“Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow” (機動戦士ガンダムII 哀・戦士編), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1981, Artwork by Kunio Okawara, Style B, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) — J17

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1981 first release of Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow, featuring spectacular mechanical artwork by Kunio Okawara. This Style B design, identified by the small “B” printed at the lower left, depicts the RX-78 Gundam confronting the MS-09 Doms of the Black Tri-Stars.

Released by Shochiku on 11 July 1981, Soldiers of Sorrow is the second instalment in Yoshiyuki Tomino’s original Gundam theatrical trilogy, which reworked the landmark television series for the cinema. Following Amuro Ray and the crew of White Base through the fighting on Earth, the film combines increasingly formidable opponents with the personal losses that give its title such emotional force.

The poster brings one of those confrontations to life through a dramatic, low viewpoint. Gundam dominates the foreground, its feet planted wide apart, red shield angled across its body and glowing pink beam saber raised at the right. Beyond it, a massive Dom advances with its weapon held high, while another emerges behind it through the smoke.

Okawara’s illustration gives the mobile suits a convincing physical weight. Highlights trace the armour plates, joints and curved surfaces, while small technical markings reinforce their appearance as military machines. The contrast between Gundam’s angular construction and the Dom’s broad, rounded armour makes the confrontation especially striking.

A dark sky, streaked with clouds and scattered stars, hangs above the battlefield. Smoke gathers around the machines’ legs, and the luminous weapons cut through the darkness. Restrained pink, purple, red and white highlights stand out against the predominantly black and grey setting.

The headline across the top reads:

「RX-78ガンダム vs. 黒・3連星 MS-09ドム」

“RX-78 Gundam vs. the Black Tri-Stars’ MS-09 Doms.”

Beneath it, a pale handwritten-style English line reads:

“I pray, pray, pray to bring near The New Day.”

This hopeful wording adds a poignant counterpoint to the battle scene. The bold red Japanese title anchors the lower section, flanked by yellow production credits and Shochiku branding.

Kunio Okawara’s printed signature appears at the lower right of the artwork. As Gundam’s original mechanical designer, his contribution helped define the distinctive machines at the heart of the franchise. This poster offers an especially atmospheric showcase of that work.

Condition: Excellent+.

Please review all photographs, including the front and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 size: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Printed: 1981 — original first release.
Stock code: J17.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.