Gundam
The Gundam Series (ガンダムシリーズ Gandamu Shirīzu) is a metaseries of anime created by Sunrise studios that features giant robots (or "mecha") called "Mobile Suits" (MS); usually the protagonist's MS will carry the name Gundam. The metaseries started on April 7, 1979 as a serial TV show called Mobile Suit Gundam. That first TV series has since spawned a franchise that has come to include works released in numerous media. Titles have appeared in the form of multiple television series and OVAs, movies, manga, novels and video games, among other modes. The story from the original 1979 series has been considerably extended with sequels, prequels, side stories and alternate timelines. As a result, the title Gundam has become a collective term for the seven distinct but related timelines that can be pieced together from the stories that appear in the Gundam franchise. Generally speaking, the timelines do not intersect, but they do contain a few common elements such as the titular war machines called Gundam. However, all Gundam timelines and worlds, long after their own anime series, do eventually intersect and combine in the series Turn A Gundam.[1][2]
The original timeline for the Gundam series was the Universal Century (UC) series, which included Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985). Since the 1990s, alternative timelines have been produced and developed, including the Future Century, After Colony, After War, Correct Century, Cosmic Era and Anno Domini timelines.
As of January 21, 2008, the Gundam franchise is a 50 billion yen trademark.[3] A year 2000 press release stated that retail sales of Gundam items had totaled $5 billion.[4] In the 2008 ranking of average sales figures for anime copies sold in Japan (1970-2008 total sales figures averaged by episode), Gundam series were in four of the top five places: Mobile Suit Gundam ranked second, with Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny third, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED fourth, and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam fifth. Also, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing ranked 18th and Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ ranked 20th.[5] Gunpla's (Gundam Plastic model) holds 90% of the Japan character plastic model market.[6]
Academic fields in Japan have also viewed the series as a good inspiration in research fields, with the Gundam academy (or officially International Gundam Society) being the first academic institution based on an animated TV series.[7]
Concept
Mobile Suit Gundam was principally developed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Tomino, along with a changing group of Sunrise creators who went under the collective pseudonym of "Hajime Yatate".During its conceptual phase, the series was titled Freedom Fighter Gunboy, or simply Gunboy for the gun the robot was armed with, and the primary target demographic were shōnen (boys). In the early production stages, there were numerous references to the word "freedom": the White Base was originally "Freedom's Fortress", the Core Fighter was the "Freedom Wing", and the Gunperry was the "Freedom Cruiser". The Yatate team combined the English word "gun" with the last syllable of the word "freedom" to form the name Gundom. Tomino then changed it to the current title, suggesting that Gundam signified a powerful unit wielding a gun powerful enough to hold back enemies, like a hydroelectric dam holding back floods.[8]
Most Gundams are large, bipedal vehicles controlled from cockpits by a human pilot. The majority of these "mobile suits" have a cockpit in the "torso" of the machine, with a camera built into the "head" to transmit images to the cockpit (with the exception of the head-mounted cockpits in Psyco Gundam) and are non-sentient machines, with the exceptions of the artificial intelligence A.L.I.C.E. in the side-story Gundam Sentinel[9] and four mobile suits built with the EXAM System and sharing a Newtype human soul in The Blue Destiny.[10]
Innovation
Mobile Suit Gundam is said to have pioneered the real robot era of mecha anime.[11]Unlike its super robot cousins, Gundam attempted a realism in the robot design and weaponry, by running out of energy and ammunition or breaking and malfunctioning. The technology is practical and is either derived from true science (such as Lagrange points in space and the O'Neill cylinder as a living environment) or at least well-explained, feasible technology, requiring only a few fictional elements to function (such as Minovsky Physics as a means of energy production from helium-3).[12]
The necessity of developing humanoid robots is also explained, albeit fictional. The fictional Minovsky particle pervasive in Universal Century is depicted as interfering with radar-guided long-distance cruise missiles, anti-aircraft guns, missiles, and all early warning systems, with weapons systems having to rely on human eyes. In Universal Century, the space-based Principality of Zeon rebels against Earth Federation, requiring a weapons system that could function in zero and normal gravity and be able to open and close air locks, plant demolition charges, and engage with enemy tanks and planes; with a robotic giant being an excellent choice. Once mobile suits have been developed by one side, the opposing force had to develop a similar system, just as British invention of tanks lead to the development of tanks in Germany, and eventually lead to tank-to-tank battles.
