Initially covering Char's rise to fame, Char Aznable is posited as a ne'er-do-well who's fame and fortune are orchestrated by his narcissistic, self involved need to take down the Zabi family. In an effort to do so, he offers his sexual prowess to anyone who matters, literally sleeping his way to the top. While finding solace in his relationship with Lalah, the crux of Char's Success Story is strongly based on his relationship with the Zabis, primarily Garma, and their toxic, sexually intense, co-dependent situationship. Garma, always on the end of Char's abuses, is often shown killed time and time again, his own pretty boy hubris dominated effortlessly by Char's suave machinations.
The beginnings of either artist or writer behind the imprint prior to the release of Char's Success Story is, for better words, very nebulous. My only knowledge of Shio Sato prior comes from an unused cut made in the beginning of Gundam's broadcast, one that is quite early considering that Shio had just turned 18 when she'd drawn it. This "cut", as is often the term of free standing illustrations, introduces us to a well-rounded artist, albeit experimental at first, in the early to mid 1970s.
(One of the earliest works by Shio Sato, depicting Char and Amuro from around episode 3 of Mobile Suit Gundam. Drawn on basic heavy weight paper with ink, grease pencil and screentone, Sato's work would change drastically by late 1979. Personal collection, acquired from M in 2024.)
(The front cover of the 1st issue of Monthly OUT to cover Mobile Suit Gundam. Published June 1st of 1979, this work featured concept illustrations from Yamamatsu / Yamakatsu as well as interviews from important staffers, such as Yoshiyuki Tomino and Yoshikazu Yasuhiko.)
(The October 1979 issue of Monthly OUT featuring Char Aznable, who had then become a major poster boy for both general fans and fujoshi alike. A "Gundam Parody Special Feature" was published in this particular volume with works by mangaka Keiko Sasaki (佐々木けい子さん) and several others, including Ryutoshi and Shio Sato.)
Monthly OUT's first major coverage of
Mobile Suit Gundam definitively began on June 1st of 1979, with coverage of the series and a view at Sunrise's rather robust library of works prior. The studio, young let already quite in the way of being deemed legendary by mecha fans, had made yet another splash with
Gundam in their lineup. Given that
Gundam had began airing April of that same year, information was quite nebulous - even so, Garma Zabi wouldn't make a full appearance until May 5th at the end of the 5th episode of 0079 titled "
Re-Entry to Earth".
Presented as a close friend or ally to Char Aznable, young fujoshi were already clamoring to discuss Garma it seemed. Even by May 12th within the praxis of ep. 6, titularly titled "Garma Strikes", Garma and Char's relationship grew more visually impactful and succinct. However, Monthly OUT didn't seem to convene on any major coverage of Garma, sans for setting documents, nor did it receive fanart depiciting Charma the following month.
While long established with its fujoshi subculture fanbase and contributions with works such as Space Battleship Yamato and Captain Harlock, the June 1979 issue of Monthly OUT focused primarily on the rather technical inner workings of Sunrise as a growing animation behemoth. "Invincible Superman Zambot 3's Burning Space Film Story. Mobile Suit Gundam is currently airing!" Featured interviews surrounding Gundam's production landed on Yoshiyuki Tomino as well as a short chat with Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Takeo Watanabe and Gundam's voice actors in the booth.
It wouldn't be until October of that year, when the heat of Gundam's fanbase began to boil at its brightest, that OUT ran a special parody section for the series by both young High school fan groups and fujoshi alike. It would be in this issue that the first chapter of Char's Success Story would be published and gain enough traction. Even so, the works of Shio Sato, Ryutoshi and Yaroll didn't make their grand appearance in print again until January, March, April and May of Monthy OUT 's 1980 releases.
By July of 1980, a special issue that was dedicated strictly to Aniparo works would breach to the public and solidify the Cricle's status beyond Comiket. In general bylines for the collected omnibus of Sato, Yaroll and Ryutoshi's works, titled The Agents of Love, staff at Monthy OUT stated the following about the Circle: "For those who know, this is an omnibus of love stories brought to you by the staff behind “Char’s Success Story.”
Fans had already become riveted by the Circle's works once they'd hit Comiket prior in December of 1979, only a month prior to Mobile Suit Gundam's untimely cancellation. Records of Comiket 13, held on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Ota Ward Industrial Hall, boasted 290 circles with over 4,000 attendants. As noted in the official Comiket timeline archives, a prominent 'Gundam Corner' was present and the area was extraordinarily packed - this would be where Let's Play Around With Char as a Circle would make their grand debut.
(Monthly OUT's July 1980 issue, one dedicated strictly to Aniparo. Several Gundam works, both comedic and softcore, were introduced by Shio Sato and Ryutoshi in a 12 page spread.
(The Agents of Love (aka Love's Matchmakers)
By Tomaru (Ryutoshi / Tometome) & Satō Shisei (Shio Sato)
For those who know, this is an omnibus of love stories brought to you by the staff behind “Char’s Success Story.”
