Tokwan (トクワン Tokuwan?) is a fictional character from the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. A decorated veteran ace pilot, Captain, as well as a former MIP engineer, Tokwan is known widely within the UC timeline as the pilot of the MA-05 Bigro.
Mobile Suit Gundam[]
Military Background[]
A veteran ace pilot, Tokwan's origins as a pilot within the original 1979 broadcast of Mobile Suit Gundam are not documented. It is assumed that Tokwan garnered his status as an ace possibly during the Battle of Loum or earlier. Sporting a helmet designated for ace pilots with his own symbol, a skull with horns, Tokwan was awarded his ace pilot status by Dozle Zabi, as was procedure during the One Year War. His official rank within the Principality's military structure was that of a Captain as he was a seasoned, well decorated senior commissioned officer, known to command of a company of soldiers, may of which tested experimental mobile suits and mobile armors. It it not noted as to when Tokwan's tenure as a mobile suit pilot ended, however, Tokwan is seen serving under Kycilia Zabi with the Mad Angler Corps. Within this role, Tokwan subsequently served, due to his noted physical strength and G-resistance, as one of the main test pilots for the MA-05 Bigro.
It is suggested in later materials that Tokwan was an important engineer with MIP, holding this position before either joining or being conscripted into the military. By the notions presented in Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE, Tokwan was noted to be the head engineer behind the development of the Bigro, later working closely with Kycilia Zabi's Zeon engineers at the California Base and later technical officers within Kycilia's experimental mobile suit and mobile armor development division.
Engagement With White Base[]
Within the original broadcast version of Mobile Suit Gundam, Tokwan is shown to be a Captain and later a subordinate of Char Aznable and the pilot of the MA-05 Bigro on board what appears to be a personal Zanzibar-class cruiser. Char requisitions Tokwan's ship as he comes across Tokwan's Zanzibar at Jaburo just as White Base is heading to outer space, and uses it to follow them. Tokwan assumes the role of Lieutenant while Char takes over as acting Commander. While on board, Tokwan and Char develop a strategy to fight the White Base crew with the MA-05 Bigro as well as two brand new MS-09R Rick Doms. When asked if the Doms were retrofitted for space, Tokwan gives acurate specs on the suits, connoting his intellect as an engineer. Piloting the Bigro, Tokwan engaged in combat with Amuro Ray in the RX-78-2 Gundam while two Rick Doms sortied against Sayla Mass. After catching Amuro in the grips of the Bigro's claw mechanisms, Amuro passes out from the acceleration and is nearly killed by the Bigro's particle beam cannon, though conveniently wakes up and kills Tokwan as the Gundam's bean rifle pierces the Bigro's cockpit. In death, Tokwan is remembered as a well respected, dutiful Captain of his vessel in episode 32. Dimitri, test pilot of the MA-04X Zakrello , sought to avenge Tokwan's death against the orders of Char Aznable, and met a similar fate.
Demotion After Death[]
While a Captain and commissioned officer in the Principality of Zeon in episode 31 of the original Mobile Suit Gundam, by episode 32, Mulligan refers to Tokwan as a Lieutenant. While often cited as an error in the original script, it is suggested that Tokwan was more than likely demoted after his death by Kycilia Zabi for leaving his post in California with the Mad Angler Corps to assist Char Aznable in chasing down White Base in a posthumous Court Martial. In subsequent materials and games, Tokwan is often depicted as a lieutenant, primarily in the Mobile Suit Gundam: Gihren's Greed canon, where he demonstrates skill as a simple ace pilot.
Physical Appearance[]
Tokwan is depicted as a tall, lanky, yet muscular male who visually looks to be in his mid to late 40s. He sports a strong jawline, a grey beard, as well as a distinctive scar across the bridge of his nose. Its not documented as to how Tokwan recieved his scar, though it becomes a prominent feature. Tokwan wears the uniform of a Commissioned Officer. While Mulligan refers to Tokwan Though his history as an ace pilot is undocumented within episode 31 of the original broadcast of Mobile Suit Gundam, several publications released during and post the original broadcast place Tokwan's ace pilot status as being akin to the skill and aptitude of Char Aznable, Gadem, Ramba Ral and Black Tri-Stars.
