Gundam

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

The original Mobile Suit Gundam first debuted on Japanese TV back in 1979, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino.  A veteran of animation already, Tomino had wanted to strive for something that was a depature from the usual super robot shows that Japan was accustomed to seeing.  At first, it didn't look like Gundam would be much of a hit, as Mobile Suit Gundam was cancelled before the crew could even fully complete the series.  They were only granted enough time to finish 43 out of a planned 52 episode run.  But while the first run earned low ratings, re-runs later brought on the kind of popularity that would, over the years, turn Gundam into what some refer to as the "Star Trek of Japan."

Since that time, Gundam has seen numerous series, movies and OAVs, including hundreds of plastic model kits, toy lines, manga and novels.  The core of Gundam is the One Year War (UC continuity), as told through Mobile Suit Gundam, Zeta Gundam, ZZ Gundam and Char's Counterattack, but includes sidestories such as 0080: War in the Pocket, 0083: Stardust Memory and The 08th MS Team, as well as continuations such as Forumula 91 and Victory Gundam.  In the early ninties, new directors and writers were called to the table to create the three Alternate Universe series; G Gundam, Gundam Wing and Gundam X.  The latest installment is Turn A Gundam, which exhibited the mechanical design talents of Syd Mead (Blade Runner, Aliens) and brought Tomino back to the table once more to write and direct.

Gundam made its way to the United States some years back in English domestic release via VHS, but it wasn't until Gundam Wing was aired in the Spring of 2000 on Cartoon Network that it became a smash hit on this side of the Pacific.  Since that time, we've seen the releases of Endless Waltz, Mobile Suit Gundam, 0080, 0083, the live action G-Saviour movie, and with this coming July, the debut on US shores of Char's Counterattack and G Gundam.  While it's been a few years since a new gundam series of any kind has been released in Japan, we here in the 'States still have plenty to choose from as more and more gundam continues to make its way over.

In this section of Anime Metro, we hope to cover as many aspects of Gundam as possible.  Please choose a link either from the sidebar or below to learn more about each series, movie or OAV.

Mobile Fighter G Gundam |