Nagano Mamoru (永野 護 , born January 21 1960) has used his talents in mechanical design to bring new styles and concepts to the mecha genre. Heavy Metal L-Gaim introduced mecha with armor plates that appeared to fit loosely over an internal skeleton. These detailed and somewhat plausible designs sparked a fresh wave of designs in mecha anime. From there, Nagano went on to design elegant and graceful mecha for his manga The Five Star Stories that displayed elongated lines, delicate curves and a degree of decoration and detail that appealed to the imaginations of a generation of mecha fans. Nagano can be called an innovator in the field of mecha design. Not many people know that he contributed to the mecha designs of Z Gundam. Among his contributions were the Rick Dias and Hyakushiki.

Born in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture in January 1960 he made his professional debut in 1984 working with Yoshiyuki Tomino on the TV series Heavy Metal L-Gaim. Fool for the City, his first manga, came out in 1985 but it was 1986 that brought us The Five Star Stories which is still in production today. Nagano founded Toys Press, Inc. to publish much of his work. Nagano is a very versatile man and has been a professional artist, manga writer, musician and fashion designer. Some of his artbooks show him dressed up as a female character from Sailor Moon for cosplay but hey, nobody's perfect.

It has been commented that Nagano is very difficult to work with, and guards Five Star Stories with great zeal.

Credits

Heavy Metal L-Gaim, Zeta Gundam, ZZ Gundam, Brain Powerd, Five Star Stories, Schell Bullet, Fool for the City

External links

• Toyspress Mamoru Nagano Lavoratory