The End of an Era: ‘Gundam Thunderbolt’ Concludes with Vol. 27 & Reveals the New "Thunderbolt Gundam"
The cover of Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Vol. 27, marking the series finale and proudly featuring the newly revealed "Thunderbolt Gundam" in its full glory.
It is officially over. After 13 years of jazz, debris, and ruthless combat, Yasuo Ohtagaki’s manga masterpiece, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt, has released its final volume (Vol. 27) in Japan as of December 19, 2025. To mark the finale of this series—which has over 6 million copies in circulation—the final volume features a brand-new, never-before-seen Mobile Suit on the cover: The Thunderbolt Gundam.
The "Thunderbolt Gundam" Revealed
Included in the Limited Edition of Vol. 27 is a special booklet titled "HOW TO BUILD THUNDERBOLT GUNDAM." This setting material book breaks down the design of the final machine. Based on the official line art, this new suit is a beast of heavy weaponry, delivering a faithful representation of the "Real Type" gritty aesthetic Ohtagaki is famous for, with exposed mechanical details on the joints and the internal frame.
The cover of the special booklet, "HOW TO BUILD THUNDERBOLT GUNDAM," included with the Limited Edition of Vol. 27, which breaks down the design of this brand-new Mobile Suit.
This new suit features a massive twin-pod backpack design with multiple verniers, distinct from the classic Full Armor Gundam. It appears to carry a long-range railgun or mega launcher, plus shield-mounted weaponry. The mechanical complexity ensures maximum detail for fans of the series' technical side.
Official line art from the "HOW TO BUILD THUNDERBOLT GUNDAM" booklet, offering a detailed rear view of the new Mobile Suit, emphasizing its heavy weaponry and distinctive backpack.
A colored rear view of the "Thunderbolt Gundam" from the special booklet, illustrating its design with exposed mechanical details and characteristic heavy weapon loadout.
Will We Get a Kit?
The title of the bonus booklet, "HOW TO BUILD...", is a massive tease for modelers. While no official Gunpla announcement accompanied the book release, Thunderbolt designs are staples of the Master Grade Ver.Ka line. With the series concluding, the chances of a commemorative "Thunderbolt Gundam" or a revival of the MG line have never been higher.
To honor the end of this 13-year saga, many fans are returning to the kits that started it all. The MG Full Armor Gundam Ver.Ka and the MG Psycho Zaku Ver.Ka remain two of the most impressive kits on the market, offering a unique building experience for enthusiasts of the Universal Century.
Another collection of works by Yasuo Ohtagaki, "Candy Box Creations" demonstrates the unique visual language that also defines his "Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt" series.
This image showcases the diverse artistic style of Yasuo Ohtagaki, the manga creator behind "Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt," highlighting his other works like "Ignition 6."
This series finale marks the end of an era for Gundam fans. What are your thoughts on the new Thunderbolt Gundam design? Let us know in the comments below!
Where to Buy
Explore these stores for a wide variety of kits, manga, and figures. Please note that prices are approximate and may vary depending on the retailer and location. Your purchase directly supports the site.
For HobbyLink Japan: Find the Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Vol. 27 and the iconic MG Ver.Ka kits. Shop the latest releases on HobbyLink Japan.
For Amazon USA: Looking for fast shipping for your Thunderbolt manga or Gunpla kits? Find a great selection on Amazon USA.
For Premium Bandai: For exclusive and limited-edition items, visit P-Bandai.
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Sources
- Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt | Gundam Wiki (Accessed December 19, 2025)
- Shogakukan Official Release Vol. 27 Publication Data.
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