The latest installment in the animated film series "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash" (directed by Murase Shukou), "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash 's Flash: The Witch of Circe," will be released in 365 theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026. This third installment of our "Mobile Suit Hathaway's Flash" series focuses on the relationships between Hathaway Noah, Kenneth Sleg, and Gigi Andalusia. Set in the Universal Century (UC) year 0105, the film depicts the struggle between the anti-Earth Federation government's corruption-ridden Mufti movement and the Earth Federation Forces' efforts to suppress it. The story centers around Hathaway, the leader of Mufti; Kenneth, the Earth Federation Forces colonel who pursues him; and Gigi, a mysterious beautiful girl who greatly influences their fates. The intertwining of the three characters' intentions and ideals also raises questions about justice.
Hathaway struggles between ideals and reality
The leader of the Mufti is Mufti Navue Erin, whose true identity is Hathaway, the eldest son of Bright Noa and Mirai. After witnessing the clash of Amuro Ray and Char Aznable's beliefs in "Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack" and the death of his beloved Quess Paraya, Hathaway feels a strong sense of mission to right this corrupt world.
As environmental pollution worsens on Earth, the Earth Federation government pushes forward with a forced immigration policy known as "human hunting." Faced with the reality that the government that is supposed to protect its citizens has become an entity that causes them suffering, Hathaway is influenced by the ideals of Amuro and Char and stands up for "justice to save the Earth."
However, this action entails the drastic measure of assassinating a cabinet minister. While seeking "justice," Hathaway ends up making "sacrifices," and he is torn between his ideals and reality.
◇Kenneth chooses a different justice from Hathaway
Opposing Hathaway is Kenneth. Kenneth, who also participated in the "Char's Rebellion" in "Char's Counterattack," is a highly skilled soldier, but he is not simply a commander in the Mufti subjugation effort. While he harbors a certain distrust for the corrupt federal government, he also believes that maintaining law and order is the only way to protect society.
That's why I can understand the ideals that Hathaway advocates, but I don't approve of acts of terrorism. Kenneth's justice is within the framework of government.
Hathaway and Kenneth lived in the same era and shared a sense of crisis, yet they chose different justice. Their relationship is complicated.
◇A giggle that shakes everything
Gigi is the one who will greatly change the destinies of Hathaway and Kenneth. He meets Hathaway during the hijacking of Haunsen Flight 356, and later becomes deeply involved with Kenneth.
Gigi is neither on the side of authority nor on the side of anti-authority. However, he has a keen intuition for the true nature of people, and is one of the first to suspect Hathaway's true identity. By going back and forth between the two men, Gigi becomes a presence that sheds light on the doubts and conflicts each of them faces.
Hathaway sees in Gigi the image of Quess, whom he was unable to save, and Kenneth feels a connection to Gigi. Gigi's existence is instinctive, emotional, and unpredictable, and he digs deeply into the story.
Neither Hathaway's nor Kenneth's justice is perfect. With the addition of Gigi's "third perspective," the story becomes even more three-dimensional. It will be interesting to see what kind of mark the "flash" created by Hathaway, Kenneth, and Gigi will leave on the history of the Universal Century. (Anima Mitsuru/MANTANWEB)