Gundam's realistic scientific setting has gained a reputation in the field itself as well. On July 18, 2007, when MIT's Astronautics Department's Professor Dava Newman displayed a biosuit, the suit was referenced as Mobile Suit Gundam's Normal Suit is now real by various news agencies.[13][14] On February 14, 2008, when NASA proposed research into nuclear thermal rockets, Technobahn, a scientific journal in Japan, referred to the usage of nuclear thermal rocket engines on mobile suits in the Gundam universe.[15]
Narrative
The narrative itself revolves around the mobile suits and their pilots fighting in a war, in which destruction and dehumanization are inherent, through multiple sides; each faction having their own heroes and villains, all of which have their own unique motives, failings, and virtues. Gundam also features political battles and debates on various important philosophical issues and political ideals on the nature and meaning of war, the ideal of pacifism, and the continuing evolution - natural or engineered - of humanity and its consequences. These are often framed in the series as a debate between the protagonist and antagonist over the course of a duel, as they try to convince each other of the righteousness of their causes.Finally, most of the stories are basically structured as "coming-of-age" dramas, where the main protagonist (and sometimes the main antagonist) and most of the cast's personalities, points of view, allegiances, goals, and actions may or may not change dramatically as events unfold. This makes the plot seem more realistic than earlier super robot animated series where the hero and cast usually act in the same predictable manner, with little connection between the episodes. The best example of this is how the personalities of longtime rivals, Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, are influenced by their experiences in the Gundam saga.
Characteristics and variations
As a metaseries, Gundam functions with different designs and coloring (with most following Kunio Okawara's original Gundam design). Producer Masahiko Asano wrote in his notes on the production of S Gundam that everyone seemed to have their own idea of Gundam and in the meeting, they were trying to find the asymptotic view for everyone in the meeting.[16]- In the Universal Century timeline, "Gundam" is the name of the Earth Federation's (Chikyū Renpō, 地球連邦) first experimental general-purpose mobile suit, which is incredibly powerful, compared to most of the mass-produced models eventually used by either side. Afterwards, many powerful mobile suits based on the Gundam's design also carry the name, such as the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II, MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, LM312V04 Victory Gundam, etc. The Anaheim Gundams, or Greek alphabet Gundams are a series of mobile suits developed by the fictional company Anaheim Electronics, some of them are notably carrying different style heads than other Gundams in the series, like the Rick Dias (Gamma Gundam) and Hyaku Shiki (Delta Gundam). In this timeline, Gundam often stands for General-purpose Utility, Non Discontinuity Augmentation Maneuvering weapon system.
- In the Future Century timeline, the word "Gundam" refers to a space colony's entry in the "Gundam Fight", a competition that determines which colony would rule the Earth for the next 4 years. The pilots who use these Gundams are known as "Gundam Fighters". However, some suits that are called Gundams are not entries in the Gundam Fight at all, with the most operative examples being the JDG-009X (JDG-00X) Devil Gundam and the JMF-1336R (JMF1336R) Rising Gundam.
- In the After Colony timeline, the word "Gundam" refers to most mobile suits constructed out of a special alloy called "Gundanium", which can only be mined and produced in space. This alloy gives the Gundams high resistance to conventional weaponry and renders them stealthy under radar, due to its nature of absorbing electromagnetic radiation. Every Gundam has a unique name that befits the nature of the suit and/or its origins, such as the XXXG-01W Wing Gundam, XXXG-01D Gundam Deathscythe and the XXXG-01S Shenlong Gundam.
- The After War timeline is a loose continuation of the Universal Century continuity, presenting an alternate scenario, with many of the mecha designs loosely based on Universal Century suits. The After War timeline features a post-apocalyptic setting where virtually all colonies orbiting earth were de-orbited, with the resulting cataclysm almost exterminating humankind.
- In the Correct Century timeline, the name "Gundam" is given to the Gundam "Turn A" mobile suit by a specific character, who was originally ace pilot, but placed under suspended animation. The color scheme of the Turn A reminds the character of the Gundam mobile suits from previous eras.
- In the Cosmic Era works, Gundams are mobile suits that carry a specific type of operating system, first secretly produced (without the programmer himself knowing what he is programming the system for) by the one of the protagonist's robotics research group, and faced a few upgrades by various factions throughout the story. The acronym of the operating system always spells "GUNDAM" , thus, these suits are called "Gundam". However, this is retconned by later toys and scale models tagging the "Gundam", after the unit's own name.
