Mobile Fighter G Gundam Anime Review

Mobile Fighter G Gundam
Kido Butoden Ji Gandamu or Mobile Fighting Legend G Gundam
Bandai Entertainment
Complete Collection - 12 discs
1275 minutes - 49 episodes
$49.98 (2006) Collection Parts 1-2/ea.
$49.98 (2003-2004) Box Sets 1-4/ea.
$19.98 (2002-2003) Vol. 1-12 /ea.
ISBN 669198801570
Japanese/English Audio - Japanese Subtitles
Director -Yasuhiro Imagawa
Studio - Sunrise

Synopsis: The year is Future Century 60 and much of the Earth is a ruined wasteland.  The rich and powerful have left the planet behind in order to live in orbiting space colonies.  Each colony corresponds to an influential nation of the world - Neo America, Neo Japan, and Neo Russia to name a few.  The Gundam Fight was developed to minimize casualties and property damage between nation colonies.  Each nation sends their own Gundam into the fray every four years to determine who will rule until the next fight.  The Earth is the ring as Gundams battle each other across its face causing massive damage.  FC60 sees the 13th Gundam Fight and Domon Kasshu in his Shining Gundam is the fighter for Neo Japan.

The Gundam Fight decides which country rules for the next four years

Domon is a hot-headed yet incredibly skilled martial artist whose natural talents are enhanced when he pilots his Gundam.  He is supported by Rain Mikamura as his talented mechanic and childhood friend.  Domon is obsessed with finding the whereabouts of his brother Kyoji and the renegade Dark Gundam.  Their father was the inventor of the Dark Gundam until Kyoji went rogue and fell to Earth.  Now Domon scours the globe searching for clues to find his missing brother and battling any Gundams who cross his path.  He wishes to free his father who is held in a cryogenic state by Japan's government as punishment for creating the Dark Gundam.

Domon searches for clues to his renegade brother's whereabouts

Each Gundam is equipped with the 'Mobile Trace System' which allows an unprecedented alignment of movement between pilot and machine.  This system allowed martial artists and fighters to rise to the top as Gundam pilots, and even mimics their special attacks.  The most successful Gundam fighters are the ones whose machines have been designed to enhance and emphasize their strengths as combatants.  Domon utilizes a devastating attack called the 'Shining Finger' which can destroy an enemy Gundam's head with one blow.  He is a true martial artist and speaks best through his fighting.

Domon's special finishing attack 'Shining Finger'

Along the way Domon battles some very strong fighters including:

• Neo America - Gundam Maxter piloted by Chibodee Crocket, the champion boxer who grew up in the slums of New York and made a name for himself as a fighter.  He wants to win the Gundam Fight to inspire the poor and downtrodden in his homeland.  His Gundam resembles a football player, is equipped with two guns resembling a gunslinger's revolvers, the shoulder-pads can attack to the hands as boxing gloves, and a shield which turns into a flying surfboard.  He is supported by four beautiful and skilled women - Shirly, Janet, Cath, and Bunny
• Neo France - Gundam Rose piloted by George de Sand, a chivalrous gentleman who prizes honor above all else.  He desires to win the Gundam Fight to bring honor to his country and impress Princess Marie Louise.  His Gundam is equipped with a fencing sword and most notably the 'Rose Bits' which are mentally controlled flying weapons with several features.  They can fire small beams, are numerous, and can gather together as a shield.  He is aided by his trusty manservant Raymond.
• Neo China - Dragon Gundam piloted by Sai Saici, a young martial artist and prodigal of the Shaolin Temple who wishes to restore them by winning the tournament.  He is a typical youngster prone to goofing around, but also a supreme martial artist.  He also likes to cook and has lost out on a normal childhood due to his intense training.  His Gundam has dragon claw arms which can extend, they expel fire, is equipped with many poles which can produce a barrier around opponents, and a pointed braid.  He is helped by two Shaolin monks, Zuisen and Keiun.  
• Neo Russia - Bolt Gundam piloted by Argo Gulskii, a former space pirate who is locked up in a Siberian prison along with the rest of his crew.  He wishes to win the tournament and free his crew.  His Gundam is highly armored, very strong, and equipped with magnetic balls which detach from the shoulders.  He is watched over by the attractive prison warden, Natasha.  

From left (front row) - Sai Saici, Argo Gulskii, Rain Mikimura, Domon Kashu
Chibodee Crocket, George de Sand, and the Burning/Shining Gundams (back)

The Dark Gundam makes itself known by terrorizing Japan and creating the Dark Army.  Domon is compelled to find it along with his renegade brother, Kyoji.  He encounters his teacher, Master Asia, who won the 12th Gundam Fight piloting the Haow Gundam for Neo Hong Kong.  The relief Domon feels at finding his old master is overshadowed by the revelations of the capabilities of the Dark Gundam.  Will Master Asia support his old student or seek to retain his lofty title 'Undefeated of the East'.  A mysterious group called the Shuffle Alliance surfaces to oppose both the Dark Gundam and the current batch of fighters.  What is their true purpose and intentions for our heroes and who is the King of Hearts?  

Master Asia - Domon's former teacher and returning Gundam Fight champion

Many other nation's Gundams engage in matches and fight for a seat in the final battle royale.  The final tournament site is the seat on Earth of Neo Hong Kong and presided over by the politician Wong Yunfat. These Gundams include:

• Neo England's Royal Gundam piloted by Gentle Chapman, a three-time winner of the Gundam Fight and normally has impeccable sportsmanship. Now he's an aging fighter attempting to stay in the game by any means necessary
• Neo Italy's Neros Gundam piloted by Michelo Chariot, a corrupt fighter who attempts to win at any cost and cares little for 
• Neo Sweden's Nobel Gundam piloted by Allenby Beardsley, a young female fighter.  She harbors secret behind her success
• Neo Germany's Shadow Gundam piloted by Schwartz Bruder, a mysterious masked fighter who harbors a strong interest in Domon
• Neo Nepal's Mandala Gundam piloted by Kyral Mekirel, a deadly assassin who kills his opponents before matches
• Neo Canada's Grizzly Gundam piloted by Andrew Graham, a former space researcher who has an undying hatred for Neo Russia's fighter, Argo Gulskii

Watch out for...Mermaid Gundam!  A Gundam based on a fish.

The tournament continues as Domon gets closer to finding answers about the Dark Gundam and his missing brother. What wedge will be driven between Domon and Rain concerning the origin of the Dark Gundam?  Who are the Four Kings?  What lies in wait for Domon and will he recognize his true friends before it's too late?  Can the 13th Gundam Fight possibly continue under the looming threat of the Dark Gundam?

Gundam Fight all set!  Ready!! Go!!!

Domon chases after the Dark Gundam and his brother, Kyoji

Pros: Lots of really cool looking and unique Gundam designs which are specific to each nation, opening theme songs (there were two) were catchy, Domon and Master Asia are badass fighters - they're a great team, Rain is very attractive and wears a mini-skirt, Dark (aka Devil) Gundam was fairly menacing, Shadow Gundam (Spiegel) was another really neat design and plot twist, plot builds in excitement as the series goes on, lots of little cameos by mobile suits/robots from other series (Wing Gundam, RX-78-2, Gundam F91, and more), the toys for this show were pretty awesome (particularly the gold 'hyper mode' ones)

Why does Neo Germany's pilot, Schwartz Bruder, take an interest in Domon?

Cons: For every cool Gundam design there is a goofy one (Neo Spain turns into a giant bull head?, Mermaid Gundam is...a fish?, and Neo India's Cobra Gundam looks like a cobra, sheesh) not to mention most of the character designs were silly (especially Chibodee's hairstyle!), with all the gimmicks and tournament-style fights this isn't Gundam - it's Dragon Ball!, this version of Gundam is far less mature and 'real-type' than traditional versions, Domon is a thick-headed dolt for most of the series, incredibly simple characters and situations

Domon unlocks the 'Hyper Mode' for his Shining Gundam turning it gold-hued

Mike Tells It Straight: Mobile Fighter G Gundam was a controversial departure from the traditional themes of the Gundam series franchise.  Mobile Suit Gundam originally aired in 1979-80 and was the first 'Real Robot' series which depicted giant robots set against a war-torn background.  It focused on poignant stories and became a sensation based on sales of toy model kits.  Successive Gundam series all followed the same formula to differing degrees of success.  These included Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket, Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, and many others.

Domon holds Allenby after the two finish a devastating battle

By the 1990s the Gundam franchise had been relying on the same themes for over a decade.  A new series was developed which was heavily influenced by the desire to sell [a lot of] new toys and latch onto the current successes of fighting/tournament genre anime series (primarily the very successful Dragon Ball Z and Street Fighter video game franchise).  The series departed from the 'Real Robot' genre, left behind the human perspective on the turmoils of war, and focused on a multi-national tournament.  The director was seasoned veteran Yasuhiro Imagawa, most famous at the time for storyboarding these epic 1980s series: Aura Battler Dunbine and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.  He resurrected the Giant Robo franchise with an OVA version directly prior to making this series.

The Dark (Devil) Gundam looms overhead and possesses the power
of regeneration along with many other dangerous abilities 

This series had the full backing of Bandai and was crafted primarily to sell toys, but director Imagawa's creative dedication instilled the work with its own voice.  Some amazing mechanical designs came out of this show - the Dark (Devil) Gundam, Master Gundam, Burning (God) Gundam, Shining Gundam, and Shadow Gundam were incredible.  The toys produced from this show were really fun and I picked up the entire domestic release of the action figures (from the Mobile Suit In Action aka MSIA line originally released in Japan)   These were Gundam designs unfettered by the confines of 'Real Robot' or even the laws of physics. Just pure cool and silliness.

G Gundam toys! (from left) - Shadow Gundam, Rising Gundam (front), Walter
Gundam (back and holding Berserker Nobel Gundam), Burning (God) Gundam,
Dark (Devil) Gundam, and Dark (Death) Army (Beast configuration)

The audience for the show was definitely not the die-hard Gundam fans from the 1980s who were steadily maturing in age.  They protested the loudest when this series was released.  Instead the producers and toy makers wanted to create a show for younger viewers essentially to refresh the fan-base.  It's action-packed with a fairly simple plot and some character drama.  The characters are straight-forward and the plot progression is mostly formulaic (introduction to the main fighters and then the final tournament).  Domon relies on ever-increasing power from new techniques to win each fight.

The 'Hyper Mode' toys were crazy and look gold-plated.  From left -
Gundam Maxter, Gundam Rose, Shining Gundam, Burning Gundam,
Bolt Gundam, and Dragon Gundam

I found the standout points of this series to be the relationships between certain characters.  Domon and Master Asia's student/teacher past was great to see.  The relief Domon feels when he sees Master again is great and you can tell the pair of fighters are truly unstoppable together.  Domon and Rain's relationship was just as good, but far more difficult to genuinely portray for the creators.  Rain truly cares for Domon who is fueled by this intense mission of revenge.  He usually dismisses her advice and treats her unkindly.  I disliked him quite a bit at the beginning of the show.  Even the relationship between Domon and his renegade brother Kyoji ended up being worthwhile.

Domon summons the 'Burning Finger' in his new Burning (God) Gundam

G Gundam is one of those love-hate anime.  You either love it or hate it with equal fervor.  It's a long series at 49 episodes and quite a commitment to watch in its entirety.  The series is easily split into two parts: 1) Domon's pursuit of Kyoji and the Dark Gundam and 2) the tournament saga and final battle.  It's over-the-top and the plot is geared for younger viewers, but the mecha designs and toys were great.  It was the first alternate-reality (outside of the Universal Century timeline) series which spawned a score of others (most notably Gundam Wing).  I liked the personal relationships and progressive buildup of the plot, but at times it felt pretty darn corny.  Despite the silliness I still enjoyed the series and have sat through it twice, but the recent second viewing was much less positive (I blame it on getting old).  It's such a departure from your typical Gundam show and aligns itself to the 'Super Robot' shows of the past, but crossed with a tournament series.  Younger viewers (or those young at heart) will love the giant-robot-smashing action and special moves (hyper mode was pretty neat), but sophisticated Gundam fans will likely hate it.

The new Shuffle Alliance - Gundam Rose/George de Sand (top left), Dragon
Gundam/Sai Saici (bottom left), Burning Gundam/Domon Kasshu/Rain
Mikimura (center), Bolt Gundam/Argo Gulskii (top right), and Gundam
Maxter/Chibodee Crocket (bottom right)

TO BUY and Recommendations:

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory Anime Review

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
Bandai Entertainment
Complete Collection - 4 discs
325 mins. - 13 episodes
$49.98 (2009)
$49.98 (2005)
$14.98 (2004) Vol. 1 to 4 ea.
$29.98 (2002) Vol. 1 to 4 ea.
ISBN 669198804670
Japanese/English Audio - English Subtitles
Director - Mitsuko Kase/Takashi Imanishi
Studio - Sunrise

Synopsis: It has been several years since the spacenoid (people born/living in space on massive artificial colonies) uprising by the Principality of Zeon was defeated by the Earth Federation.  Zeon initiated the One Year War (OYW) in Universal Century 0079 by dropping a space colony on Sydney, Australia causing massive devastation and casualties.  During the OYW a special mobile suit was developed called the Gundam which gave the Federation an edge against their Zeon opponents. 

Anavel Gato smirks as he boards Unit 2 on the Albion

On the remote Torrington base in Australia two prototype Gundam mobile suits arrive for land-based testing.  They are transported on the assault carrier Albion and accompanied by head engineer Nina Purpleton from Anaheim Electronics.  The base is home to a group of test pilots led by Lt. South Burning, a veteran of the OYW and nearing the age of retirement from field combat.  Kou Uraki and Chuck Keith are two young test pilots at the base who become fascinated by the Gundam prototypes upon their arrival.

Unit 2 powers up with Gato at the controls

Gundam "Unit 1" (GP01) and "Unit 2" (GP02) are advanced mobile suits with decidedly different purposes.  Unit 1 is an upgrade to the original Gundam developed in the OYW while Unit 2 is a heavily armored suit built to withstand a nuclear blast at close range.  Unit 2 is also equipped to carry a nuclear powered weapon which violates the Antarctic Treaty banning the use of nuclear weapons in warfare due to the scope of their destructive power.

Unit 1 and Unit 2 clash in the fog as Gato makes his getaway

After the OYW the remnants of the Zeon forces retreated to an asteroid colony called Axis, but a select few went underground and hid from the Federation.  Among these are Vice-Admiral Aigulle Delaz, who commands the Delaz fleet and was present at the final battle at Solomon (the former Zeon stronghold).  Under his command is Lt. Commander Anavel Gato, also known as the "Nightmare of Solomon" for his fearsome piloting skills during the Battle of Solomon.  In addition Commander Cima Garahau, who commands the Cima fleet, joins forces with Delaz at the protests of Gato.  He believes she lacks any true conviction to the principles of Zeon and doesn't trust her.

Delaz announces the resurrection of Zeon with Gato by
his side and the stolen Unit 2 behind them

Delaz puts into motion a daring mission to resurrect Zeon and deal a crushing blow to the Federation - it's called Operation Stardust!  He dispatches Gato to steal Unit 2 and a nuclear warhead to power it's nuclear arsenal.  During the "Gundamjack" Kou ends up piloting Unit 1 against Gato - the "Nightmare of Solomon" vs. a rookie pilot.  The Albion launches into space to follow Gato and Unit 2 in order to recover it before the nuke can be used.  Despite being a rookie, Kou becomes the pilot of Unit 1 and develops a relationship with the Nina.

Unit 1 ready for combat duty in the hold of the Albion

Kou is put to the test as he witnesses the horrors of war and death firsthand.  Does Nina care more about recovering Unit 2 or Kou?  What is the true face of Operation Stardust and why does the Federation pull support from the Albion?  Will Gato crush Unit 1 and Kou?  Was Gato right about Cima?  What about Unit 3?  It's a devastating thrill ride as the ghost of Zeon rears it's head to strike once more at the Federation!

The last working mobile suits at a secret underground Zeon
base stage a daring assault to help Gato escape

Pros: Great mecha designs by legendary designers Shoji Kawamori (Super Dimensional Fortress Macross) and Hajime Katoki (many, many Gundam series: V Gundam, G Gundam, and Gundam Wing Endless Waltz), slick and highly detailed animation, excellent mobile suit battles (both on land and in space), no Newtypes (typically spacenoids who have developed mild psychic abilities allowing them to pilot mobile suits with more skill than non-Newtypes and some clairvoyance) with convenient abilities to make them invincible in battle, the bad guys are pretty cool

Unit 1 fitted for space combat performs maneuvers with
the GM's stationed on the Albion

Cons: Character interactions are immature - Kou is a whiny kid apt to throw temper tantrums (in a big toy Gundam) and veteran mobile suit pilot Monsha was the worst with his constant over-the-top lecherous behavior, the relationship between Nina and Kou was confusing and frustrating

Monsha gets shot down by Nina in another failed attempt to get a date

Mike Tells It Straight: Gundam is a major anime franchise and has a complicated timeline starting with the original series Mobile Suit Gundam (MSG) in the fictional Universal Century 0079 (actual year of release was 1979).  The sequel to MSG was Zeta Gundam (ZG) which took place in U.C. 0087-88 (released in 1985) and Stardust Memory (released 1990) fills in some of the backstory between the two series.  In ZG the Federation had become a group called the Titans and we get to find out why this happened as the Zeon launch one final, brutal assault.  

The Albion rushes to save a space colony from disaster

0083 had some really great character moments and held to the roots of MSG's message - the cost of war is brutal and terrifying.  We get to see the ragtag Zeon forces who held out for three years after the end of the OYW with only their burning ideals to keep them going.  In contrast the Federation forces are shown as uncaring bureaucrats with no true ideals except hollow shows of power.  It's obvious the writers wanted us to see the Federation in this light and to root for the Zeon as underdogs.

Gato pilots the powerful mobile armor the Neue Ziel

Delaz and Gato hold to their ideals of liberating spacenoids from Federation oppression with Kou contrasted as the naive rookie without any true ideals of his own.  The bad guys were the real highlight of this show along with the mecha.  The animated battles were great and mobile suit/armor designs by Kawamori are incredible (they're still considered classics today).  They still hold up today and are a treat for any mecha fan.  Unfortunately the character designs and personalities were lacking as they don't really make sense all the time.

Unit 3 outfitted with the Dendrobium bursts into action

I swear Gato's hair changed from white to blonde and back again. Having two directors shook the consistency as the viewer can tell subtle differences between the first seven and last six episodes (split between the two directors).  Interactions between the crew and pilots on the Albion were ridiculously immature (rivalry between Monsha and Kou as a prime example).  No Newtype action to be seen (original MSG director Yoshiyuki Tomino pushed the theme of Newtypes in almost all Gundam series he was involved in) and thank goodness.  I always felt it was a convenient way to explain why Amuro Ray never lost in the original series.

Space combat - what is the Federation building in the background?

Overall Stardust Memory stands as a decent mecha show with awesome battles and some memorable war scenes.  It's very dramatic and a solid entry to the Gundam universe.  The characters and their interactions are the low point to the show as they can be quite annoying at times.  I thought the message was conveyed fairly well and enjoyed the roller coaster ride through to the end despite the weak characterizations.  The GP03 with Dendrobium armor and Neue Ziel mobile armor were worth it alone.

TO BUY and Recommendations:

Gasaraki Anime Review

Gasaraki
ADV Films
Perfect Collection - 8 discs
650 mins. - 25 episodes
$169.98 (2002) w/Artbox
$49.99 (2012) Nozomi/Right Stuf
ISBN 702727029127
Japanese/English Audio - English Subtitles
Director - Ryousuke Takahashi (main)/Goro Taniguchi (asst)
Studio - Sunrise

Synopsis: The Japanese Self Defense Force (JSSDF) in conjunction with the Gowa Corporation develop bipedal weapons systems called Tactical Armors (TAs).  These weapons systems will change the face of modern ground warfare and the Gowa are an old, powerful family with an ulterior motive.  Centuries ago they were empowered by a seemingly metaphysical entity called Gasaraki to pilot demonic armors and functioned as the shadow enforcers of the Japanese emperor.

The TA squad prepares for an aerial drop

Basing their TA technology on the ancient secrets of Gasaraki the first son of the Gowa family plots a new rise to power through another communion with their god.  The ancient armors were called Kugai and piloted by individuals called Kai.  Yushiro Gowa is the modern day Kai and primary test pilot for the TA program.  He possesses enhanced mental and physical abilities allowing him to eventually enter a trance state and call forth the extra-dimensional Gasaraki entity.