The Two’s Departure
After the war ended, the White Base crew returned to Earth. Everyone carried some measure of scars from the war, but none more so than their leader, Bright Noah. His powerful sense of responsibility caused him to blame the deaths of so many comrades on his own lack of maturity.
It was White Base pilot Mirai Yashima who gently healed his aching heart. Her simple words, “We’re all counting on you”, and her warm smile gave him comfort.
et, even as she spoke, Mirai herself was struggling in the midst of battle, still unable to fully sort out her own feelings. That was why her words resonated so deeply with Bright, and why his eyes were drawn to her.
For him, Mirai was no longer just a fellow officer, but someone irreplaceable.
An excerpt from Ryutoshi's intro to the omnibus. These works seemingly were never included in the mainline of Char's Success Story. Scans hail from my personal collection.)
("I... Amuro doesn't need me."
"Huh?"
"I'm no longer... needed by Amuro."
"Frau..."
Frau Bow threw herself into Flight's arms and began to cry for the first time. Her tears soaked Bright's bare chest.
"I wasn't the only one dealing with this."
Bright felt ashamed. Breathing in Frau Bow's scent, he embraced Frau as herself for the first time.
"Perhaps one day we'll be able to love each other," he thought, tightening his hold.
One of the first instances of a Gundam crackship published in a commercial magazine, Sato's tender attention to line and illustration that was uniquely on par with Yasuhiko's hand made her quite important as an artist.)
(In a comedic parody, one of the first instances of Charmuro being illustrated and shipped by Shio Sato and the Circle would appear in this June 1980 issue. The RX-78 II and Char's Gelgoog fall in love via their learning computers. Visuals of Char sporting his cockroach motif make a callback to his appearance as one in
Animal Warrior Gundam, alongside Amuro's tomatoes.)
(While
Monthly OUT was no stranger to softcore pornographic works, Shio Sato's illustrations were particularly
riveting in their depictions of sex and sensuality. On par with the yaoi/BL works published by the Circle months prior, the tone for Garma Zabi's illicit activities had long been established and set in Ryutoshi and Yaroll's narratives.
"Lord Garma! Wh... What are you..."
"Don't worry. It was a proper checkmate. I win."
"Garma..."
Garma kissed him again as if to interrupt him. Then he slid his hand into his trousers and gripped them tightly.
"That's straightforward, isn't it?"
"Huh... this is much more straightforward."
The blood rushed through Uragang's large body with increasing speed. He had lost all rational thought. He let Garma throw him onto the bed and rip off the stiff fabric of his military uniform, but even so, he just has to let it happen. Garma's lips were red hot, but Uragang's body was so hot that he couldn't even feel the heat.
Garma wrapped his still-clothed legs around Uragang's bare legs, pressing his lips against them everywhere. Uragang simply endured Garma's bed, which was spacious and luxurious, giving even his large body plenty of room. Given his strength, there was no way he couldn't shake off and get away, but his position did not allow it. Whether he knew Uragang's feelings or not, Garma lifted Uragan's legs with both hands, and from the point where his hips were raised, he thrust one leg towards his torso, and then he wrapped the other leg around his stomach and chest.
Garma x Uragang, yet another crack pairing, fell into line with themes presented by the Circle and their many admirers, coming to know and learn every aspect of connection in ways that many fans weren't able to express on their own at times.)
Additional Press in 1980:
The Red Comet of Moomin Valley and Later Parody Works:
Shio Sato and Ryutoshi would continue publishing in
Monthly OUT that year, primarily with
The Red Comet of Moomin Valley (ムーミン谷の赤い彗星), a tongue-in-cheek gag story in which Char attempts to seduce Snorkmaiden, is known as Nonnon in
New Moomin, by any means that he can. This particular foray was an inside joke among the Circle as Sato was a large Moomin fan in her early adult life. Reprinted not once, but twice, the story would give way to several more collaborative works while the members were steadily paid and employed by
Monthly Out and Minori Shobu.
("There's something I must do. I can't just sit here in a village that will remain the same from yesterday to today to tomorrow, with the hippopotamus-like creatures and the moon, Moomin, look this way... But-" Char thought. He couldn't find a way to get out of the village. "Lalah, tell me. What should I do?"
Just then, the adorable female hippopotamus-like creatures, Nonnon, came towards him, one by one, or one by one.
"Nonnon!" A flash of light flashed in Char's head, and their eyes shone strangely.
"A Baoa Qu was a shock to my body, and it brought me this far. So if I give it another shock, maybe it will go back to normal..."
Char absolves to forcing himself on Nonnon unsuccessfully by trying to reach orgasm, however finds that she cannot open her mouth unless she speaks and doesn't have the proper anatomy.)
(That perverse duo of “
Love’s Matchmakers (aka
Agent's of Love)” once again delivers the ultimate
parody!!)
(Char as typically depicted by Shio Sato in mid to late 1980. Char dons a crown of flowers made for him by other Moomins.)
("Anyway, it was necessary to take measures immediately. That's right... There was excitement even without forcing himself to embrace a woman." Char gives Nonnon cunnilingus, much to her chagrin, mirroring a scene from Char's Success Story in which he does the same to Kycilia Zabi. This particular illustration was cut from the original version but released in in the 1982 Aniparo Comics imprint.)
("
Char was unable to move and shone along with them. As this happened, Char realized that his consciousness was gradually fading away. He heard the screams of the Moomins in the distance. When he woke up, he was surrounded by darkness and stars.
He felt as if he was adrift. Pieces of the battleship were floating beside him."
After his unsuccessful interlude with the Moomins, Char returns to the Universal Century timeline, not as himself, but as a Moomin.)
All Monthly OUT Contributions:
Monthly OUT contributions that span three years, from late 1979 to early 1981, from Shio Sato and Ryutoshi. While Yaroll is not often mentioned by name or included in bylines, the latter often assisted in lettering and typesetting, though not at Monthly OUT. All instances end around March of 1981 for unknown reasons. One such reason corresponds with the Circle's shift to mail order works and their financial presence in doing so. Sato is not noted to publish under her penname again while Ryutoshi would publish alongside Rio Yagizawa or Ai Naniwa into the early 1990s, albeit sparingly.
These works are listed in chronological order based on the year published from all that can be currently sourced. Dates, contributors and context have been added alongside acquisition status within Mad Angler Press' archives. If a particular status of a work is unknown, it will be stated as such. This section, like other sections, will be updated when new info is given, found, or updated.
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: October 1st, 1979
Context: The second major feature for Mobile Suit Gundam published by OUT, a small section features Aniparo work from Ryutoshi and Shio Sato, among others. This would be their first magazine debut until they'd officially publish Char's Success Story at Comiket 13 only two months later.
Acquired: Yes
Magazine: Monthly OUT
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: January 1st, 1980
Context: While this particular issue focused on sentai, kaiju and "fantastical images" within SF, OUT began publishing parts of Char's Success Story in this particular issue after it's success at Comiket 13, further cementing the Circle's influence and presence in the Aniparo community.
Acquired: Yes
Magazine: Monthly OUT
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: March 1st, 1980
Context: While this particular issue focused on Gundam as a whole, the most important focus would be made for coverage of Comiket 13, where Char's Success Story is discussed among other Gundam Aniparo doujinshi, be it yaoi/BL or research groups.
Acquired: Yes
Magazine: Monthly OUT
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: July 1st, 1980
Context: The first major Aniparo compilation text featuring several important fujoshi doujinshi artists of their day. Mobile Suit Gundam received an important Ryutoshi and Shio Sato, among others. This would be their first magazine debut with a 6 page Gundam spread that was removed from the ethos of Char's Success Story, titled Agents of Love or Love's Matchmakers. Pairings include Bright x Mirai, The RX-78 II x Char's Gelgoog, and Garma x Uragang. Acquired: Yes
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: November 1st, 1980
Context: While mainly focusing on the works of Akio Sugino and Osamu Dezaki, Shio Sato and Ryutoshi's work, The Red Comet of Moomin Valley (ムーミン谷の赤い彗星) would be published. Both members would actively be publishing works under the Let's Play Around With Char imprint together at the time, funding part of their publishing efforts with their regular payments from OUT features. This is the 1st printing of the eponymous story. Acquired: Yes
Magazine: Monthly OUT
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: January 1st, 1981
Context: While giving a major focus on Cyborg 009: Super Galaxy Legend - The Wake of Ishmael, Shio Sato and Ryutoshi would publish a Gundam parody titled Melancholy Prima Donna (憂愁のプリマドンナ).
Acquired: No
Magazine: Monthly OUT
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: February 1st, 1981
Context: While giving a major focus on Gundam's legacy nearly two years after it debuted, this feature focused heavily on the implications of the upcoming Mobile Suit Gundam compilation film Mobile Suit Gundam I, which would debut March 14th of that year.
Shio Sato and Ryutoshi publish yet another Gundam parody, The Manipulative Girls of the Downtown Area (下町の絡操娘). Acquired: No
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: March 1981
Context: A massive anime pardoy for "sick people" or pervert Otaku, this issue features a heavy addition of work from mangaka and the "Father of Lolicon" Hideo Azuma. Shio Sato and Ryutoshi publish a parody titled An in-depth look at the much talked about White Whale!! (今、うわさの白鯨さんに密着取材！！) while their colleagues Ai Naniwa and Rio Yagizawa also participate in their own works. Ryutoshi also contributes a story with Rio Yagizawa framed as a fictional roundtable discussion among characters titled Why Do We Fight?! (架空座談会 何故、人は戦いをするのか！？).
