Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is a six-episode OVA series released in 1989, set during the final days of the One Year War in UC 0079. Unlike other Gundam series, it focuses on a personal, character-driven story, following 11-year-old Alfred “Al” Izuruha, who lives in the neutral space colony Side 6. Al becomes fascinated with mobile suits and befriends Bernard “Bernie” Wiseman, a rookie Zeon pilot assigned to destroy a Federation Gundam prototype stationed in the colony. Unbeknownst to Al, his neighbor Christina “Chris” Mackenzie is the Gundam’s test pilot.

The series delves into the emotional and devastating realities of war, culminating in a tragic confrontation between Bernie and Chris. War in the Pocket is highly regarded for its mature themes, character development, and anti-war message, standing out as a poignant and sobering entry in the Gundam franchise. It explores the human cost of conflict without idealizing heroism, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers to the Gundam universe and a standout within the mecha genre.