Metal Gear's Anime Reimagining: A Fan's Vision

In the realm of fan-driven creativity, one artist, Mitchell Hammond, is embarking on a compelling project: an anime-style reinterpretation of the foundational 1987 MSX2 title, Metal Gear. This endeavor stands apart from official remakes by offering a fresh perspective, unconstrained by commercial pressures or accessibility concerns. Hammond's unique vision weaves together elements from later installments of the Metal Gear saga with the raw energy of 1980s action films, all meticulously crafted without the use of artificial intelligence in image generation.

The Metal Gear series initially emerged on MSX computers with its 2D, 8-bit versions, predating the widespread acclaim of Metal Gear Solid. These early iterations, especially Metal Gear 2, laid the groundwork for Hideo Kojima's distinctive narrative style and introduced the iconic conflicts between Snake and Big Boss, including the character of Venom Snake, a body double who would later feature prominently in Metal Gear Solid V. Hammond's artistic contributions, particularly his character depiction of an aged Venom Snake, skillfully merge the original game's visual language with classic 80s action film aesthetics and Yoji Shinkawa's renowned design philosophy. This artwork, which includes a Mad Max-inspired leg brace, a military-style jumpsuit with a necktie, and a revealing cutaway showcasing surgical modifications to conceal Venom's 'devil horn,' demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail and a strong sense of functional design, hallmarks often associated with Shinkawa's work.

Beyond individual character designs, Hammond has expanded his creative scope to include character profiles for the game's quirky adversaries, a playful Time Magazine cover featuring Big Boss, and several animated previews for a comprehensive retelling of Metal Gear. His initial trailer from 2022, set to the game's original chiptune soundtrack, presents animated sequences alongside corresponding scenes from the game. More recently, in an August video, Hammond showcased Venom commanding the original Metal Gear and launching a missile, where his portrayal of a VR head-tracking pilot's helmet echoes the distinctive tech and vehicle designs of Akira Toriyama. While this animated series remains a passion project for Hammond, enthusiasts eager to support his artistic journey can do so via his Patreon and Ko-Fi pages, or stay updated by following his work on X, Bluesky, and YouTube.

This innovative fan project serves as a vibrant testament to the enduring influence of classic video games and the boundless creativity of their communities. It highlights how artistic passion, combined with meticulous craftsmanship, can reimagine beloved narratives for new audiences while honoring their roots. Such endeavors not only pay homage to the original creators but also inspire a new generation to engage with and contribute to cultural legacies through their unique artistic expressions.