 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
| New Mobile Report Gundam W: Episode Zero | |
 Cover of Episode Zero | |
| 新機動戦記ガンダムW EPISODE ZERO (Shin Kidō Senki Gundam Wing Episode Zero) | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Military science fiction |
| Manga | |
| Written by | Katsuyuki Sumisawa |
| Illustrated by | Akira Kanbe |
| Published by | Gakken |
| English publisher | |
| Magazine | Anime V |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| Published | 1997 |
| Volumes | 1 |
New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Episode Zero (新機動戦記ガンダムW EPISODE ZERO, Shin Kidō Senki Gundam W Episode Zero), released in the United States as Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Episode Zero, is a manga miniseries based on the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, featuring stories set mostly before the events of that tale. Unlike other Gundam Wing manga, which are not necessarily considered as being in continuity, Episode Zero has the distinction of being written by Katsuyuki Sumizawa, who was also the writer of the anime series, and thus carries a higher level of credibility. Akira Kanbe handled the art duties for this project.
Episode Zero can technically be considered canon, since it was originally going to be included in the Gundam Wing television series. Director Masashi Ikeda specifically asked Sumizawa to pen the main characters' backstories, and they were to be included in the series following episode 27 ("The Locus Of Victory And Defeat"). However, due to production scheduling being the "worst ever" (in Sumizawa's own words) and his withdrawing as a scenery director, Episode Zero's tale kept being delayed and pushed back. Though it was later intended to play some role in episode 31 ("The Glass Kingdom"), the problems persisted, and the Episode Zero story ended up being left out of the anime series entirely.[1]