- In the Anno Domini timeline of Mobile Suit Gundam 00, the term Gundam is the generic designation of a line of unique and highly effective mobile units developed by Celestial Being, such as the GN-001 Gundam Exia and GN-002 Gundam Dynames. Distinct from concurrently introduced weapons, suit torsos contain a core generator system known as the GN Drive or Solar Furnace, capable of sustaining independent unit function for an indefinite period of time without needing to refuel. In addition, onboard propulsion recycles the generator's GN particle exhaust for high-speed, virtually unlimited output. The particle exhaust disrupts the use of conventional radar and a range of wireless communications.
- See also the Japanese article for Gundam Type /ガンダムタイプ for details.
Calendar system
The majority of Gundam, including the earliest series, occur in the Universal Century (UC) calendar, with later series set in alternate calendars or timelines mostly unrelated to the UC system (at least three of these calendar systems were actually initially numbered after the year that the series premiered, with 1979's Mobile Suit Gundam taking place in UC 0079, 1995's Mobile Suit Gundam Wing in After Colony 195, and 2007's Mobile Suit Gundam 00 takes place in 2307).- Mobile Fighter G Gundam takes place in the Future Century (FC), where space colonies have gained the upper hand over Earth, consequently attempting to put an end to the internal power struggles now plaguing the planet.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Wing takes place in the After Colony (AC) calendar system, set after the foundation of the first space colony, where Earth firmly maintains repressive control over its colonies.
- After War Gundam X takes place in the After War (AW) timeline, set after the conclusion of the 7th Space War, where the Earth is devastated by massive colony drops.
- ∀ Gundam takes place in the CC (正歴 Seireki) calendar system, which director Yoshiyuki Tomino intended as the distant future of all previous timelines. The CC sees the colonies becoming much stronger than the Earth, but unlike the FC timeline, takes a more aggressive stance towards it. The English acronym of CC is Correct Century (コレクトセンチュリー), in the official Japanese ∀ guide book.
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, its sequels, and spinoffs take place in the Cosmic Era, with CE referring to the years after the foundation of the first space colonies.
- The latest entry in the franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, is the first series to occur during the Anno Domini (西暦 Seireki) timeline.
Animated series and films
| Name | Media | Year(s) | MSG Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Suit Gundam | TV series Compilation movies | 1979-1980 1981-1982 | U.C. 0079 |
| Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam | TV series Compilation movies | 1985-1986 2005-2006 | U.C. 0087 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ | TV series | 1986–1987 | U.C. 0088 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack | Movie | 1988 | U.C. 0093 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket | OVA | 1989 | U.C. 0079 |
| Super Deformed Gundam | Movie OVA TV series | 1988–1989, 1991, 1993 1988, 1990 1993 | Unknown |
| Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory | OVA Compilation movie | 1991 1992 | U.C. 0083 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam F91 | Movie | 1991 | U.C. 0123 |
| Mobile Suit Victory Gundam | TV series | 1993 | U.C. 0153 |
| Mobile Fighter G Gundam | TV series | 1994–1995 | F.C. 60 |
| Gundam Wing | TV series Compilation OVA | 1995-1996 1996 | A.C.195 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team | OVA Compilation movie | 1996 1998 | U.C. 0079 |
| After War Gundam X | TV series | 1996 | A.W. 0015 |
| Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz | OVA Compilation movie | 1997 1998 | A.C.197 |
| Turn A Gundam | TV series Compilation movies | 1999-2000 2002 | C.C. 2345 |
| Gundam the Ride: A Baoa Qu | Amusement park attraction movie | 2000 | U.C. 0079 |
| Gundam Neo Experience 0087: Green Divers | Specialty format movie | 2001 | U.C. 0087 |
| Gundam Evolve | Animated shorts | 2001–2005 | various |
| Mobile Suit Gundam SEED | TV series Compilation specials | 2002-2003 2004 | C.E.71 |
| Superior Defender Gundam Force | TV series | 2003–2004 | Neotopia |
| Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War | Movies | 2004 | U.C. 0079 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny | TV series Compilation specials | 2004-2005 2006-2007 | C.E.73 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: Apocalypse 0079 | OVA | 2006 | U.C. 0079 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: Stargazer | ONA | 2006 | C.E.73 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam 00 | TV series Compilation specials | 2007-2008 2008-2009 | 2307-2312 AD |
| Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 2: The Gravity Front | OVA | 2009 | U.C. 0079 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn | OVA | 2010 | U.C. 0096 |
| SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors | Movie TV series | 2010 | Mirisha |
| Mobile Suit Gundam 00: A Wakening of the Trailblazer | Movie | 2010 | 2314 AD |
| Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: The Movie | Movie | To be Announced | C.E. |
| Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G | OVA | Summer 2010 |
Further development