Tokwan's ace pilot logo is that of a distinctive skull with horns, possibly connoting the spiked emblems of several Principality of Zeon insignias. Otherwise, Tokwan wears a standard green Normal Suit, much like Flanagan Boone. Like a select few ace pilots, Tokwan's helmet was given to him specifically by Dozle Zabi, possibly for his efforts during the Battle of Loum or for prior military efforts.
Original Development Revealed[]
Tokwan's original setting documents drawn by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko during mid 1979 in graphite. [1]
As of 2024, Mandarake auctioned off several of Yoshikazu Yasuhiko's original setting documents, one of which was of Tokwan. In commentary given by Yasuhiko at the time of the auction, Tokwan is described as a unique exploration of the Zeon ace: "While the scars on his face and the bullhorn mark on his forehead give the impression of being crude, the shape of his face itself is well-organized and makes you feel the aura of a strong person who can't be swayed." Yasuhiko would later note that "(In fact), the high-speed battle with the Bigro was a struggle for Amuro and (the) Gundam. (Tokwan) was as strong as a demon in the second half of production, and the design makes you feel his skill as a soldier." The original setting document sold for $1,815.44 USD, or ¥254,756.16 JPY.
Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space[]
History[]
Tokwan is seen with an alternative role within the 3rd compilation film, Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space. Though is not seen as a pilot of the Bigro, Tokwan is briefly seen aboard the bridge of the Zanzibar speaking to Char Aznable about chasing down the White Base crew, enacting a similar scene akin to the original broadcast. Tokwan is shown to be the Captain of the Zanzibar, subsequently seen giving the battle order "Battle stations, all hands!". He is also seen briefly at the firing the Colony Laser behind Gihren Zabi, donning the uniform of a Colonel. It is not confirmed as to if this was an animation error or not. While he is not seen again, it is assumed that he survived the war. Towkan would be voiced by Koji Totani in the original Japanese release and by actor Simon Prescott in the English dub.
Manga Appearances[]
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin[]
Tokwan appeared as a pilot within the manga, though not of the Bigro, but rather the MAM-07 Grabro. Tokwan is shown to have the same helmet, scar, and dexterity in battle, though replaces Flanagan Boone as pilot of the Grabro and enacts his same methods of attack against Amuro, ultimately meeting the same fate as Boone did in the televised version of Mobile Suit Gundam. It is alluded that Tokwan is merely an ace pilot who is assigned under Mad Angler Corps versus being a Captain of his own vessel.
Tokwan as depicted by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin
Tokwan's rank is that of a lieutenant based on the neck patches on his pilot suit versus that of a Captain based on Yoshikazu Yasuhiko's designations, though he sports an ace pilot custom helmet versus others shown in universe. His signature skull emblem is changed to have sharper, more demonic teeth versus that of the original 1979 broadcast version while his facial scar is more pronounced and bilateral.
It is not mentioned in Origin lore that Tokwan is a test pilot or developer for MIP, though his positioning with the Mad Angler Corps suggests that he received training with the Grabro at the California Base.
Video Game Appearances[]
Mobile Suit Gundam UC Engage[]
As of 2023, Tokwan made an appearance in the recent expansion of the mobile game Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE, appearing alongside Char Aznable aboard the same Zanzibar seen in episode 31 of Mobile Suit Gundam. Tokwan is not only seen as acting Captain of the ship, but also as an overseer of Mobile Suit testing aboard the craft. Char Aznable pilots a custom red MS-09R Rick Dom, retrofitted with space capable thrusters and upgraded verniers, a craft featuring new technology developed by MIP. Tokwan is seen engaging with crew as acting Captain while Char tests his custom Mobile Suit. It is alluded that Tokwan has connections to MIP through this cutscene as well as external roles as an overseer of MA and MS testing. Tokwan's Zanzibar is noted to be called The Ragnarok in reference to Norse mythos.
