Creator: Haruhiko Mikimoto
Publisher: TokyoPop
Age Rating: Teen
Genre: Action
RRP: $9.99
Review by: M. Douglas
Date of review: 11/19/07

“Ecole du Ciel” is where aspiring pilots train to become Top Gundam! Year is 0085 of the Universal Century. Daughter of a brilliant professor, Asuna is a below-average student at Ecole du Ciel. But with the world spiraling toward war, Asuna is headed for a crash course in danger, battle, and most of all, love… Set in the original Gundam universe, renowned artist Haruhiko Mikimoto has created the perfect series for anyone who hasn’t yet been introduced to the wonderful world of mobile suits!

Gundam…the word alone sends shivers down the spines of mecha, manga, and anime fans alike. Perhaps it’s the series portrayal of epic confrontations, or maybe it’s the memorable character designs; there are countless reasons. Whatever the case maybe, the first volume of “Mobile Suit Gundam Ecole du Ciel” is yet another fine testament to the series’ overall widespread appeal that has captivated fans since its creation.

From the very first page, I was deeply immersed into its visual style. With character designs and illustrations stemming from creative genius Haruhiko Mikimoto, also known for his direct illustrative contributions to the “The Super Dimension Fortress Macross” series, I knew I was in store for something magical. His visual flair adds the much-needed emotional depth that the Gundam series is known for. His illustrative perspective on fierce battles, introspective disputes, and youthful innocence are all effectively on display in this volume.

Speaking of youthful innocence, this is probably the plot’s strongest enticement. Young Asuna is a direct reflection of adolescence; inexperienced, uncertain, and scared, she embodies what a majority of teenagers would feel when confronted with serious circumstances. Even though this is the first volume, it accurately displays the emotional depth that youth carry when engaged in a life-or-death situation, which is always intriguing to see.

With this being only the first volume, I expect “Mobile Suit Gundam Ecole du Ciel” to continue the trend of combining fantastic art with an enthralling story. Hopefully this volume is the start of many great volumes to come.

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Final Score

A+

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