Connect with us
Mobile Suit GUNDAM WING Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers Vol. 11 Review
Vertical Comics

Manga and Anime

Mobile Suit GUNDAM WING Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers Vol. 11 Review

There’s chaos abound as nations rise and fall.

[amazon_link asins=’4041044030′ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7ecbb5c5-a460-4029-9f3a-640948f56820′]

There are a lot of giant robot manga out there, and a lot of Gundam manga among those. So what makes Mobile Suit GUNDAM WING Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers particularly promising? Its coverage of the violence involved in achieving peace for starters, as well as its polished art and action scenes. The political warfare continues in Vol. 11, as there are betrayals aplenty and countries form and fall. The series is written by Katsuyuki Sumizawa, illustrated by Tomofumi Ogasawara, and published by Vertical Comics. Does this latest installment convey the chaotic nature of war effectively? Is it an enjoyable read?

Writing-wise, this volume is impressive. This being a war story and all, there are a lot of characters and military operations vying for page-time. As a result, scene shifts occur constantly and Sumizawa never focuses on one facet of the plot for long. This could easily result in the manga feeling disjointed and rushed, but it doesn’t. Rather, the frequent turns of events and cuts to various GUNDAM pilots successfully convey war’s frantic pace. The characters have to react to their surroundings and enemies at breakneck speed, and it feels appropriate that readers have to as well. The political subterfuge throughout is entertaining, and it never feels like the creators are holding readers’ hands too much. There’s a lot going on, and much of it concerns foreign policy and military strategy, but it’s always handled deftly.

The artwork here is also strong. Ogasawara does a good job conveying the flow of action in the battle scenes, which are a pleasure to watch unfold. That’s due in large part to how great the Gundams themselves look. Come for the giant robots, stay for the giant robots. They’re all very well-detailed and their weapons and equipment channel the rule of cool effectively. Ogasawara’s line-work is also notably clean, and the shading throughout looks great. The contrasts between light and dark values help the explosions look impactful, and there’s a definite sense of weight to the various objects depicted. Characters actually feel like they’re inhabiting and interacting with their war-torn settings.

On the downside, there are some occasional clarity issues. None of them are major enough to cause huge disruptions, but they do take one out of the action a bit. Sometimes it’s difficult to track what exactly is happening from panel to panel, which makes it easy to pick up the pace a bit while reading and stop paying as close of attention to smaller details. This mostly occurs during battle scenes where there are all manner of flying projectiles and big, hulking mechs.

My other main con with the volume concerns a scene roughly halfway through where two Gundam pilots see visions of the future. These premonitions aren’t actually depicted, so while we see the characters react to them, we don’t see the events causing said reactions. We get enough context to have a basic understanding of what’s happening, but it’s not very in-depth and it doesn’t allow much time for actual introspection. As a result, the characters’ changing motivations and actions don’t pack as much of a punch as they potentially could.

Mobile Suit GUNDAM WING Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers Vol. 11 has a lot going on. So many different characters make so many pivotal decisions as they try to steer the war their way. There are betrayals, political upheavals, and giant robot battles galore. On the downside, there are some clarity issues and scenes that don’t feel like they’re executed to their full potential. Nonetheless, I had a good time reading this volume and I would recommend it to any mecha fan.

Mobile Suit GUNDAM WING Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers Vol. 11 Review
Mobile Suit GUNDAM WING Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers Vol. 11
Is it good?
I had a good time reading this volume and I would recommend it to any mecha fan.
The political turmoil and upheaval are entertaining and well-written
The breakneck pace of war is conveyed effectively
The mechs look just plain cool
There are some clarity issues in battle scenes
An important scene is hindered by an odd choice regarding what doesn't actually get depicted
8
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Sink your teeth into new 'Blood Hunt' teeth series covers Sink your teeth into new 'Blood Hunt' teeth series covers

Sink your teeth into new ‘Blood Hunt’ teeth series covers

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup