――The Struggle Between Ideals and Reality. Anticipating the Sequel “II: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe” ――
Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash depicts the story of Hathaway Noa, a young man caught between his ideals and the harsh reality of the Universal Century 0105.
As he fights against the corruption of the Earth Federation Government under the alias of the anti-government group Mafty, Hathaway’s actions are driven by noble intentions, yet they inevitably cause harm to others.
His struggle challenges the audience to reflect on the thin line between idealism and consequence.
Carrying the Ghost of Char’s Counterattack
Hathaway, son of Bright Noa, has witnessed the consequences of war firsthand.
The death of Ques Paraya and his complicated feelings toward his father’s ideals have left deep scars in his heart.
These experiences propel him into his role as Mafty, confronting a world where pursuing ideals often comes at a tragic cost.
Like Char Aznable before him, Hathaway embodies the burden of fighting for one’s convictions while being haunted by the ghosts of the past.
The Interwoven Psyches of Three Characters
At the center of the story are Hathaway, Gigi Andalusia, and Kenneth Sleg.
Gigi challenges Hathaway’s ideals in subtle and unpredictable ways, while Kenneth, a Federation officer tasked with confronting Mafty, finds himself conflicted by Hathaway’s convictions.
Their interactions reveal the ambiguity of justice: everyone believes in their own righteousness, yet no one can fully validate the other’s.
The film asks the audience: Which form of justice would you follow?
Cinematic Realism and Musical Innovation
Directed by Gorō Taniguchi, the film captures a sense of tension and realism, portraying the war not as a distant event in space but as a tangible and immersive experience.
Hiroyuki Sawano’s score perfectly complements Hathaway’s internal struggles, intensifying the emotional impact.
The closing scene, accompanied by Alexandros’ theme song “Flash”, leaves an ambiguous impression—hope or despair—while subtly hinting that the story is far from over.
Anticipating the Sequel II: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe
The sequel’s English subtitle is officially rendered as “II: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe”,
scheduled for release in Japan on January 30, 2026.
The term “Nymph Circe” references the mythological Greek witch Circe, who could transform humans into animals, symbolizing the boundary between illusion and reality as well as psychological transformation.
In the sequel, Hathaway’s ideals and guilt are expected to be further explored, and Gigi Andalusia’s role may prove pivotal in shaping the story.
The narrative will likely continue to balance spectacular warfare with profound human drama.
Conclusion — The Meaning of Believing in Ideals
Hathaway’s Flash is more than just a war story; it is a human drama exploring the challenges of living by one’s convictions.
The more one tries to do what is right, the more they risk causing harm to others.
Yet Hathaway persists in fighting for his ideals, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The sequel, II: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, will further test the limits of those ideals.
We await with anticipation how Hathaway’s story will conclude, and how the flash of his convictions will continue to resonate when it reaches theaters in January 2026.