Acquired: No
Magazine: Monthly OUT Aniparo Comics
Publisher: Minori Shobu
Date published: June 1st, 1982
Context: A reprint supplemental series within the mainline OUT imprint, Aniparo Comics features several important and otherwise memorable parody works from OUT contributors. This particular issue features works from Ai Naniwa, Rio Yagizawa, as well as a reprint of The Red Comet of Moomin Valley (ムーミン谷の赤い彗星) with the original cunnilingus scene alongside The Melancholy Prima Donna (憂愁のプリマドンナ).
Acquired: No
Sources:
Official Doujinshi Imprints
Mainline Imprints For Char's Success Story:
These works are listed in chronological order based on the year published from all that can be currently sourced. Dates, contributors and context have been added alongside acquisition status within Mad Angler Press' archives. If a particular status of a work is unknown, it will be stated as such.
Note: This section, like other sections, will be updated when new info is given, found, or updated.
Title:
Char's Success Story (続シャア出世物語) original white offset version.
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: December 23, 1979
Context: An omnibus of the original works, Char's Success Story was sold at both Comiket 13 in several colored offset versions. Original main pairings include Charma, Char x Gihren, Char x Kycilia and Char x Dozle. Select chapters of thsi work would be published in Montly OUT by January of 1980 and in March of 1980.
Acquired: No.
Title: Char's Success Story (続シャア出世物語) Green offset version.
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: December 23, 1979
Context: An omnibus of the original collected works with additional new stories that originally ran in, Monthly OUT, Char's Success Story was sold at both Comiket 13 in several colored offset versions. Original main pairings include Charma, Char x Gihren, Char x Kycilia and Char x Dozle.
Acquired: No. Data on this particular offset was original recorded by Robomito
Title: Char's Success Story Continues (続シャア出世物語)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: Early 1980, possibly
Context: A continuation of the 1st volume, Char's Success Story Continues picks up where the original writings left off. Works were written primarily in late 1979 to early 1980 and collected in the crimson volume as shown. This particular more than likely did not make it to Comiket though was sold at smaller events. Original stories are included. Pairings include Charma, Char x Gihren, Char x Kycilia and Char x Dozle. Stories begin pre-OYW.
Acquired: No
Title: Char's Success Story: One After The Other (続々シャア出世物語)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: Early 1980
Context: A continuation of the works that originally ran in Monthly OUT, Char's Success Story: One After The Other picks up where the original writings left off from Char's Success Story Continues. Works were written primarily in early 1980 and collected in the yellow offset volume as shown. This particular work did not make it to Comiket though was sold at smaller events. Original stories are included. Pairings include Charma and Char x Kycilia from excerpts found.
Acquired: No
Title:
Char's Success Story Has Become More Interesting (更にできるようになったなシャア出世物語)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: Mid 1980
Context: A continuation of the works published in both Monthly OUT and a follow up to Char's Success Story Continues. This work is not noted to have been sold at Comiket and only dark green offset versions have been sold/gone to auction. General pairings would typically include Charma above all, other pairings are not noted.
Acquired: No
Title:
That's It! Char's Success Story (そこまでだ!シャア出世物語)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: October 30th, 1980
Context: The final installment to the Char's Success Story imprint before the collected works omnibus was ever released. This work includes a selection of texts, albeit not the entirety of the written works, with re-recorded writings and documents. Works hail from late 1979 to 1980. Mentions the upcoming releases of On The Battlefield (戦場で ), The Day Garma Died (ガルマが死んだ日) and Rio Carnival (リオのカーニバル), Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi)'s personal magazine. This work is offset printed, the white covers are 1st editions.
Acquired: Not this particular offset printing.
Title: That's It! Char's Success Story (そこまでだ!シャア出世物語)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: October 30th, 1980
Context: The technically final installment to the Char's Success Story imprint. This work includes a selection of texts, albeit not the entirety of the written works, with re-recorded writings and documents. Works hail from late 1979 to 1980. Mentions the upcoming releases of On The Battlefield (戦場で ), The Day Garma Died (ガルマが死んだ日) and Rio Carnival (リオのカーニバル), Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi)'s personal magazine. This work is offset printed, the white covers are 1st editions. Acquired: Yes.
Title: On The Battlefield (戦場で)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an), Lcy, Ai Naniwa, Setsu Iwasaki (Setsu), Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi), Mirai Okuda (Miki Okuda), Hayato Naito & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: December 14th, 1980 (C16)
Context: A collaborative set of short stories paired with highly detailed illustrations, primarily focusing on the mental states of Char Aznable. A small pivot is made to include one of the few Aniparo works that feature a crackship between Garma Zabi x Sayla Mass. Additional novels focus on Char x Lalah and his mortality post the final episode of 0079. Printed with the blue cover, which is a sleeve for a black cover with silvered text.
Acquired: Yes
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) Lcy & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1981
Context:
The final installment to the Char's Success Story imprint. This work includes a selection of texts, albeit not the entirety of the written works, with re-recorded writings and documents. Works hail from late 1979 to 1980. Released at Comiket.
