’s Carddass line of collectible trading cards has featured numerous SD Gundam releases, including the popular Knight Gundam series. These cards have told stories through their text and have been released in complete box sets.
Legacy and Impact
SD Gundam’s influence can be seen in its impact on the mecha anime genre, inspiring new shows and games. Its unique designs and customization options have made it a beloved franchise among fans. With its rich history and continued releases, SD Gundam remains a significant part of the Gundam universe.
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