Gundam Creator Declares War on Rival Anime

• 5940 • 2 • 18

Yoshiyuki Tomino has been a part of the anime industry almost as long as anime has been considered an art form, starting as a writer on the 1963 Astro Boy series. He's also an established director in his own right, not to mention the creator of the highly influential and long-running Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. Judging from his recent comments, he didn't get to where he is now by being nice.

The 79-year-old was interviewed by TV Asahi for Isamu Hayashi’s Ima Deshou Koza. When the record-breaking Demon Slayer movie and the more recent box office hit Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time came up in conversation, Tomino had this to say:

If I still live long enough to make something new, it has to destroy Demon Slayer and crush Evangelion.”

The guy's determined, you have to admit. He's not saying this out of spite or jealousy of course, but because he claims his competitive spirit is the secret to his long career.

“If you don’t have that attitude, you can’t keep working in TV anime after you get into your 80s.”

Tomino will turn 80 by the end of this yearand he's still working hard, directing the upcoming Reconguista in G III: Uchu kara no Isan compliation movie and working on Jordan Vogt-Roberts' live-action Gundam movie. The last TV anime he directed was 2014's Reconguista in G, but his comments suggest he's got something up his sleeve that could crush his rivals in the near future.

What do you guys think? Is Tomino getting cocky in his old age or is his attitude something to be admired? Drop your thoughts below!

MrObvious 3 years ago

He's old school and having such ambition is a plus. With someone who has decades worth of experience since most of us were even born watch out!

Reply 15

Kasaix 3 years ago

I hope he does it. Can't let these new kids forget the OG giants who paved the way for them.

Reply 9

jupmod 3 years ago

Most people would be retire by his age, yet it's great to hear even elderly people continue their careers they love so much despite their old age. So more power to him for continuing working on his passion for anime. Maybe he can come up with another big anime hit before he retires. :)

Reply 6

Anon - Doctorate In Stupid 3 years ago

I like how most of these comments are positive. This community is great.

Reply 2

blackwave 3 years ago

He should be aiming higher like smash the western movies and cartoon into oblivion

Reply 2

ShadowKing 3 years ago

Honestly, if this dude is pushing 80 and still has that amount of drive and zeal for his passion, good on him. It's an admirable trait, and one that aspiring newcomers would be wise to take note of.

Reply 1

Anon - ThatGuy 3 years ago

Go for it man. If they try and make anime to out do each other we win because we get good anime either way.

Reply 1

exodusee7 3 years ago

Good for you Tomino. But let's not forget your last series, Gundam Reconguista in G,
was pretty mixed in terms of response compared to your competitors.

Reply 0

hin4 3 years ago

I don't really understand. Kimetsu no Yaiba isn't like Gundam at all. I understand when he mention Evangelion, for the similarity (in a way), but how in the world is it relevant to pick Demon Slayer as target? Because they mention both during conversation?

Reply 0

VIEW REPLY HIDE REPLIES

Anon - Anon Hem 3 years ago

I think the best way to do that would be to return to what makes it great, like with the original series and Zeta. IBO was in the same vein and that's what made it so good, but some others that came out are really just for kids. I think if he wants to do this he should do Crossbone Gundam, Gundam Sentinel, Ecole du Ciel, etc; seriously, he has a long list of choices.

Reply 0