Bandai Namco Filmworks has unveiled a new commemorative visual, “Barbatos Rises at NYC,” created exclusively for New York Comic Con 2025. The Gundam visual is part of this fall’s celebration of the IP’s anniversary, which will transform New York into a hub for Gundam fans from October 4–19, 2025, and includes exclusive director signings and giveaways at NYCC, the Gundam Film Festival at Japan Society, and Gundam-wrapped buses roaming Manhattan streets.
As the name suggests, the “Barbatos Rises at NYC” artwork depicts the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos from Season 1 of the Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans anime towering against the Manhattan skyline. The military sci-fi anime Iron-Blooded Orphans—set 300 years after the Calamity War and following the journey of child soldiers doing whatever’s necessary to survive—will celebrate its 10th anniversary in October 2025.
Another Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The TV series debuted as the second installment of the Gundam “Alternative Universe” series and holds the honor of being the very first Gundam series to debut in the United States, single-handedly popularizing the franchise in the West. It follows five teenage Gundam pilots from the space colonies who are ordered to strike back against the United Earth Sphere Alliance, an oppressive power that rules over them with armed force.
Gundam Wing is also notable because its “hot” male characters, Zechs and Treize, coupled with its flamboyant direction, “attracted strong support from a large female fanbase,” according to the show’s official description in the PR.
“The very first fans of the original Gundam were young women. Definitely not the PlaModel enthusiasts, ” said Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino in 1998. “With both Gundam and Raideen, of the first fans to be active, 90% were girls. Among a gathering of 1000 fans, about 100 were boys. Around when the first cour ended, young women began to gather to the after recording studio. It took until much later for male fans make an uproar, around the time series got canceled.”
He continued, “When the movies were screening, we had many male fans who got into Gundam via Gunpla come to see it. Meanwhile, the girls who had been fans since the TV series aired got together to create their own world via fanzines. The fans, never interacting with each other, existed on separate planes.”
Check out all of the franchise’s NYCC events celebrating these two iconic series:
NYCC Exclusives: Director Autograph Session – Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Fans attending NYCC will have a rare opportunity to meet Iron-Blooded Orphans director Tatsuyuki Nagai at the TAMASHII NATIONS Booth #2417. Tickets are first-come, first-served, and will be distributed to the first 70 attendees starting at 10:00 AM. Ticket holders will receive a signed commemorative poster featuring the exclusive “Barbatos Rises at NYC” artwork created for the 2025 Gundam activations in NYC.
- Personal Item Note: Each attendee may bring one personal item for signing, which is subject to staff approval.
Attendee Giveaway Includes:
- GUNDAM CARD GAME Resource Promo Card: Machu (RP-010)
- Gundam Headband
- Gundam Balloon – Shield
- Gundam Balloon – Beam Saber
- Gundam Introduction Booklet
- GUNPLA Trial Kit RX-78-2 Gundam
- Iron-Blooded Orphans Mini-Poster
- Shopper Bag
※The content may differ from the prior notice.
NYCC Gundam Fan Meet Up: Carry On the Excitement! – Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM
The celebration continues beyond the panel with a Gundam Fan Meet Up, a casual, fan-driven gathering featuring photo opportunities, community interaction, and optional cosplay to showcase fan creativity. Located in Room 1E05, immediately following the Gundam panel.
Full details will be announced on the official Gundam website and social channels.
※Event schedule is subject to change without prior notice
Gundam Film Festival at the Japan Society – October 11–12, 2025
On October 11 – 12, 2025, the Japan Society will host a two-day Gundam Film Festival with English-dubbed screenings, live cast appearances, panel displays, product exhibits, and exclusive giveaways. Fans can enjoy a unique experience meeting English voice cast members and engaging with special programming.
Schedule Highlights:
- October 11 (Sat)
- 12:00 PM – Open
- 12:30 PM – Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- Screening
- October 12 (Sun)
- 1:00 PM – Open
- 1:30 PM – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special (4K remastered edition) Screening
- 3:00 PM – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz Special Edition Talk Show featuring Mark Hildreth (voice of Heero Yuy)
- 4:10 PM – Screening
- 5:45 PM – Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway Talk Show featuring Megan Shipman (voice of Gigi Andalucia) & Aaron B. Phillips (voice of Kenneth Sleg)
Attendee Giveaway Includes:
- Gundam Card Game Promo Cards: Heero Yuy (RP-001)
- Gundam Headband
- Gundam Wing 30th Mini-Poster
- Gundam Balloon – Shield
- Gundam Balloon – Beam Saber
- Gundam Introduction Booklet
- GUNPLA Trial Kit RX-78-2 Gundam
- Iron-Blooded Orphans Mini-Poster
- Shopper Bag
Tickets will be available on Japan Society’s official website starting September 22, 2025. General admission will cost $25 on October 11 and $60 on October 12.
GUNDAM HITS THE STREETS OF NYC
From September 28 to October 12, 2025, specially wrapped Gundam buses will traverse the streets of NYC, with select routes offering free rides. Fans riding these buses will experience Gundam in a city-wide activation like never before.
Images of the buses have been revealed, with route details and additional info coming soon.
The Gundam Base Pop-Up World Tour – American Dream Mall, East Rutherford, NJ
From October 4 – 19, 2025, the Gundam Base Pop-Up World Tour will land at American Dream Mall in New Jersey, offering exclusive items, special GUNPLA displays, and interactive workshops:
● Build your own GUNPLA
● Learn the Gundam Card Game
● Paint Gundam Assemble Kits
Exclusive items, interactive workshops, and rare displays make this pop-up a must-see for fans visiting New Jersey during the NYC celebration.
Gundam Collectibles at the TAMASHII NATIONS Store New York
At 1500 Broadway, Times Square, the TAMASHII NATIONS Store New York, the first dedicated U.S. location, will showcase premium Gundam collectibles and Iron-Blooded Orphans displays during NYCC. The store is open 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Show you’re following @tns_newyork on Instagram and get one of the free gifts below:
- Gundam Card Game Promo Cards: Machu (RP-010)
- Gundam Wing 30th Mini-Poster
- Gundam Introduction Booklet
- Iron-Blooded Orphans Mini-Poster
