Genre: Mecha, Military
Volumes: 3
Original Run: July 2006 - Sept. 2007
Written by: Yuichi Hasegawa
Published by: Kadokawa Shoten
Review:
Atlast the Crossbone series finally got a real sequel and not like the side stories of Skull Heart. This is the 3rd and probably the final installment to the Crossbone saga. The Steel Seven takes place shortly after the events of Skull Heart. Just when everyone thought that peace was achieved after the Jupiter empire had fallen, a new powerful foe emerges and wants to revive the empire. It's up to Tobia and the Crossbone Vanguards to stop this new enemy. But their power isn't enough. They need to find 7 elite pilots that will control the new mobile suits known as the F99, "Recordbreaker". As you can see that's where the title "Steel Seven" came from. So expect a lot of new characters to be introduce. What makes the F99 special is that it has the Wings of Light, similar to the V Gundam. These new mobile suits will be the key to their success. Of course Tobia's X-1 Kai unit still plays a major role. There are other great stuff to look forward in this sequel other than the cool mobile suits.
I like the progression of the story. From the Jupiter Empire's downfall in the 1st manga series, up to it's revival in Steel Seven. It's also great how each Crossbone manga series finishes with an open-ended scene, wherein a sequel is always possible. However, the plot isn't that good. You will most likely know what will happen next. Although, there are scenarios that are surprising. The artwork is almost the same as the Skull Heart manga with some minor improvements. You will notice a change in design of the characters, mobile suits and the background as well. My favorite part of the manga are the battle scenes. I really appreciate the fights between mobile suits. Somehow theres more action and thrill. I also like how the characters matured, especially Tobia. He really grew up to be a great gundam pilot and lead the Crossbone Vanguard. Well, these are the postive and negative feelings that I felt from reading the Steel Seven manga. Thanks to Steel Seven, the Crossbone Gundam became more popular to the gundam fans, especially when it comes to gundam video games and gunpla model kits.
Overall, I like the Steel Seven a lot better than the first two Crossbone mangas. It's the sequel I'm looking for in a gundam manga series. I really appreciate the improvements made. The artwork is better and the story is great. The plot may seem predictable, but the intense battle scenes make up for it. I also like the new mobile suits, especially the F99 "Recordbreaker". I do hope it gets a gunpla model kit soon. I'm not sure if this would be the last sequel or a 4th one would be made. But I wish the Crossbone would get an anime version so that more gundam fans will be attracted to this series. Because I noticed some gundam fans doesn't read manga, and therefore they pay less attention to the Crossbone. I totally recommend the Steel Seven to those who have read the Skull Seven and Crossbone manga. If you liked those two, then you will definitely love this sequel. Take note that some manga web sites tagged this manga as inappropriate for minors due to the mild nudity content. But I believe it's unnecessary since most gundam fans doesn't care about that. This concludes my manga review on the Steel Seven. Thank you for reading and I hope you found it useful. Check out also my other manga and anime reviews.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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