Gundam MSV-R: The Return of Johnny Ridden – Special Edition (Vol. 14)

Introduction

Mobile Suit Gundam MSV-R: The Return of Johnny Ridden is a major spin-off manga in the Universal Century timeline of Gundam. Created by the manga duo Ark Performance, with the original concept by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate, and mecha design by the legendary Kunio Okawara, this series offers a deeply layered narrative beyond the mainline Gundam stories. It began serialization in Gundam Ace in 2010 and concluded in 2023, spanning a total of twenty-six volumes. The story is set in U.C. 0090, in the turbulent aftermath of the One Year War, depicting the ongoing conflict between the Earth Federation and the remnants of Zeon. At its core lies the mystery of Zeon’s famed ace pilot, Johnny Ridden, known as the “Crimson Lightning.” His fate and the secrets of the elite Chimera Corps unfold into a vast web of intrigue. The protagonist, Red Wailin, inadvertently becomes entangled in this hidden history while conducting data research for the Federation, linking his personal destiny to the grand currents of Universal Century politics and warfare. The result is a story rich with military tension, political schemes, and human drama, deepening the scope of Gundam’s universe.

As a work firmly rooted in the Universal Century tradition, The Return of Johnny Ridden does more than continue a war narrative. It explores memory, the struggles for power, and the complex entanglement of personal and historical fate. For long-time Gundam fans, it offers a fresh perspective on the postwar era, highlighting the moral and emotional conflicts of those who survived. Ark Performance’s attention to detail ensures that every battle and every mobile suit carries palpable weight, with mechanical designs and tactical sequences rendered with precision and gravitas. This is both a reinvention of Gundam’s legacy and a bridge to its future, allowing readers to rediscover the richness of the Universal Century while revisiting iconic characters and ideas.

The special edition of this particular volume, published in 2017, is especially prized. Beyond its pivotal place in the story, it includes a supplementary art collection that showcases Ark Performance’s color illustrations and design work, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into years of creative effort. Whether approached as a gripping continuation of the Gundam saga or as a beautifully produced art volume, it provides abundant rewards for both readers and collectors alike.


Publication Details

Author: Florence Spurling
Publisher: KADOKAWA
Year: 2017
Format: Paperback
Size: 19 × 13 cm
Pages: 164