Mobile Suit Gundam F91 Prequel (機動戦士ガンダムF91プリクエル?) is a manga serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Gundam Ace. It is written and drawn by Oono Junji. It is a prequel to the Mobile Suit Gundam F91 movie.
Synopsis[]
Partially based on the Mobile Suit Gundam F91 Crossbone Vanguard novel, the manga acts as a prequel to the events of Mobile Suit Gundam F91, depicting the Crossbone Vanguard and the residents of Frontier IV prior to the Cosmo Babylonia War.
Plot[]
Chapter 1: The Pulse of F[]
The year is U.C. 0123. The F91 Gundam F91 Vital Unit 1 and Unit 2 are undergoing test flight in space, chasing a Zaku-type mobile suit that was specially modified for testing. However, the two test pilots are having trouble handling the F91's performance. On a nearby SNRI ship, Dr. Monica Arno is monitoring the test. She explains to the pilot of Unit 1 that the F91's Bio-Computer is connected to the pilot's consciousness. If the pilot understands the F91's capabilities correctly, the computer would be able to pick up the pilot's will and take care of most of the controls.
Just then, a SNRI technician reports that Unit 1's heat sink temperature is rising rapidly, and it is also experiencing abnormal vibrations. At the same time, Unit 1's heat radiation fins deploy as it began rapidly accelerating, flying past both Unit 2 and the modified Zaku, much to Monica's shock.
The narration explains that SNRI proposed and began the development of miniaturized mobile suits 20 years ago. The F91, the next-generation flagship mobile suit of the Earth Federation Forces, was rolled out seven years ago, in U.C. 0116. In order to improve its performance, it was equipped with a Bio-Computer instead of a pseudo-personality type neurocomputer. However, the mobile suit suffered from a lack of stability, and Monica had been working day and night to solve this problem.
In the SNRI laboratory in Frontier I, the two F91 Vital units were being maintained. One mechanic remarked that Unit 1 almost looked like it was sandblasted. The pilot of Unit 1 was barely able to walk after getting off. Meanwhile, a mechanic working on Unit 2 were gossiping about how Anaheim Electronics was back in the good graces of the Federation, with one Federation official complaining that despite SNRI's promise that miniaturized mobile suits would result in decreased military spending, F91 was just as costly as Anaheim's mobile suits due to its high development cost. Another mechanic complained that F91 was a high performance unit with low material and maintenance cost, making the higher development cost irrelevant. Another mechanic implied that the officer was probably taking bribes from Anaheim.
Monica joined in on the conversation, commenting that bribes or not, she felt that there are no longer enemies capable of threatening the EFF. A SNRI scientist named Bayon tells Monica that what Unit 1 experienced was the Metal Peel-off Effect. Originally, this would only occur when the F91 activates forced cooling while operating at maximum output. However, judging by the Unit 1's armor, this phenomena could occur even when not at maximum output.
Monica asks Bayon if they have any more test pilots, to which he replied that he understands why Monica specifically picked unskilled pilots to develop a mobile suit capable of performing well when piloted by anyone. However, replacing them will be difficult. They discuss how they have been researching Bio-Computer for more than twenty years, since their university days at Londenion. This research would not produce results without a long development time and massive investment, and how the only place where they can conduct research without worrying about funding was the military. Right now, however, all three of their test units are temperamental. Unit 3, in particular, simply stopped moving, like a child dissatisfied with its own maintenance.
The two discuss how even though F91 was a weapon, there was no way it would ever see use, since no enemies existed for the EFF anymore. As they prepare to report the progress to the military officials, Bayon remarked that he is looking forward to a pilot capable of correctly understanding the F91's capabilities. He said that if given the chance, even a petulant child like the F91 can transform into an amazing mobile suit.
At the EFF base in Frontier IV, Monica and Bayon report to a Federation official. The official, much to Monica's shock, asks for the removal of the Bio-Computer from the F91. He asks if it is true whether or not a Newtype is required to draw out the F91's full performance. Monica asked him where he heard it from, to which he replied that the report stated that the F91's MCA is equipped with Psycho-Frame, allowing it to be controlled by brainwaves alone. He commented that it is no wonder why the F91 is still far from completion: finding a Newtype pilot would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Monica replied that both Psycommu and Psycho-Frame simply transmit the pilot's will to the Bio-Computer, something that Oldtypes can do as well. However, the official pointed out that all three F91 units are unstable, with Unit 3 not even able to participate in testing. He said that F91's project manager has already promised that its performance is top quality even without the Bio Computer, and that there are reports on the software side that Bio-Computer would only serve as a hinderance. Finally, he said that both Psycommu and Psycho-Frame are no problem as long as they do not hinder the suit, but the Bio-Computer is simply too difficult to use, since it only operates at full capacity with a suitable pilot.
The official apologizes for yelling, before saying that the rumor about Anaheim was not unfounded - being a long-time Federation partner, it still has contact with some high officials. Bayon asked if he meant it is time for them to start producing results. The Federation official says yes and asks Monica to give him a satisfying answer in two weeks. As the two leave, Bayon asks Monica if she wants to create a Newtype-use unit. Monica replies that she does not, but since it was a weapon, it was inevitable that the military would think of Newtypes. Bayon mentions how the Bio-Computer technology would eventually be able to used for artificial limbs capable of feeling. To which Monica agrees, and states that such artificial limbs would be impossible to mass produce if it is picky about its user. Monica asks if she is too obsessed with maximum performance. Bayon encourages her, saying that she will definitely be able to accomplish her dreams, and asks her if she wanted to see her children.
