▲ From the left, Director Se Jun Kim, Mr. Kenji Mitsuyoshi and Mr. Koichi Ishikawa of Ark Performance, Producer Osamu Taniguchi, and Host Mr. Koji Nakajima (Sunrise Planning)
Mobile Suit Gundam Twilight AXIS’s first episode began streaming for free on June 23rd (Fri). An advanced preview showing and staff talk show took place at GUNDAM CAFÉ Akihabara on June 20th (Tues).
Ark Performance, who were responsible for the story and concept designs of the series, Director Se Jun Kim, and Producer Osamu Taniguchi went up on stage to reveal production details and behind the scene stories during the staff talk at the event.
First, when asked about their thoughts after watching episode #1, the two behind Ark Performance spoke of their joy regarding the animation, “We’re glad that it became such a wonderful animation.” Producer Taniguchi, who is also the producer of THE ORIGIN, said, “It was very difficult handling two Gundam titles (at the same time).”
Producer Taniguchi then talked about the particulars on the reason Mr. Kim was appointed as director, “It’s because he’s my drinking buddy, haha. I’ve thought of him as an excellent animator since a long time ago. I wanted to have him create an anime (with me) one day, so this time I decided to ask for him.”
As many past mobile suits appear in this series, Mr. Ishikawa of Ark spoke of the mechanical designing process, “As for the mobile suits that remain on Axis, they became like that as a result of something we came up with. However, there had been no room for Gundam to appear, so this time we had Gundam take on the role as a villain.” Director Kim, who handled the Gundam designs, suddenly spoke about an inside story on Tristan, “I prioritized making (Tristan) easy to animate, so I thought it should be simple but have a sharp silhouette. It’s because Gundams nowadays have a lot of lines and it makes hand-drawing hard, haha.” He also spoke of stories unique to him as the anime director, such as varying the pace in drawing when it comes to the still animation images or that when lines have increased from what was set, the studio becomes hectic, and more.
▲ The table was decorated with Gunpla that appear in the series!
Additionally, this series features the Gundam series’ first female protagonist who is not a pilot. Mr. Ishikawa of Ark revealed why, “The first topic had been Char’s Counterattack. We thought about making an engineer that had been amongst the people surrounding Char the protagonist and they then became female.” Following that comment, Director Kim revealed his thoughts on the title of the series, “The story would mainly focus on someone who was working behind the scenes, so we added twilight to the title.”
When asked about the highlights of #2 and onwards, Director Kim fervently spoke of his confidence towards the animation, “The mecha scene I drew together with Animation Director Shingo Abe is cool, so I want you guys to look forward to it.” The audience burst into applause.
Next was a question corner where they would be asked questions that were collected beforehand from the fan club. When asked, “Where does Producer Taniguchi think Director Kim’s strongpoints are in?” he answered, “Mr. Kim and Mr. Abe are responsible for more than half of the key frames and, on top of being animation director, he is also doing the directing himself. There is no other animator that is as cost-performance efficient, haha.” Additionally, Director Kim seemed to match having a music hobby as Producer Taniguchi spoke of another strongpoint that he knew of through the production process, “It’s necessary to have knowledge in music as a director, so he also has that part of him.”
Lastly, a rock-paper-scissors contest took place and three winners were presented with a “HGUC GUNDAM AN-01 TRISTAN” signed by the actors from the series. The event then came to an end.
Director Se Jun Kim
We still have some way to go in working on Twilight AXIS, so I ask that for your continued support.
Producer Osamu Taniguchi
It may be a short series, but there are various expansions being made in the animation, merchandise, and novel, so I believe that there is much to look forward to.
Ark Performance’s Kenji Mitsuyoshi
I’m happy to be able to have such wonderful experiences so far after having the series become an anime and have merchandise being made from it. I would very much appreciate your continued support.
Ark Performance’s Koichi Ishikawa
Some time has passed since we first wrote the basic plot of the story, so I would also like to look forward to #2 and more together with all of you.
Furthermore, each GUNDAM CAFÉ will offer “Danton’s Favorite Cream Soda” made in the image of Danton, the pilot of Zaku III Custom in Twilight AXIS, exclusively to fan club members.
Mobile Suit Gundam Twilight AXIS #1 is available for free streaming through the Gundam Fan Club, Gundam.info, Yatate Bunko, the Bandai Chanel, and YouTube. #2 was released on July 7th (Fri) and is exclusively available for advance streaming through the Gundam Fan Club.
[Date] June 20, 2017 (Tues)
[Venue] GUNDAM CAFÉ Akihabara
RANKINGS
RECOMMENDED POSTS
Enable cookies to see recommended articles for you