Acquired: Yes.
Copybooks:
Cheaply and often quickly printed as samples or for specific reasons in mind, the copybook was often not sold to the public unless at specific quick meet-ups or to supplement low stock of other texts. Sold inexpensively, they are exceedingly rare to acquire as they are far more fragile and had limited distribution. Notable copybooks from the Circle are documented but aren't limited to as some works, mainly deemed 'private collections', were only sold to mail order fans.
Title: Would You Stop Joking Around? (冗談はやめにしてくれないか)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: February 14th, 1980
Context: A copybook that serves as an anthology of works from the circle members, primarily short gag stories with small and otherwise large "cuts". This work is comprised of several texts from early to mid 1980 with a cover signed by Shuichi Ikeda as the original text hailed from the co-called Shuichi Ikeda F.C., the first imprint of the Circle before Char's Success Story. This work takes on the title of two separate full line Comiket based anthologies that would later be released in 1981 to 1982 Acquired: No
Title: The Tale of Char’s Downfall (シャア落ちぶれ物語)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: early 1980
Context:
A copybook that serves as an anthology of works from the circle members, primarily a copy version of an already published doujin of the same name from the Char's Success Story imprint. The original text has not gone to auction or has ever been sold, and thus, its original offset color is unknown. This work may have been a privately printed item for Circle subscribers.
Acquired: No.
Alternative Imprints From the Circle:
The following texts are texts that exist from the Circle though are not related to the main themes and or narratives present in Char's Success Story. These works are a major part of the Circle's life regardless and were done at the height of many of the artist' careers while involved with Mobile Suit Gundam. Acquisitions are noted alongside the dates in which they were released and further Comiket
information.
Survey Works:
Title: Rest (休息 )
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: December 12th, 1980 to be released on the 14th for Comiket 16.
Context: A survey work from the staff of Let's Play Around With Char, Shio Sato, Yaroll and Ryutomi give information about themselves, their favorite circles and tastes. Fans and subscribers of their mail order service for Let's Play Around With Char were able to vote on their top subjects for the staff to answer. Birthdates are given for the following as well as ages: Shio Sato (stated to have been born June 23, 1962 (
Showa 37), was only 18. Ryutomi (stated to have been born October 9th of 1961 (
Showa 36) was only 19, while Yaroll (stated to have been born December 22nd, 1962 (
Showa 37), was 18 at the time of publication. A
lithographed copy of the front cover was included upon purchase. The term "rest" in this context means to take a break, suggesting that the Circle was taking a break from
Char's Success Story as it had been finished by then. Criticism is also given on BL/yaoi as a thematic element.
Acquired: No. Information was recorded via
Mandarake as well as 1st hand accounts from M recorded in 2024.
Historical Dramas:
Many of the following works were based off of Ryotaro Shiba's works as they were a favorite of Shio Sato's. These works follow a string of historical dramas that were published after the success of a non associated Mobile Suit Gundam doujinshi and short animation, Gate of the Wind God (絵コンテ / Fujin no Mon) by the Circle The Tasaki Black Sabbath Guys (高崎サバトの連中), recorded to have first been published on April 1st of 1981.
Title:
The Story of the Conquest of the Country - Part 1 (国盗り物語 前編)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: August 15th, 1980
Context: An adaptation of The Story of Conquest (Kunitori Monogatari / 国盗り物語) by Ryotaro Shiba (司馬 遼󠄁太郎). Shiba's novel, which fantastically documents the lives of Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga, ran from 1963 to 1966, whereas the Circle's take imagines the titular historical figures as characters from Mobile Suit Gundam. Shio illustrates while Ryutoshi does the lettering. Yaroll does additional transcriptions. Acquired: Yes
Title: The Story of the Conquest of the Country - Part 2 (国盗り物語 中編)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1981
Context: A continued adaptation of The Story of Conquest (Kunitori Monogatari / 国盗り物語) by Ryotaro Shiba (司馬 遼󠄁太郎). Shiba's novel, which fantastically documents the lives of Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga, ran from 1963 to 1966, whereas the Circle's take imagines the titular historical figures as characters from Mobile Suit Gundam. Shio illustrates while Ryutoshi does the lettering. Yaroll does additional transcriptions. The original manuscript was relatively unfinished by Sato and continued on by her friends. Acquired: No
Gag Works:
These works are primarily "What If?"'s and comedic texts based on 0079 and the original cast from Char's Success Story. Many of these works were published near the end of the Circle's life.
Title: Pararom's Char (Char's Pararom, aka Pararom of Char) (パラロム・ズ・シャア)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1982
Context: One of the first in a string of "what if" AU comedic gag works in which 0079 characters, primarily the main cast from Char's Success Story, are thrown into different situations. The title is based on Char's statement "pararom zu" to Kycilia Zabi in the original broadcast.