Outside of cutscene lore, it is revealed that Tokwan was an engineer with MIP alongside Ashley Horn, Simus Al Bakharov and Ogan Montagne. In the Japanese version of UCE, Simus speaks with Ashley and explains that the MA-06 Val Walo will ultimately be the successor to the MA-05 Bigro. The Bigro is noted to have been a redesigned and upgraded version of the MIP-X1, with Tokwan acting as the head engineer and developer of the latter. Tokwan is noted to have raised funding for MIP during a preview of the Val Walo, connoting that he was within UCE lore a high ranking engineer within the company. It it noted that all four members of this particular team were conscripted into the Principality of Zeon and given the ranks of commissioned officers due to their hand in weapons development, being a part of Kycilia Zabi's army.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space (Playstation 2)[]
Tokwan is a playable character in Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space, released in 2003 by Bandai. Tokwan is available to players after subsequent arcs and missions have been completed and fights on the side of Zeon, and can be used in a variety of suits, primarily MA as well as the Rick Dom. Tokwan is voiced by actor David McKay, who reprises the same role from the English dub of Mobile Suit Gundam.
During in game battle as well as in versus mode, Tokwan's lines allude to his prowess as an ace pilot and of one who has a direct connection with Zeon's mobile armor program. Tokwan states that "Zeon's Mobile Armor technology is quite advanced!" as a taunt against the player alongside asking Char to allow him the privilege of destroying the player. Tokwan's capabilities in game are best suited for Mobile Armors, such as the Zakrello, Big Rang and Val Walo, though he proves to be competent in other suits such as the Zaku II.
Mobile Suit Gundam : Perfect One Year War[]
Tokwan appears as an opponent in the 1997 strategy game Mobile Suit Gundam: Perfect One Year War by Bandai for the Playstation 1. The player, once engaged in combat, is only able to attack Tokwan's Bigro and the Zanzibar via turn based combat while staying in particular boundaries. Tokwan's design was redone by the animator and illustrator Hiroshi Ōsaka.
Tokwan's battle against the player is enacted the same way as the original broadcast version, with the exception that the Bigro is attacked from it's top versus the bottom. Head on attacks take place against the Bigro with the Gundam as well. Tokwan is depicted as a Captain and has dark black hair instead of his traditional grey.
Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2[]
While not a playable character, Tokwan's namesake, image, and signature ace pilot helmet and motif made an appearance in 2019 via Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2. Tokwan's signature helmet was given to new players as a free gift. While not openly stipulated, Tokwan's helmet is noted as being a "reproduction of the famous pilot's helmet", connoting that within in game lore, Tokwan retains some celebrity status akin to Char Aznable or Flanagan Boone as an ace pilot.
Notes & Trivia[]
- Tokwan's name is in direct reference to the Malay terminology Tok wan, which means "Grandfather".
- It it not known whether Tokwan is Malaysian in familiar origin or ancestry within the 0079 lore, however, his beard is similar to that of the Salafist beard common in Sunni Islam, which has a large following in Malaysia.
- On the back of Tokwan's card for SD Gundam Gaiden (1992), Tokwan is noted to be a knight hailing from "the Kingdom of Dabad' in the Arabian Region across the ocean to the east of the continent." The card implies that Tokwan hails from the "Kingdom of Dabad", which is "ニザーム王国" or the Kingdom of Nizam, which was a real Islamic dynasty in India known formally as the Hyderabad State. According to The Golden Book of India (1893), the Nizams are lineally descended from the First Caliph Abu Bakr, the successor of the Islamic prophet Muhammed. This connotation alludes that within the SD Knight Gundam lore, Tokwan is either part or fully Iranian or Indo-Persian in descent.
- Ashley Horn within Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE alludes in a cutscene to Simus Al Bakharov that Tokwan was the chief engineer and developer behind the Bigro. Tokwan is also stated to have raised funds for MA research during a preview held by MIP of the Val Walo.
- Tokwan, Simus Al Bakharov, Ogan Montagne, and Ashley Horn are all noted to have been not only test pilots for MA, but engineers recruited by the Principality of Zeon to develop weapons to defend the homeland. It is not made clear as to if they worked for MIP before being conscripted or if their positions were given during the development of the MIP-X1. All four members were given the status of commissioned officers during this time.
- Tokwan's visual appearance is parodied in Shiroi Kiba: White Fang no Monogatari in Yoshikazu Yasuhiko's depiction of Weedon Scott.
Gallery[]
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