At the Arno residence, Seabook Arno returns home, but immediately hides upon seeing her sister Reese cooking with her mother. In his room, Seabook complains about how Monica only returns once a twice a year, when she feels like it, and how she cares about her work more than her children, while typing on a Haro. Unbeknownst to him, Monica was standing outside of his room and heard everything. At night, they are joined by Leslie Arno for dinner.
On the next morning, while waiting for the bus that would take her to the space port, Reese shows Monica some cat's cradle tricks which she taught her. She says that even though her friends like video games more, she likes cat's cradle because it reminds her of Monica. As Monica boards the bus, Reese gives Monica her cat's cradle string.
On the shuttle back to Frontier I, Monica shows Bayon the cat's cradle string, saying that it has inspired her to solve the problem of Bio-Computer's stability.
Chapter 2: Foundation of the Crossbone Vanguard[]
Iron Mask is giving a speech to the latest members of the Crossbone Vanguard, attended by Meitzer and Dorel Ronah. Iron Mask says that the Earth Federation government is corrupt to the core and destroying the environment of Earth. The only way to solve this problem is to purge every member of this corrupt system.
Iron Mask then goes on to say that those of noble birth must strictly discipline themselves and serve as examples to others of lesser birth, and that to kill in the name of the Crossbone Vanguard is no crime at all, since it is necessary for the fulfilment of Supreme Commander Metizer's dream of creating a world led by nobles, where all of humanity would become Newtypes.
As the gathered cadets chant Meitzer's name, Iron Mask declares the foundation of the Crossbone Vanguard. He then says that the Crossbone Vanguard is the vanguard that would lead humanity into cosmo-aristocracy, and that it is their duty to purge the corrupt Federation government leadership and spread their doctrine all over the world to ensure humanity's survival for the next ten billion years. He admitted that they would have to commit mass murder against humans of the "old system", but someone must shoulder this responsibility for the continuation the Universal Century.
Finally, Iron Mask claimed that he donned his mask in order to express how the crime of slaughter has consumed him. He exclaimed that the Crossbone Vanguard need not feel guilt over their actions, they only need to shed tears for the dead and carry out their mission. He ended his speech by saying that as long as the Crossbone Vanguard become nobles worthy of ruling humankind, even God would forgive their souls.
The scene then cuts to the present day, in space. Zabine Chareux was undergoing training with five other members of the Black Vanguard: Dahlia Tairafel, Klaus Nazer, Ron, Staun, and Byeun. After "shooting down" Byeun in simulated combat, Zabine states that their training for today is finished and orders them to return to the Zamouth Jeth. Dahlia and Klaus feel that they have not done enough training, but Dahlia teases Klaus for being the first one shot down, to which Klaus retorts that even though the training was a 3 vs 3 team battle, she kept dodging behind asteroids.
They are interrupted by Byeun, who questions why the Crossbone Vanguard founding speech was being broadcast. Ron and Staun remark that the speech has been repeatedly broadcast for the past several days. Klaus calls the twins paranoid, but they take offense to being called "twins" and asks Klaus to refer to them by their names. The team discuss why this was done, and Zabine, thinking back to a top secret document he saw in Meitzer's office, comments that the time may have come for them to change the world, and Black Vanguard's duty may be beginning soon. They return to the Zamouth Jeth.
Chapter 3: Flagship Zamouth Garr[]
The chapter starts at Buch Colony, the headquarters of Buch Junk Inc., the parent organization of the Crossbone Vanguard. The narration explains that its location is considered remote: it is not located on one of the stable Lagrange points, but an unstable region of space that requires constant course correction.
In this area, there exist two small spherical early-type space colonies where tens of thousands live. In addition, a spaceship dock is also located here. This dock was independently developed by Buch Inc., has warship and mobile suit manufacturing capabilities, and was nicknamed "Washing Board". It serves as the headquarters of the Crossbone Vanguard.
As Zabine and the Black Vanguard fly past the Washing Board, they notice the Zamouth Garr, Iron Mask's flagship, docked to it.
Characters[]
Civilian[]
- Seabook Arno
- Reese Arno
- Leslie Arno
- Dwight Camry
- Arthur Jung
- Sam Ehrug
- George Azuma
- Cecily Fairchild
- Haro
S.N.R.I[]
- Monica Arno
- Baeon Gadwick
Crossbone Vanguard[]
- Iron Mask
- Zabine Chareux
- Meitzer Ronah
- Dorel Ronah
- Simmons
- Gilles Krueger
- Dahlia
- klaus
- Ron
- Stan
- Bjorn
- Annamarie Bourget
Mechanics[]
Earth Federation Forces[]
Mobile Weapons[]
S.N.R.I[]
Mobile Weapons[]
- F91 Gundam F91
- F91 Gundam F91 Vital Unit 1
- F91 Gundam F91 Vital Unit 2
- RMS-119 EWAC Zack
Vehicles and Support Units[]
Crossbone Vanguard[]
Mobile Weapons[]
Vehicles and Support Units[]
Gallery[]
Editions[]
- Vol.1 ISBN 978-4-04-109894-3
- Vol.2 ISBN 978-4-04-111178-9
- Vol.3 ISBN 978-4-04-112102-3