Acquired: No
Title: Mobile Suit Guts Canon White Seven (機動戦士 ガツ・キャノン F.C ホワイト7)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1981 to 1982
Context: One of the first in a string of "what if" AU comedic gag works in which 0079 characters, primarily the main cast from Char's Success Story, are thrown into different situations. Garma may take a focus in this work.
Acquired: No
Title: No Joke! It's Really Gundam! (冗談でない! ガンダムなのよ)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1981 to 1982
Context: One of the first in a string of "what if" AU comedic gag works in which 0079 characters, primarily the main cast from Char's Success Story, are thrown into different situations. Garma may take a focus in this work.
Acquired: No
Title: What Is This? Maybe It's The Gundam!! (程力? ガンダムだったりして!!)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1980
Context: One of the first in a string of "what if" AU comedic gag works in which 0079 characters, primarily the main cast from Char's Success Story are thrown into different situations. Char x Gihren take a focus on the cover as illustrated by Shio Sato.
Acquired: No
Additional novel collections & AU works:
Many of the following works were subsets of the Circle's life that were novel collections as well as alternate reality works that dealt with Char x Garma's relationship. Many of the works as imprints fall under the Let's Play Around With Char Circle as they are noted in the bylines of the imprints to have been released by the circle. Imprints are noted in titles as they are not Circle names, but specific titles.
Title: Hermitage of Ryutoshi (Ryūjō-an) (留上庵)
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an) Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi) Lcy & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1981
Context: While not in the mainline of the Char's Success Story themes, this work was released under the Let's Play Around With Char Circle imprint. This doujin contains short stories, primarily Charma related, from Ryutoshi (often cited as Tometome or Tomeue-an depending on the reading/transliteration). Yaroll is noted to have transcribed parts of these works. Illustrations provided are from Shio Sato and Rio Yagizawa.
Acquired: No, viewed in the collection of M in 2024.
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an), Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi), Shiomi Shigeshi (Kaoruko Motohashi) Makoto Tateno, Kazuko Mizuki (Yayoi Takeda) & Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1982 to 1983
Context: While not in the mainline of the Char's Success Story themes, this work was released under the Let's Play Around With Char Circle imprint. This doujin contains short stories, primarily Charma related, in slice of life/urban themes.
Acquired: No
Circle: Let's Play Around With Char (シャアをネタに遊ぼう会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an), Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi) and Yaroll (Toru Yaroll)
Year Released: 1982
Context: An alternate universe story where Char is hired to assassinate Garma. To do so, he seduces and secures a relationship with him, though ultimately murders him in cold blood. There are implications that Garma cheated on Char. This work is heavily inspired by the series Oedipus' Battlefield (オイディプス達の戦場) by Sowanna, a member of the Perfective Latent Organization (P.L.O)'s imprint Lectori Salutem... Rio Yagizawa and Shio Sato handle manuscripts while Ryutoshi and Yaroll publish short stories / letters. Acquired: No
Associated Imprints:
A series of Circle works released under different imprints with association with Let's Play Around With Char, released concurrently or on their own schedules. Many of these works were technically distributed by Let's Play Around With Char's mail order network.
The following texts are texts that exist from the Circle though are not related to the main themes and or narratives present in Char's Success Story. These works are a major part of the Circle's life regardless and were done at the height of many of the artist' careers while involved with Mobile Suit Gundam. Acquisitions are noted alongside the dates in which they were released and further Comiket information. In such a case, many of these collaborative efforts were one time projects done for mail order subscribers and never properly made it to Comiket.
Anime Research Group Espial:
Title: Esperanto Vol. 6 - Gundam Film Special (ESPERANTO - 機動戦士ガンダム映画特集号)
Circle: Anime Research Group Espial
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Aya Shishioin (Aya Katsura), Ryutoshi (Ryutei/Ryutei-an), Ai Naniwa, Aoi Yumeha, Ryo Tageuchi, Jin Maru, Matsuzaki Yue and Julie Asakura (Masako Yamanashi)
Year Released: Early 1980, front and interior illustrations are dated between February 2nd to March 12th of that year. Does not appear to have made it to Comiket.
Context: A Gundam Aniparo work where 0079 characters are superimposed in film related roles of the author's choosing. A Crusher Joe theme is included, but not linked to the feature length film, which wouldn't debut for another 3 years. All contributors offer short stories and manuscripts. Garma is drawn as Brooke Sheilds in Pretty Baby by Rio Yagizawa. Acquired: No
Title: Esperanto - Mobile Suit Gundam Special (ESPERANTO 機動戦士ガンダム特集)
Circle: Anime Research Group Espial
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Aya Shishioin (Aya Katsura), Katsura, Ryo Tageuchi, Jin Maru and Julie Asakura (Masako Yamanashi)
Year Released: September 14th, 1980, illustrations are marked at August 8th to August 19th. Sold at Comiket 15.
