Get to Know Gundam
The mecha (giant robots) genre in Japanese anime and manga is extremely popular, not just in Japan but in many parts of the world. Right up there with the iconic mecha series such as Evangelion, Mazinger Z and Gundam.
The Gundam franchise started with the television show Mobile Suit Gundam, also known as Gundam 79 or Gundam 0079. The television show was developed by the animation company, Sunrise, and was first broadcast April 7, 1979.
The Storyline
The story takes place in the future where the Principality of Zeon declares independence from the Earth Federation, launching a war that kills of half of earth’s population. Zeon, though smaller, has the advantage of humanoid mecha called ‘mobile suits.’ The war enters a stalemate that lasts for 8 months.
The story progresses when a Zeon force attacks a colony that has the Federation’s latest weapon, its own mobile suit: Gundam. The civilian Amuro Ray becomes Gundam’s pilot. He and refugees from the colony become part of the crew of the White Base (the Federation ship meant to retrieve the Gundam).
The Series
The original series was different from many other mecha or robot cartoons of its time due to its realistic depiction of weaponry and war itself. For example, the series showed some weapons running out of ammunition. It also depicted the versatility of humanoid robots in war–they open and close locks, plant bombs, and engage tanks and aircraft.
The end of the original show spawned sequels and TV series such as Zeta Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ. Then there are the stories that take place in a different fictional universe–Gundam Wing, Gundam Seed, Gundam G, Gundam 00, and many others. These new anime and manga storylines sustained and extended the Gundam franchise throughout generations, introducing new characters and even more mecha.
Gigantic Gundam replica looms over KCP students at Odaiba. | KCP Flickr
Popularity of Gundam
The Gundam franchise has spread worldwide: collectible figures can be purchased in many toy stores and even online. Not only Gundams are for sale, but other mechas in the various series such as the Zaku, Tallgeese, and the like. An enormous 59 ft.-tall Gundam replica was even erected in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza at Odaiba. A sight to behold, yes?
