Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of the iconic Gundam franchise, has revealed his intention to tell a new story centered on human conflict, but notably, without traditional enemies. In a recent interview with NHK, Tomino expressed his desire to show how true adversity might lie within humanity itself. “I desperately want to tell a story about conflict… Perhaps humanity, which inhabits the Earth, is the enemy,” he stated, suggesting an innovative narrative approach that could explore the moral complexity behind wars.
Maybe if we are the bad guys we will finally understand that war is not cool
Although Gundam has had a significant cultural and commercial impact, with revenues nearing 967 million dollars in 2023, Tomino expressed concern about how the public consumes his stories. The creator noted that many viewers focus more on modeling and merchandising than on the deep themes that the series offers. “It’s surprisingly easy how people park their thinking,” he commented, adding that he hopes his stories inspire reflection beyond mere visual enjoyment.
Tomino also reflected on his role as a narrator, noting that he has been looking for someone who can interpret and communicate his more complex messages with greater clarity. “For the past twenty years, I have tried to find someone who can interpret them and teach them to the world,” he said, expressing his desire for the Gundam saga to continue generating meaningful conversations.
For those who wish to delve into the Gundam universe, Tomino recommends starting with GQuuuuuuX, currently available on Prime Video. This series is not only an introduction to the long-standing saga but also reflects the richness and complexity of the Gundam world, where the boundaries between good and evil are often blurred.