“Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow” (機動戦士ガンダムII 哀・戦士編), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1981, Speed Poster Size (c. 26 × 73 cm) ZA507

This is an original Japanese theatrical speed poster produced for the 1981 release of Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow, directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, produced by Nippon Sunrise and distributed by Shochiku.

Measuring approximately 26 × 73 cm, the design makes exceptional use of the narrow vertical format. Red Japanese lettering, oversized grey English typography and a black starfield create a bold, almost entirely typographic composition.

Film background

Released in Japan on 11 July 1981, Soldiers of Sorrow is the second instalment of the original Gundam theatrical trilogy, which reworked the 1979–1980 television series for cinema.

The film follows Amuro Ray and the young crew of White Base as they become increasingly entangled in the war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. Encounters with enemy soldiers, civilian suffering and the loss of companions deepen its exploration of responsibility, maturity and the human cost of conflict.

Tomino’s direction combines large-scale science-fiction warfare with the uncertainty of young people forced into military roles. The concept of the Newtype, suggesting an emerging capacity for heightened perception and understanding, becomes increasingly important as Amuro’s abilities develop.

Poster design

The Japanese title 「機動戦士ガンダム」—“Mobile Suit Gundam” descends through the composition in brilliant red, with the angular Gundam lettering outlined in white. A monumental red “2” anchors the bottom of the sheet.

Along the right edge, “MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM” appears in enormous grey capitals, deliberately cropped by the poster’s borders. Scattered blue-white stars introduce depth behind the lettering, giving the otherwise restrained design a distinctly cosmic setting.

The promotional copy at upper left reads:

「果てしなく続く戦いの荒野で 若者たちは成長していった。」
“Amid the wilderness of endless battle, the young people grew.”

It concludes with the direct challenge:

「君はニュータイプになれるか」
“Can you become a Newtype?”

The left margin credits Yoshiyuki Tomino, character designer Yoshikazu Yasuhiko and mechanical designer Kunio Okawara. These are film-production credits; the poster itself carries no identified graphic designer’s credit.

Cultural significance

This poster documents Gundam’s formative transition from television to theatrical cinema. Its emphasis on the title, the sequel number and the Newtype question captures the ambition of the early theatrical campaign, while the striking graphic treatment gives it considerable appeal beyond anime collecting.

Condition

Excellent. The poster retains strong red colour and clear typography. A horizontal centre fold is visible, with associated surface wear, light creasing and scattered small marks. Age-related toning and spotting are present, particularly on the reverse. Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical speed poster from 1981.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.

It is approximately 45 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.