Tokwan (トクワン?) is a fictional character from the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. A decorated ace pilot, Captain, as well as a former MIP engineer, Tokwan is known widely within the UC timeline as the pilot of the MA-05 Bigro.
History[]
Tokwan is a Captain and subordinate of Char Aznable and the pilot of the MA-05 Bigro on board what appears to be a personal Zanzibar-class cruiser. In Episode 31 of Mobile Suit Gundam, Char comes across Tokwan's Zanzibar at Jaburo just as White Base is heading to outer space, and uses it to follow them. Tokwan assumes the role of Lieutenant while Char takes over as acting Commander. Piloting the Bigro, Tokwan engaged in combat with Amuro Ray in the RX-78-2 Gundam while two Rick Doms sortied against Sayla Mass. After catching Amuro in the grips of the Bigro's claw mechanisms, Amuro passes out from the acceleration and is nearly killed by the Bigro's particle beam cannon, though conveniently wakes up and kills Tokwan as the Gundam's bean rifle pierces the Bigro's cockpit. In death, Tokwan is remembered as a well respected, dutiful Captain of his vessel in episode 32. Dimitri, test pilot of the MA-04X Zakrello , sought to avenge Tokwan's death against the orders of Char Aznable, and met a similar fate.
Appearance[]
Tokwan is depicted as a tall, lanky, yet muscular male who visually looks to be in his mid to late 40s. He sports a strong jawline, a grey beard, as well as a distinctive scar across the bridge of his nose. Its not documented as to how Tokwan recieved his scar, though it becomes a prominent feature. Tokwan wears the uniform of a Commissioned Officer, though is often referred to as Captain. Though his history as an ace pilot is undocumented within episode 31 of the original broadcast of Mobile Suit Gundam, several publications released during and post the original broadcast place Tokwan's ace pilot status as being akin to the skill and aptitude of Char Aznable, Gadem, and Black Tri-Stars.Tokwan's ace pilot logo is that of a distinctive skull with horns, connoting the spiked emblems of several Principality of Zeon insignias. Otherwise, Tokwan wears a standard green Normal Suit, much like Flanagan Boone.
Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space[]
Tokwan is seen in the same role within the 3rd compilation film, Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space, though is not seen as a pilot of the Bigro. Instead, Tokwan is briefly seen aboard the bridge of the Zanzibar as a lieutenant, though is subsequently seen giving the order "Battle stations, all hands!", connoting to his rank as Captain of the vessel itself. He is not seen again, and it is assumed that he survived the war. Towkan would be voiced by Koji Totani in the original Japanese release and by actor Simon Prescot in the English dub.
Manga Appearances[]
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin[]
Tokwan appeared as a pilot within the manga, though not of the Bigro, but rather MAM-07 Grabro. Tokwan is shown to have the same helmet, scar, and dexterity in battle, though replaces Flanagan Boone as pilot of the Grabro and enacts his same methods of attack against Amuro, ultimately meeting the same fate as Boone did in the televised version of Mobile Suit Gundam. It is alluded that Tokwan is merely an ace pilot who is assigned under Mad Angler Corps versus being a Captain of his own vessel.
Video Game Appearances[]
Mobile Suit Gundam UC Engage[]
As of 2023, Tokwan made an appearance in the recent expansion of the mobile game Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE, appearing alongside Char Aznable aboard the same Zanzibar seen in episode 31 of Mobile Suit Gundam. Tokwan is not only seen as acting Captain of the ship, but also as an overseer of Mobile Suit testing aboard the craft. Char Aznable pilots a custom red MS-09R Rick Dom, retrofitted with space capable thrusters and upgraded verniers, a craft featuring new technology developed by MIP. Tokwan is seen engaging with crew as acting Captain while Char tests his custom Mobile Suit. It is alluded that Tokwan has connections to MIP through this cutscene as well as external roles as an overseer of MA and MS testing. Tokwan's Zanzibar is noted to be called the "Ragnarok" in reference to Norse mythos.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space (Playstation 2)[]
Tokwan is a playable character in Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space, released in 2003 by Bandai. Tokwan is available to players after subsequent arcs and missions have been completed and fights on the side of Zeon, and can be used in a variety of suits, primarily MA as well as the Rick Dom. Tokwan is voiced by actor David McKay, who reprises the same role from the English dub of Mobile Suit Gundam.
Mobile Suit Gundam : Perfect One Year War[]
Tokwan appears as an opponent in the 1997 strategy game Mobile Suit Gundam: Perfect One Year War by Bandai for the Playstation 1. The player, once engaged in combat, is only able to attack Tokwan's Bigro and the Zanzibar via turn based combat while staying in particular boundaries.
Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2[]
While not a playable character, Tokwan's namesake, image, and signature ace pilot helmet and motif made an appearance in 2019 via Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2. Tokwan's signature helmet was given to new players as a free gift. While not openly stipulated, Tokwan's helmet is noted as being a "reproduction of the famous pilot's helmet", connoting that within in game lore, Tokwan retains some celebrity status akin to Char Aznable or Flanagan Boone as an ace pilot.
Notes & Trivia[]
- Tokwan's name is in direct reference to the Malay terminology Tokwan, which means "Grandfather". This is perhaps in reference to his beard, which mirrors Malaysian Muslim traditions.
- Tokwan's scar is not explicitly given an origin within any series.
- Ashley Horn within Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE alludes in a cutscene to Simus Al Bakharov that Tokwan was the chief engineer and developer behind the Bigro. Tokwan is also stated to have raised funds for MA research during a preview held by MIP of the Val Walo.
- Tokwan, Simus Al Bakharov, Ogan Montagne, and Ashley Horn are all noted to have been not only test pilots for MA, but engineers recruited by the Principality of Zeon to develop weapons to defend the homeland. It is not made clear as to if they worked for MIP before being conscripted or if their positions were given during the development of the MIP-X1. All four members were given the status of Captain and were commissioned officers.
- Tokwan's visual appearance is parodied in Shiroi Kiba: White Fang no Monogatari in Yoshikazu Yasuhiko's depiction of Weedon Scott.
Gallery[]
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