Ask John: Will Bandai Continue Releasing Gundam Without Cartoon Network Broadcast Support?

Question:
On the recent suggestion by Cartoon Network that it might stop broadcasting Gundam anime due to low ratings, could it be possible that Bandai might not release the Gundam series that are not here yet? Since almost every Gundam show had time on CN, is there enough of a fanbase already for them to keep investing the capital needed to bring these shows here?

Answer:
I don’t know what Bandai’s plans are, nor do I know exactly how successful the Gundam franchise has been on American DVD. I suspect that the Cartoon Network’s interest in Gundam anime will not deter Bandai from releasing Gundam anime on American home video in the future. Bandai Entertainment first brought Gundam anime to America in 1998, two years before any Gundam was broadcast on the Cartoon Network. Bandai has also released the Zeta Gundam and Gundam Seed Destiny series on American DVD even though they have never been broadcast on American television. Gundam is Bandai’s flagship anime franchise. I think that they’ll support the series in America on principle alone, if necessary. Bandai not marketing Gundam would be like Disney not pushing Mickey Mouse.

Based on the recent interview with Cartoon Network representatives Sean Akins and Jason DeMarco, Gundam anime hasn’t been successful on American TV in five years, but despite decreasing viewer ratings, Bandai Entertainment has continued to market and distribute Gundam anime on American DVD. I expect that policy to continue. I’m sure that Bandai has welcomed and benefited from the Cartoon Network broadcasts, but I don’t think that losing that support will cause Bandai to give up on the Gundam franchise in America. I think that Bandai will continue to license and release new Gundam series in America regardless of whether or not the new series receive American TV broadcast.