Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr-Hunt — Screening Impressions
‘Mobile Suit Gundam IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS Urdr-Hunt Special Edition: Path of the Little Challenger’ hit Japanese cinemas 🍿 yesterday, on Friday 31st October. I attended the early-morning screening at Shinjuku Piccadilly, and here are my thoughts!
Urdr-Hunt?
Urdr-Hunt is an IBO side-story told via its dedicated game — within the Japan-exclusive ‘Mobile Suit Gundam IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS G’ mobile app. Set between seasons 1 & 2 of Iron-Blooded Orphans.
Sadly the app ended its service in January 2024, leaving fans wishing for more. An animation project was announced, though originally with little clarity around whether it would be a story digest, or a direct continuation of the narrative.
For a summary of Urdr-Hunt’s key story beats, check out the video below by Gamore (the auto-generated subs are passable).
First up, some popcorn!
This limited theatrical run is very much an IBO 10th Anniversary joint, made even more clear by an animated anniversary logo reveal to kick things off. A brief promo then followed, for next February’s ‘Iron Flower Festival’ stage event at Tachikawa Stage Garden. I already have a ticket, so please look forward to more on that over the coming months!
A surprise picture drama came next. Featuring Mikazuki, Atra, Orga, Kudelia and Biscuit in a cinema hall enjoying some popcorn and drinks. It was a fun ~2 minute skit, with the characters discussing how Tekkadan could consider selling popcorn from home-grown corn. Kudelia suggesting corn flavor as an exciting idea to try was an amusing touch.
Path of the Little Challenger
In short, this ~60 minute animation is a fast-paced story digest of Urdr-Hunt’s events to date. Whilst it’s (thankfully) hard to tell which animations have been created specifically for this feature, my assumption is that the majority of scenes are direct lifts from the game’s episodes.
High-level outline
Coronal Xhosa introducing the context (then providing much of the voiceover throughout)
Opening sequence (same as the game, bar some logo/text edits, as far as I’m aware)
~25 minutes of ‘getting the gang together’
~25 minutes of the ‘Cature’ arc, leading up to (what I think are) the final events from Urdr-Hunt’s original episode 12
Coronal Xhosa closing things out, with a little highlight of the other primary characters (though don’t expect much).
On the technical side
The visuals were thankfully upscaled gracefully, with little signs of heavy edge ringing. The result is a slightly soft presentation when viewed at such a large size, due to what I assume is a native 720p digital source — but that’d be my preference over the alternatives.
Audio sounded great, and Masaru Yokoyama’s soundtrack does a spectacular job of keeping you engaged, even/especially whilst there’s so much happening in quick succession. The soundtrack has been available since January 2023, so definitely give it a listen.
Back to Tekkadan
Did I mention this was a double-feature? As an extra 10th Anniversary treat, an additional animated short was included in this screening — ‘Wedge of Interposition’.
It was great to see the Tekkadan crew on the big screen, in high-quality.
It’s an enjoyable — if relatively short — ~8 minute film, including:
Mikazuki in the newly-revealed Gundam Barbatos Adapt form wiping out an also-newly-revealed Eber-G mobile suit
A humorous scene of the Tekkadan crew at mess, including Orga splitting his pants whilst standing up
Kudelia helping Orga craft his personal signature for contract-signing
The guys treating Orga to his red suit
End credits, featuring watercolor illustrations set to ‘Raise Your Flag’, finishing up with a joyful Akatsuki
So what next?
I think it’s likely that we’ll see a blu-ray set featuring this theatrical edit, and the original animated episodes. Plus the two new HG Gunpla releasing before year-end. I wouldn’t imagine a full, animated, story continuation is in the works, but never say never!
As mentioned earlier, the major ‘Iron Flower Festival’ stage event is taking place in February 2026. So if ever there was a forum for any new IBO announcements, then that’s the one. Personally, I’m expecting it to be more of a celebratory bash. After all, we have a ton of other Gundam anniversaries hitting next year 💦
Any questions, or thoughts? Ping me on Bluesky! I’d love any extra Urdr-Hunt insights, especially from fans deeper into its lore. ✨