Context: A period drama work mixed with various 0079 stories, both modern and historical in theme, the original manuscripts, which were Raideen themed, were done away with in favor of the hype that Gundam still retained months after its cancellation. A mention of the upcoming Gundam compilation film is mentioned, even if the idea was nebulous (production had already begun). Shio Sato contributes several "cuts" (small illustrations) as well as original manuscripts. Creators who were in this issue don't seem to have shown up in future issues that have gone to auction. Charma, Charlah and a special feature on
Woody Malden x Matilda Ajan is mentioned.
Acquired: No
Title: Esperanto Vol. 6 - Special Edition - Gundam Historical Drama Special (ESPERANTO VOL. 6 - えすぺらんと - かんだむ時代劇特集)
Circle: Anime Research Group Espial
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an), Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi), Aya Shishioin (Aya Katsura) and Julie Asakura (Masako Yamanashi)
Year Released: 1st edition published November 24th, 1980, 2nd edition published March 14th, 1981, later sold at Comiket 17 on April 5th of that same year.
Context: A historical Edo era themed Gundam doujinshi anthology. This work features a lengthy
manuscript titled
Shinsengumi - Kyo-jo Ikeda-ya Shu Gundam Version (
Shinsengumi - Kyo-jo Ikeda-ya Shu Gandamu / 新撰組・京条池屋秀ガンダム版) by Shio Sato,
one that's based on the Shinsengumi, more specifically, the Ikedaya incident of 1864.
Several short stories by Aya Shishioin are included alongside a collaborative work between Rio Yagizawa, Julie Asakura and Ryutoshi. Shio contributes a Charma work that is a gag comic.
Acquired: Yes
Title: Esperanto Vol. 9 - The Battle of Sekigahara (えすぺらんと VOL. 9 - 関ヶ原)
Circle: Anime Research Group Espial
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an), Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi), Aya Shishioin (Aya Katsura) and Julie Asakura (Masako Yamanashi)
Year Released: November 11th, 1981, released at Comiket 19 on December 20th of that year.
Context: A historial Edo era themed Gundam and Ideon crossover doujinshi based on The Battle of Sekigahara, a decisive battle which occurred on October 21, 1600 in what is now Gifu Prefecture, Japan, at the end of the Sengoku period. This work includes a rather heterosexual Garma x Iscelina manuscript by Shio Sato as well as a yuri crackship work between Mirai x Kycilia. Aya Shishionin and Rio Yagizawa contribue manuscripts while Ryutoshi letters/contributes a short story. Julie Asakura serves as letterer as well as treasurer. Acquired: Yes, copy acquired from M.
Title: ESPIAL - Event Record (ESPIAL - 始末記)
Circle: Anime Research Group Espial
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an), Rio Yagizawa (Mieko Hayashi), Aya Shishioin (Aya Katsura), Julie Asakura (Masako Yamanashi) and unknown others.
Year Released: March 21, 1982 for Comiket 20, created between January to February of that year due to the inclusion of a short story based on the events of the two part Urusei Yatsura episode "Fourth Dimensional Camera / Demonic Jogging" (四次元カメラ / 魔のランニング) , which aired on February 24th of 1982.
Context: An anthology work spanning several themes, namely Space Runaway Ideon, Mobile Suit Gundam and Urusei Yatsura. Shio Sato contributes a Gundam manuscript while Rio Yagizawa contributes an Edo era historical narrative surrounding Ideon. A short story and illustration based on the Urusei Yatsura episode mentioned is included, though the artist and writer are currently unknown.
Acquired: No
Luna / Luna V:
Title: Bluest Blue in Blue Continued - Luna V (続 BLUEST BLUE IN BLUE ルナァⅤ)
Circle: Luna or Luna V
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Haruki, Lalah (Rara / ララァ) and Schloß (Yasuo Hirado)
Year Released: 1981
Context: Not a traditional novel or manuscript, Bluest Blue in Blue was Shio Sato's original novel series in an AU where Char Aznable, Garma Zabi and Sayla Mass were a part of elite crime families. This particular work is an AU of a series that first appeared in an earlier imprint of Luna / Luna V. Shio, post her career in Gundam Aniparo, would later recycle this exact story and themes under her new pseudonym, Simone Yotsuya, as Nosai-No-Gi -Bluest Blue In Blue- Seiji & Toma's Story - The Betrothal Ceremony in 1993 under she and her partner Yuko Morioka's Circle Pygmalion. This particular volume is a copybook of the original text, published in 1981. Let's Play Around With Char recruited members for their 6th term for 1981 noted in the intro. A collection of setting documents of the main characters (noted as 人物対比表), albeit with different names, is included by Sato and a continuation of the original novel. Recruitment for Rio Yagizawa's personal magazine circle is also included.
Acquired: No
Title: My Personal Gundam Story - Act IV: Garma Edition (私説ガルストーリ ACT IV: ガルマ篇)
Circle: Luna or Luna V
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Haruki, Schloß (Yasuo Hirado) and Lalah (Rara / ララァ).
