When the show first aired back in 1979, no one knew that Mobile Suit Gundam would still be relevant in pop culture 40 years on. In fact, the original series was quite unpopular at the time and received low ratings. However, when models based on the mobile suits from the show were released at a later time, they were extremely well-received and subsequent reruns of the show became more popular.

Now, after spawning dozens of TV shows and movies over the years, the legacy of Mobile Suit Gundam continues to live on even off-screen, through countless varieties of themed merchandise.

The latest addition to this are wine cooler sleeves made by French cookware brand, Le Creuset. The sleeves come in three different designs, and are individually priced at 3,300 yen.

Two of the designs are based around Char Aznable, the charismatic antagonist who consistently ranks as one of the show’s most popular characters. The “Char-Red” sleeve references both his signature deep crimson uniform and his honorary title, “The Red Comet”. Additionally, it has Char’s personal insignia printed on the sleeve.

The other design takes inspiration from a white suit that Char wore on the show. It has a simple design that shows his full name, his nom de guerre, his insignia, and the nation he worked for, the Principality of Zeon.

The powerful fictional nation is referenced again for the last design, called “Zeon-Black”. Aside from the name, it also bears the country’s military mark and an emblem that appears on its flag, set against a jet black background.

The wine sleeves are currently available for pre-order on Amazon, with delivery set for December 1, 2020.


By - Jen Laforteza.