In an interview in the February 2009 issue of OtonaFami, Yoshiyuki Tomino commented on the lack of planning of Sunrise and Bandai and that because a good movie needs 3–4 years of production time, it is too late for him to do anything for 2009, the 30th anniversary of Gundam. However, he did comment that it was not too late to begin considering the 35th anniversary. His wish was that in the future, a common sentence people would use would be to Think like Gundam.[17]Super Deformed Gundam
Main article: Super Deformed Gundam
SD Gundam originated from a contributed illustration of a junior high school student from Nagoya by the name of Koji Yokoi to the "Model News" magazine that Bandai was issuing in the 1980s. The illustration is of a Gundam but with an unusual proportion where the overall height of the Gundam is equal to twice that of its head. This illustration interested the chief editor and so leading to Koji Yokoi serializing SD Gundam in 4 frame comics in "Model News".The super deformed design was suitable for capsule toys and so SD Gundam started merchandising with the Gashapon series "SD Gundam World" in 1985. Although at first SD Gundam started out as a parody of the Gundam series by the 1990s SD Gundam spawned many spin-off series, SD Sengokuden (Musha Gundam) which has a Sengoku setting, SD Gundam Gaiden (Knight Gundam) which has a fantasy medieval setting and SD Command Chronicles which has a modern military style to name a few.
With its popularity, SD Gundam merchandise expanded to include manga, trading cards, anime and video games.
Live-action film
Main article: G-Saviour
G-Saviour is a live-action television movie set in the Universal Century timeline of the Gundam metaseries. It also officially marks the last events of the Universal Century.[18]Manga and novels
Main article: List of Gundam manga and novels
The manga narration of the original series is published in English in North America by a variety of companies, such as Viz Media, Del Rey Manga, and TOKYOPOP, among others, and in Singapore by Chuang Yi.Series based on Gundam models
Although not directly related to Gundam, these series incorporate Gundam models as part of the stories (it might be noted that Genshiken and Sgt. Frog were created by subdivisions of Bandai and Media Factory and Sunrise, respectively):Series about Gundam modeling simulation battle
These series are based on lead characters building their own Gundam Plastic Model and have them battle on a simulation arena.- Plamo-kyo Shiro(1982–1986)
- A series mainly based on the models of the first Gundam series along with its Mobile Suit Variation series. It is the first series on Gundam models. Series features modification of existing models and creating new ones, like the PF-78-1 Perfect Gundam, Red Warrior, and Musha Gundam, which were endorsed by Bandai and was later released as official models and figures, and also as units featured in various games.[19] The series started the idea for G Gundam of pilot's emotion reflecting the emotion of the unit.[20] Various series basing on the same plot model were published, including sequels like:
- New Plamo-kyo Shiro
- Super Warrior Gundam yaro
- Plamo-kin Taro
- A series mainly based on the models of the first Gundam series along with its Mobile Suit Variation series. It is the first series on Gundam models. Series features modification of existing models and creating new ones, like the PF-78-1 Perfect Gundam, Red Warrior, and Musha Gundam, which were endorsed by Bandai and was later released as official models and figures, and also as units featured in various games.[19] The series started the idea for G Gundam of pilot's emotion reflecting the emotion of the unit.[20] Various series basing on the same plot model were published, including sequels like:
- Plamo-Wars(1994~1998)
- Gunpla Musashi
Video games
Main article: List of Gundam video games
Following the popularity of Gundam, various video games feature original characters previously not found in other media. Some video games have been converted into comics or novels.| Games | Book title | Book type | Description |
| Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story | Gundam Blue Destiny | Comic | |
| Gundam Side Story: Rise from the Ashes | 機動戦士ガンダム外伝―コロニーの落ちた地で…〈上〉角川スニーカー文庫 機動戦士ガンダム外伝―コロニーの落ちた地で…〈下〉角川スニーカー文庫 | Novel | |
| Mobile Suit Gundam Lost War Chronicles | 機動戦士ガンダム戦記―Lost War Chronicles〈1〉角川スニーカー文庫 機動戦士ガンダム戦記―Lost War Chronicles〈2〉角川スニーカー文庫 | Novel | |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeonic Front | ZEONIC FRONT―機動戦士ガンダム0079〈1〉角川スニーカー文庫 ZEONIC FRONT―機動戦士ガンダム0079〈2〉角川スニーカー文庫 | Novel |
Super Robot Wars
The Gundam metaverse makes regular appearances in the Super Robot Wars series by Banpresto. In fact, there has not been a single non-Banpresto Original title which has not featured at least one Gundam series and characters. Some series come and go, but Amuro Ray, often in his RX-93 "ν Gundam", is a regular character and has actually never missed a single game. This all changed in Super Robot Wars Judgement for the Game Boy Advance and Super Robot Wars W for the Nintendo DS. So far, almost every single major Gundam series has made at least one appearance in the series.The mobile suit units are considered the representing unit in the "real robot" type of mecha. The games' units are often separated by being "super robots", powerful mecha that often have near-limitless powers and technology, but have a shorter range of movement, and real robots, mecha that are physically weaker, but possess a wider range of movement and accuracy. There have been so many mobile suit units that it is impossible to tell a distinct style, however, mobile suits are extremely agile and have an enormous variety of weapons.
