Revisiting the Pioneering Anime Series 'Gundam' has Never Been More Timely
The original *Mobile Suit Gundam* series, first aired in 1979, remains a cornerstone of the Gundam franchise, offering a compelling blend of human drama, epic space opera, and thought-provoking themes that continue to resonate today.
At its core, this groundbreaking anime series tells the story of Amuro Ray, a character struggling to survive rather than a heroic figure. Spending the first half of the series being shaped into a hero, Amuro's journey is one of struggle, growth, and transformation.
One of the key reasons for the original *Gundam*'s enduring popularity is its foundational significance. The RX-78-2 Gundam, the series' iconic giant robot, is not only the "grandaddy" of the entire franchise but also one of the most recognizable mecha in the world. It established the core aesthetic and thematic foundation for all subsequent Gundam works, becoming the definitive face and symbol of Gundam and Japanese mecha anime in general.
The original series also stands out for its historical and thematic depth. Unlike many previous mecha shows, it delved into complex political intrigue, grisly combat, and moral ambiguity, setting a new standard for war portrayals in anime. The protagonist, Amuro Ray, was inspired by real historical contexts, adding deeper emotional and psychological layers to the story that continue to resonate today.
The original *Gundam*'s legacy and influence are undeniable. Despite its age and numerous reimaginings, the series set the narrative and stylistic templates that other entries build upon or consciously subvert. It remains a reference point for the franchise's extensive world-building, characters, and technological lore. Later series often pay homage to or directly revisit the RX-78-2 Gundam and the One Year War storyline, keeping the original's influence alive.
The original *Gundam* strikes a balance between epic space opera and human-scale drama, making it accessible for new fans. Its story of a young pilot thrust into a complex war introduces the franchise's signature blend of military sci-fi, mecha action, and philosophical questions about humanity, technology, and conflict.
As we revisit the original series, we are offered a glimpse of characters like Char before they became their iconic selves. Figures like Char are treated as emblematic of their reputations, both within the universe and from years of fan fascination with these characters and the original series.
The series does not shy away from humbling Char or moving focus away from him, allowing for the humanization of both Char and Amuro. This humanization, combined with the series' potent ideas, has led to decades of attempts to build on or create new imaginings and parallels.
Recently, a new series, GQuuuuuuX, has emerged, aiming to encourage new generations of audiences to explore the original *Gundam* series and understand what sparked their own fascinations with it. GQuuuuuuX is a direct, alternative universe remix on the outcome of the original *Gundam* series, reflecting on its legacy and offering a fresh perspective on its characters and themes.
While the series middle act focuses on Char for a good chunk, it does not exclusive focus on him, ensuring that the series, before its legacy, is remarkable in its own right. For those new to the Gundam universe, the original series offers a compelling starting point, providing a meditation on the impact of war on a generation of young people disenfranchised by the powers and generations that came before them.
Even with animation considered "dated" from a 46-year-old cartoon, the mecha action in the original *Gundam* remains compelling, making it a must-watch for both newcomers and long-time fans alike. Whether you're a seasoned Gundam fan or new to the franchise, the original series offers a captivating introduction to the world of Gundam, making it an essential part of any anime enthusiast's watchlist.
The original Mobile Suit Gundam series, with its human drama and thought-provoking themes, still resonates today, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in anime, entertainment, or pop-culture. As a pioneer in the world of mecha anime, it laid the foundation for future works in sci-fi and fantasy, such as those featured on Io9 and Gizmodo's 'Movies-and-TV' section.
Its historical and thematic depth, seen in its exploration of complex political intrigue and moral ambiguity, set a new standard for war portrayals in anime, shaping the Gundam franchise and the broader genre of Japanese mecha anime.
The series continues to influence new generations of creators, as seen in the recent release of GQuuuuuuX, which aims to introduce the original Gundam series to a new audience and explore its legacy from a fresh perspective.
Whether you're a seasoned Gundam fan or new to the franchise, the original series offers a captivating introduction to the world of Gundam, making it an essential part of any anime enthusiast's watchlist, as discussed on sites like Io9 and Gizmodo.
