Four original video animation (OVA) episodes were produced including a retelling of the series, Operation Meteor, and a direct sequel, Endless Waltz.
While the series fared modestly well in Japan, it found greater success in the United States and single-handedly popularized the Gundam franchise in the West.
The assassination prompts five disaffected scientists from the Organization of the Zodiac, more commonly referred to as OZ, to turn rogue upon the completion of the mobile suit prototype Tallgeese.
The story of Gundam Wing begins in the year After Colony 195, with the start of "Operation Meteor": the scientists' plan for revenge against OZ.
The series focuses primarily on the five Gundam pilots: Heero Yuy (an alias, not to be confused with the martyred pacifist), Duo Maxwell, Trowa Barton, Quatre Raberba Winner and Chang Wufei.
In addition to these six heroic and antiheroic characters, the series makes use of a large supporting cast of protagonists and antagonists with complex, interconnected storylines.
Writer Katsuyuki Sumizawa expressed difficulties in the making of the story as opposed to his work in novels due to the fact he relayed duties to other members.
In the first extended promo leading up to the series' premiere, voice actor Peter Cullen narrated the back story, evoking memories of Voltron's opening credits.
[7] In addition, a collector's edition set containing the complete series, Endless Waltz, Operation Meteor and the Frozen Teardrop picture drama was released in December 2017.
A three-part OVA titled Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz was produced in 1997 as a sequel to the TV series; plot-wise, it brought the "After Colony" timeline to a close.
[8] A compilation film version of Endless Waltz (featuring additional footage, alterations of the music score and a different ending theme) was later released in Japan on August 1, 1998.
The manga also uses Hajime Katoki's Gundam redesigns from Endless Waltz and other subsequent media, instead of the original Kunio Okawara designs featured in the anime.
Vertical published English editions of the manga volumes under the title Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers from July 2017 to November 2019.
A fighting video game titled Shin Kidō Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Duel was developed by Natsume Co., Ltd. and released for the Super Famicom in Japan on March 29, 1996.
[17] A second fighting game titled Shin Kidō Senki Gundam Wing: The Battle was developed by Natsume Co., Ltd. and released for the PlayStation in Japan on October 11, 2002, as the 13th volume of the Simple Characters 2000 series.
Upon the series' debut in North America, Gundam Wing received a large roster of licensees for merchandise including wallscrolls, apparel, school supplies, skateboards, trading cards, model kits and action figures.
[29] Mobile Suit Gundam Wing was also the first-ever Gundam-franchise to broadcast internationally in Indonesia by then-Salim Group-owned television station Indosiar from mid-2001 until mid-2002.