Gundam Anime Series: A Beginner's Guide
So, you're thinking of diving into the epic world of Gundam, huh? Awesome choice, my friend! But with so many series, timelines, and universes, it can feel like launching a mobile suit without a manual. Don't sweat it! This guide will break down the essential Gundam anime series, helping you find the perfect starting point and navigate this incredible mecha saga. Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or a complete newbie, get ready to discover the thrilling and often heartbreaking world of Gundam. We'll cover the main timelines, popular entry points, and what makes each series unique. Let's get started and find the perfect Gundam series to ignite your passion for giant robots and interstellar conflicts!
Understanding the Gundam Universe(s)
Before we jump into specific series, let's address the elephant in the room: the multiverse... or rather, the multi-timelines. Unlike many franchises that maintain a single, consistent canon, Gundam is split into various timelines, each with its own continuity, characters, and mobile suit designs. This can be confusing, but it also means there's a Gundam series out there for almost every taste. The Universal Century (UC) is the original and arguably the most important timeline. It's where it all began with Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) and continues through numerous sequels, prequels, and side stories. UC is known for its complex political narratives, realistic (well, relatively) mecha designs, and iconic characters like Amuro Ray and Char Aznable. Think of it as the core of the Gundam universe.
Then, you have the Alternate Universes (AU). These are standalone timelines that are not connected to the Universal Century. AU series offer fresh takes on the Gundam concept, exploring different themes, character archetypes, and mobile suit technologies. Popular AU timelines include Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, and Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans. Each AU series provides a unique entry point to the franchise, allowing you to jump in without needing prior knowledge of the UC timeline. AU series often experiment with different animation styles and storytelling approaches, making them appealing to a wider audience. For example, G Gundam is a martial arts tournament series with over-the-top action, while Iron-Blooded Orphans focuses on the struggles of child soldiers in a bleak and war-torn world. Understanding the distinction between UC and AU is crucial for navigating the Gundam franchise. It allows you to choose a series that aligns with your preferred genre, tone, and level of commitment. Whether you're drawn to the historical depth of the UC or the innovative concepts of the AU, there's a Gundam series waiting to captivate you.
Top Gundam Series to Start With
Okay, let's get down to business. With so many options, where do you actually begin? Here are some of the most recommended starting points for new Gundam fans:
1. Mobile Suit Gundam 00
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is often recommended as a great entry point for modern anime fans. It features a compelling story, stylish animation, and a cast of memorable characters. The series is set in a world where the Earth is divided into three major power blocs, each vying for control of the world's energy resources. A private military organization called Celestial Being emerges, dedicated to eradicating war through armed intervention. The series follows the Gundam Meisters, pilots of advanced mobile suits who fight to disrupt conflicts and promote peace. Gundam 00 explores themes of war, terrorism, and the pursuit of a world without conflict. It features complex characters with conflicting ideologies, forcing viewers to question the nature of justice and the morality of war. The series is known for its fast-paced action, engaging plot twists, and impressive mobile suit designs. It's a visually stunning series with a strong emphasis on character development and political intrigue. Gundam 00 is a great choice for viewers who enjoy action-packed anime with a thought-provoking story. The series is divided into two seasons, with a movie that serves as a conclusion to the main plot. This makes it a relatively self-contained story that is easy to follow. The characters are well-developed, and the relationships between them are complex and engaging. The mobile suit designs are also very popular, with many fans praising the sleek and futuristic look of the Gundams. Overall, Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in getting into the Gundam franchise. It offers a good balance of action, drama, and political intrigue, making it a compelling and entertaining watch.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is another popular entry point, particularly praised for its updated animation style and accessible storyline. Set in the Cosmic Era, the series focuses on the conflict between Naturals (humans who haven't been genetically altered) and Coordinators (genetically enhanced humans). The story follows Kira Yamato, a Coordinator student who becomes the pilot of the Strike Gundam, and Athrun Zala, his childhood friend who fights for the Coordinator nation of ZAFT. Gundam SEED explores themes of prejudice, genetic discrimination, and the devastating consequences of war. It features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and ideals. The series is known for its emotional drama, intense battles, and memorable mobile suit designs. Gundam SEED is a remake of the original Mobile Suit Gundam, but with a more modern animation style and a slightly altered story. This makes it a good option for viewers who want to experience the classic Gundam story but prefer a more contemporary look. The series is divided into two seasons, with a sequel series called Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny. While Destiny is not as highly regarded as SEED, it does continue the story and provide closure for some of the characters. The mobile suit designs in Gundam SEED are also very popular, with many fans praising the sleek and stylish look of the Gundams. The series is known for its use of color and light, creating a visually stunning experience. Overall, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is a great choice for anyone interested in getting into the Gundam franchise. It offers a good balance of action, drama, and romance, making it a compelling and entertaining watch.
3. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans offers a darker and more gritty take on the Gundam formula. Set in a post-disaster world where Mars has been colonized, the series follows a group of young soldiers who work for a private security company. When they are betrayed by their employers, they stage a coup and form their own organization, Tekkadan. Iron-Blooded Orphans explores themes of poverty, exploitation, and the struggle for survival. It features a cast of complex characters who are forced to make difficult choices in order to survive. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of war, its compelling characters, and its unique mobile suit designs. Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is a departure from the typical Gundam story, focusing on the lives of ordinary people who are caught up in the conflict. The series is not afraid to tackle difficult topics, such as child soldiers, slavery, and political corruption. The mobile suit designs in Iron-Blooded Orphans are also very different from those in other Gundam series. The Gundams are more heavily armored and utilitarian, reflecting the harsh conditions in which the characters live. The series is divided into two seasons, with a satisfying conclusion that ties up all the loose ends. Iron-Blooded Orphans is a great choice for viewers who are looking for a more mature and thought-provoking Gundam series. It offers a unique perspective on the Gundam universe, focusing on the struggles of ordinary people who are trying to survive in a world of war and violence.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam (The Original!)
For the purists out there, why not start at the beginning? While the animation might seem dated by today's standards, Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) is a classic for a reason. It laid the foundation for the entire franchise and introduced iconic characters like Amuro Ray and Char Aznable. The series is set during a war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. Amuro Ray, an ordinary teenager, becomes the pilot of the RX-78-2 Gundam and is thrust into the heart of the conflict. Mobile Suit Gundam explores themes of war, sacrifice, and the psychological impact of combat. It features a compelling story, memorable characters, and groundbreaking mobile suit designs. While the animation may not be as polished as more recent Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam is still a must-watch for any serious Gundam fan. It provides valuable context for understanding the rest of the franchise and allows you to appreciate the evolution of the Gundam universe. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of war, its complex characters, and its iconic mobile suits. Mobile Suit Gundam is a challenging but rewarding watch, offering a glimpse into the origins of one of the most influential anime franchises of all time. If you're willing to overlook the dated animation, Mobile Suit Gundam is a great place to start your Gundam journey. It will give you a solid foundation for understanding the rest of the franchise and allow you to appreciate the evolution of the Gundam universe.
Diving Deeper: Exploring Other Gundam Series
Once you've gotten your feet wet with one of the recommended starting points, there's a whole galaxy of Gundam series to explore! Here are a few more to consider:
- Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A direct sequel to the original Mobile Suit Gundam, Zeta Gundam is a darker and more complex series that delves into the political aftermath of the One Year War.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: A popular AU series known for its stylish mobile suit designs and its focus on a group of five Gundam pilots fighting for peace.
- Mobile Fighter G Gundam: A unique and over-the-top series that combines Gundam with martial arts tournaments. Get ready for some seriously ridiculous action!
- Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn: A visually stunning series set in the Universal Century, Unicorn features some of the most impressive animation in the franchise.
Final Thoughts: Welcome to the Gundam Universe!
The world of Gundam is vast and varied, but hopefully, this guide has given you a solid starting point. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the series that resonates with you the most. Whether you're drawn to the epic scale of the Universal Century or the fresh perspectives of the Alternate Universes, there's a Gundam series out there waiting to be discovered. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be amazed by the thrilling world of giant robots and interstellar conflict. Welcome to the Gundam universe, friend! You're in for an amazing ride.