Original design series and variations
 | It has been suggested that this section be split into a new article. (Discuss) |
- Gundam Century (1981)
- Mobile Suit Variations (1983)
- Also known as "MSV", these variations exist from the One Year War, and considered to be official and canonical in the Universal Century timeline.
- Mobile Suit X (1984)
- Also known as "MSX", these are new models for a proposed, but never produced new animation series, and considered to be official and canonical in the Universal Century timeline.
- Z-MSV
- Variations from the Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam series.
- ZZ-MSV
- Variations from the Mobile Suit Double Zeta Gundam series.
- CCA-MSV
- Variations from the Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack movie.
- Kunio Okawara's MS Collection (M-MSV)
- Kunio Okawara's personal reinterpretations of his original designs.
- F91-MSV
- Variations from the Mobile Suit Gundam F91 movie.
- V-MSV
- Variations from the Mobile Suit Victory Gundam series.
- SEED-MSV
- Variations from the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED series.
- SEED Destiny MSV
- Variations from the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny series.
- 00V
- Variations from the Mobile Suit Gundam 00 series.
Merchandise
Bandai, the primary licensee of the Gundam trademark, makes a variety of products for the Gundam fan. Other companies produce unofficial toys, models, t-shirts, etc. Categories of products include the "Mobile Suit In Action" ("MSiA") action figures, and Gundam Model Kits in several scales and design complexity. Generally, each series listed above will have its own set of products, although the MSiA and models lines, such as Master Grade and High Grade Universal Century, may extend across series. The most popular line of action figure in recent year; however, is the "Gundam Fix" series. This line of figures include the mecha shown in the animated series/manga/novels, but also included new accessories to create a more updated version.Internet
Bandai maintains a number of sites to promote various Gundam projects. Most prominent amongst these is "Gundam Perfect Web", the official Japanese site. Its English language counterpart is the US maintained "Gundam Official". For a brief trial period in 2005, the site hosted the "Gundam Official User Forum". These forums were based on the existing fan forum, "Gundam Watch", and made use of many of its staff. When the project was retired, Gundam Watch was reborn, before passing the torch onto "Gundam Evolution", which maintained many of the same traditions and staff.A number of series specific websites have been produced. These are often available for a limited time, usually to promote a DVD release. Common content includes character and mecha listings, lists of related merchandise and pay-for-download content. "Special" pages are also frequent, often presenting downloadable wallpaper or a small game. The Superior Defender Gundam Force site, for example, offers a game where players take the role of the villain Commander Sazabi, attempting to blast his subordinate with his weapons. After completion, users are rewarded with a papercraft of the Ark fans featured frequently in the show's second half.
As a cultural icon
Fire fighting poster
Japanese stamps
The RX-78 Gundam was recognized as a culturally significant subject by the nation of Japan on October 23, 2000, with the inclusion of the suit and the main pilot on two stamps in the 20th Century Stamp Series.[25]Additionally, this mobile suit and other notable mecha from various Gundam series were recognized in the second set of "Anime Heroes and Heroines" stamps, released in 2005. It was one of only four franchises to be given the honor; the others were Pokémon, Galaxy Express 999, and Detective Conan.[26]
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