Year Released: June 3rd, 1980
Context: A standalone work in the Luna or Luna V imprint, this is a personal collection of short stories originally drafted by Schloß (Yasuo Hirado) and Haruki, with art by Shio Sato and typesetting by Lalah. As a Charma focused work, this is 4th in a series of special edition of the imprints from the Circle, one that was created at the same time as Char's Success Story. This work deals with the political intrigue of the Zabi family, contains a short parody work based on 日本全国酒飲み音頭 (Nippon Zenkoku Sakenomi Ondo) by the band バラクーダ (Barracuda). Haruki's OC Gred, a Zeon spy, makes an appearance in a separate chapter. Shio Sato's Bluest Blue in Blue makes an appearance and gives insight into aspects of the work, perhaps an earlier edition, where Garma laments on Iscelina's death as Char seduces him. Garma is sexually abused, bound and kept as a sex slave by Char over and over. Garma commits suicide to escape his fate. Poetry is included, additional short poetry additions and stories by Haruki are included. This work seemingly did to make an appearance at Comiket.
Acquired: No, viewed and discussed from the collection of the mangaka C.P. Garlic.
Gelgoog Lover's Association:
Title:
Alice J: The Man With the Kiss Mark (ALICE・J: キスマークをつけた男)
Circle: Gelgoog Lover's Association (Gelgoog F.C. / ゲルググ愛好会)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya) and possible others.
Year Released: 1980
Context: Fairly undocumented, this is an original offset by Shio Sato featuring an original story where Char appears to be a bionic man/cyborg. This work features original characters from
0079 in alternative roles, however, the manner of drawing mirrors that of the Luna / Luna V imprint heavily. The innermost writing is transcribed with a professional word processor and general layout. A text known as
Alice J. Keyesmark's Sexy Scene (アリス・J・キースマーク色っぽ場面) was noted in Shio Sato's
survey text Rest (休息 )
and came in third as a fan favorite. This work has not been documented and additional issues have not been noted/found, may be a one shot.
Acquired: No
Gaw Special Attack Force:
Title:
The Day Garma Died (ガルマが死んだ日)
Circle: Gaw Special Attack Force (ガウ特攻隊)
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an), Yaroll, Ryo Hikata, Rio Yagizawa (), Akira Inugami, Shigeshi Shiomi (Kaoruko Motohashi), Mirai Okuda (Miki Okuda, pennames of Mamoru Okuda), Aya Shishioin (Aya Katsura), Jua, Luma, Hachisuka, Shizuka Koike, Haruki, Mu Aoi, Ai Naniwa, Setsu Iwasaki (Setsu), Julie Asakura (Masako Yamanashi), Aro Hayase & Ai Ushio
Year Released: Completed November 24th, 1980 though released on February of 1980.
Contents: A massive collaborative work featuring the exploits of Char Aznable and several 0079 Gundam characters in lieu of, in the wake of and aftermath of Garma's murder. Many of the works are illustrated with short stories / novelettes. This work was mail order only and received only one work under the circle name.
Acquired: Yes
Sekine Hair Association Executive Committee / Apersons
Title:
Please Come Back... (帰ってこいよ…)
Circle: Sekine Hair Association Executive Committee or Apersons
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Ryutoshi (Ryutei, Ryutei-an), Takeshi Jinmei, Mirai Modori (Mirai Modoru) Ryu Kobayashi, Akira Kaya, Tetsuya Azuma, Masahiro Shimamura, Mikiyasu Matsunaga, Ryo Kisagari, Ren Kishida, Rio Yagizawa Ai Naniwa, & Ai Ushio (as Shio Ai)
Year Released: October of 1980, main cover features an illustrated dated February 2nd. Possibly debuted at Comiket 16 on December 14th.
Context: An anthology work featuring short manuscripts, primarily focusing on Charma & Charmuro, with additions of
Space Runaway Ideon &
Urusei Yatsura. Fresh off the cusp of
Gundam's cancellation, this work more or less makes an appeal for the series to "come back". The
inner fold makes a call to action for subscribers and support members for future issues. Several short stories are also included within the pages. Many contributors also participated in Night Friends Publishing (Yorutomu Shuppan)'s imprint
Night Friends. The Circle name, Sekine Hair Association Executive Committee can be transliterated as "Committee for Prosperous Hair Examination".
Acquired: No
NOVA
Title:
NOVA vol. 6
Circle: Animation Research Group SUPERNOVA
Contributors: Shio Sato (Haruka Sato, Simone Yotsuya), Hiyoake & Kamimei Todoroki
Year Released: May 11th, 1980 for Comiket 14, artwork is dated at April 9th, 1980.
Context:
Bylines suggest that this is an anthology work featuring what appears to be a general survey work about Gundam post its cancellation. This work doesn't appear to have manuscripts or stories by Shio Sato and many bylines mention Hiyoake and Kamimei Todoroki as illustrators and writers of said critiques. Sato illustrates the cover. NOVA as an imprint appears to have had 10 issues. Other content has not been documented.
Acquired: No
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