In an interview with the official Gundam.info site, Character Designer Mogumo shared their thoughts on the design process for Witch from Mercury characters and their introduction to the Gundam franchise. Mogumo previously created designs for Cygames’ upcoming Project GAMM and is part of design group Morion Airlines with writer and planner HISADAKE.
Mogumo begin the interview discussing how they initially considered Gundam as “something on a higher threshold” until they found themselves working on a different Gundam project. As part of their research, they say they watched Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans and has since watched others as well. As part of their impressions of the franchise, they draw attention to the Gundam: The Witch from Mercury characters and their interactions:
Since it’s a show about war, where weapons play a part, I knew it would be heavy, but it’s more than that. The relationships and bonds between the characters are always portrayed with warmth and that’s part of the attraction.
Mogumo also explained that they became involved in the project whilst visiting Sunrise representatives, who invited their unit to take part in the design competition. While initially excited, Mogumo stated that they began to feel some anxiety as the scale of the project dawned on them.
On the design process behind the Gundam: The Witch from Mercury characters, they cited their background as a newcomer to the series as an influence. Simple designs and colors were used to keep it accessible to viewers who might not be as familiar with mecha anime. Design work for it took also place at the same time as the screenplay was being written, so Mogumo was able to consult frequently with Series Director Hiroshi Kobayashi and adjust designs according to feedback.
On being asked whether they knew about the surprising tone shift of the season finale, they had this to say:
At the time I created Suletta’s character design, I didn’t know what would happen in episode 12. Maybe Mr. Kobayashi or Mr. Ohkouchi had it in mind, but I never imagined anything like that. Still, what I focused on for Suletta was the fact that while she is an awkward girl from the countryside, she also needed a heroic side that would be fitting for a Gundam protagonist. For example, her thick mismatched eyebrows suggest that she doesn’t pay much attention to her appearance, but they also reflect a strong will.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Season 2 will begin airing on April 2, 2023 on will be simulcast on Crunchyroll. If you want to catch up on the first season, you can read our guide here.
