“Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 vs. Rick Dom” / 「機動戦士ガンダム」, Original Japanese Animec Art Poster c.1980s, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) F278
This is an original Japanese B2 promotional art poster produced during the 1980s for Mobile Suit Gundam / 「機動戦士ガンダム」 and sold through the legendary Tokyo anime retailer and magazine publisher Animec.
Featuring artwork attributed to internationally celebrated Japanese illustrator Hajime Sorayama, the poster presents an unusually dark and hyper-realistic interpretation of the Gundam universe, combining detailed mechanical rendering with Sorayama’s distinctive metallic aesthetic.
Subject background
Mobile Suit Gundam is set during the Universal Century 0079, amid the devastating One Year War between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon.
At the centre of the original series is the experimental Federation mobile suit RX-78-2 Gundam, piloted by Amuro Ray. Its advanced armour, weaponry, and mobility make it one of the most formidable machines deployed during the conflict.
This artwork depicts the Gundam engaged in close combat with the Principality of Zeon’s MS-09R Rick Dom, a heavy space-combat mobile suit distinguished by its imposing armour, powerful propulsion system, and glowing mono-eye sensor.
The confrontation captures the fundamental visual contrast at the heart of Gundam: the angular white Federation prototype set against the dark, heavily armoured machinery of Zeon.
Poster design
The poster uses a dramatic, exceptionally dark composition set against a dense field of stars.
The RX-78-2 Gundam occupies the centre, crouched in a defensive combat stance with its white armour illuminated by small reflections from the surrounding space environment.
Behind and around it loom several enormous Rick Dom mobile suits. Their black armour merges with the darkness, while their red and orange mono-eye sensors create small, threatening points of light.
The nearest Rick Dom dominates the right foreground, its huge armoured leg and rounded body shown from an exaggerated low-angle perspective. This immense difference in scale makes the Gundam appear surrounded and under extreme pressure.
A blazing orange beam sabre cuts diagonally across the entire composition. The weapon’s turbulent energy throws off fragments of light and molten-looking debris, providing the only major field of colour against the blackness of space.
The original Mobile Suit Gundam logo appears at the upper left:
「機動戦士ガンダム」
with the English word:
“GUNDAM”
integrated into the design.
The artwork is associated with Hajime Sorayama / 「空山基」, whose signature appears in red at the lower-right corner.
Sorayama is internationally renowned for his highly polished airbrush technique and his celebrated Sexy Robot imagery. His approach to reflective metal, mechanical surfaces, and dramatic highlights gives this Gundam artwork a distinctive character unlike conventional anime poster illustrations.
Animec publication note
This poster was issued through Animec, the influential Japanese anime magazine and specialist store formerly located in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
The lower margin contains official copyright and licensing information for Sotsu Agency and Sunrise, together with the historic Animec shop address and the original:
“ANIMEC”
brand mark.
Unlike standard theatrical posters, this was produced as a special retail and promotional art poster for anime enthusiasts and collectors.
Original Animec posters were intended for sale and display during the early development of dedicated anime collecting culture in Japan. Many were subsequently pinned, framed, or discarded, and surviving examples in strong condition are increasingly difficult to obtain.
Release and format note
This is an original Japanese B2-size poster, measuring approximately:
51.5 × 72.8 cm / 20 × 28.7 inches
It is an original period Japanese Animec poster, not a later reproduction, modern decorative print, or fan-made item.
Condition
Very Good condition. A highly attractive example, with deep black tones, vivid beam-sabre colour, sharp mechanical detail, and excellent overall display impact.
There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese anime poster from the 1980s, but overall it presents extremely well.
Reference: F278.
Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese Mobile Suit Gundam Animec poster from the 1980s.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is now over 40 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
