Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Space, to the End of a Flash

So, it seems like most of Masato Natsumoto's Gundam works are adaptations of video game plots, including this one. This one is an adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space, complete with a second volume that follows the "better" ending path depending on a specific accomplishment. Though it looks like the canon path is the sadder of the two, given that it's one referenced everywhere. Though it's as long as the other adaptations, it landed better. Perhaps because I've seen these characters elsewhere by now so I'm more familiar with them. Feddie pilots Luce Cassel and Ford Romfellow have been chosen as the pilots forGundam Units 4 and 5, brother mobile suits to the iconic Unit 2 that launched Gundam into the world. Sent up into space to pursue the One Year War to conclusion, they clash with Zeon forces as their undercrewed team attempts to push Operation Star one to success. This being Gundam, things are not so easy. This is a fairly straightforward Gundam plot with a straightforward shounen protagonist, but because I've seen him in other Masato works, it feels like I already know him reasonably well. Like meeting an acquaintance and hanging out with him. What's weird here is that both paths are told in separate volumes, plus a bonus chapter where they throw in Anavel Gato doing his Nightmare of Solomon gig. The art is good as always, with the battles complex affairs where every panel is used to intensify the tension. Unlike the other stories, Miyu Takizawa (the operator) is very cute, and is used (sparingly) to provide some fanservice. Nothing too intense, but it's a good reminder that besides drawing fantastic mecha nad battles, Masato-sensei can also draw cute girls. As yet another fact of the One Year War, it certainly hits the right notes for a UC Gundam fan, especially those who want to see the alternate path followed. It's a decent way for a mecha fan or fans of the game to pass a few hours.