One of Japan's TAs gets some minor repairs in the field

The Gowa's attempt the ritual of Gasaraki with Yushiro, but his trance state is interrupted by the psychic interference of a girl named Miharu.  She is the 'Emulator' for the shadow organization Symbol and implores Yushiro to turn back from summoning 'the terror'.  Subsequently a war breaks out between the United States and Belgistan in the Middle East.  Conventional US ground forces are unexpectedly defeated by an unknown weapons system which can only be another version of the TAs.  The JSSDF's TA squad is called in by the United Nations to investigate and a confrontation between the two TA forces leads to face-to-face meeting of Yushiro with Miharu.

The enemy TAs are spotted in Belgistan

The two appear to have a special bond, but are merely tools of two powerful opposing groups - Gowa and Symbol.  Can they possibly break their psychic chains and regain some individual freedom?  A massive political drama unfolds with Japan on one side and the US on the other.  The fate of world politics hangs in the balance as all signs point to war!  Will Yushiro and Miharu be the catalyst for bringing back the destructive force of Gasaraki?  What is the secret of Gasaraki - will it change humanity forever or merely burn us all to ashes?

Yushiro and Miharu on the run from their organizations

Pros: Impressive depiction of how real-world mecha would probably operate, intense political drama, really great opening and ending theme songs (among the best I've heard), lots of dvd extras, the Kugai were cool/creepy demonic armors which seemed almost alive

In the past the Gowas ride into battle with their Kugai

Cons: Yushiro and Miharu are somewhat bland characters (particularly Miharu) and it was tough trying to identify with or like them, ending is a bit metaphysical which may throw some viewers (especially after all the realistic portrayal of mecha and political intrigue), the US is the political bad guy in this story which may turn off highly patriotic Americans

Yushiro awakens the Kugai in the present time

Mike Tells It Straight: Gasaraki was a mecha show released after the genre-redefining Neon Genesis Evangelion in the late 1990s - a tough act to follow, but I found this show to be pretty interesting.  The TAs are some of the most realistically depicted mecha I've seen in an anime thus far.  The plot is both firmly rooted in reality (politics, military, mecha depiction) and completely on another dimensional plane (literally, the Gasaraki entity lives in extra-dimensional space).  These two vastly different themes can easily cause the viewer to step back, scratch their head, and decide to walk away.

Political intrigue abounds as the upstart eldest son of the Gowas
meets with a powerful dissident to discuss a major coupe d'etat

The major theme of political intrigue and economic disparity between natives/foreigners created a complex storyline as Japanese and US forces squared off.  How far one will go to support one's political ideals was a powerful image.  At this point I've seen enough media painting America as the international, _____ bad guy to accept their portrayal here without a second thought.  The political maneuverings made several episodes drag on as characters spouted idealistic speeches.

The TA support team feeds the pilots information during live combat

Action came second in Gasaraki, but was well-portrayed and exciting when it happened.  Sunrise is a quality studio known for solid technical depictions, but the character designs were a little angular/simple for my taste.  The metaphysical aspect of the show was adequately creepy and weird.  I loved the Kugai episodes and wished there were more.  The ending with the big Gasaraki reveal is pretty weird.  It kinda made sense, but was the complete opposite of the realistic, political plot to that point.  A lot of people will not like the ending and just start shouting "WTF! WTF!" at the screen repeatedly.

The US 'Fake' squadron unleashes a powerful weapon in the
final battle - a rail gun

Definitely a mixed bag of themes and genres, Gasaraki would have been more successful if it stuck to the realistic/political theme with the TAs and international economic crisis, or the metaphysical/supernatural angle with the Kugai and Gasaraki entity itself.  I loved the opening/ending theme songs and could dig the different parts of the show.  I give it an overall recommendation, but with pretty significant disclaimers based on the opposing plot themes.  


TO BUY and Recommendations:

Right Stuf/Nozomi official publisher link (preferred): Gasaraki Complete Collection

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket Anime Review

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
Bandai Entertainment
Complete Collection - 2 discs
180 mins. - 6 episodes
$24.98 (2009)
$29.98 (2005)
$14.98 (2004) Vol. 1 & 2 ea.
$29.98 (2002) Vol. 1 & 2 ea.
ISBN 669198804663
Japanese/English Audio/English Subtitles
Director - Fumihiko Takayama
Studio - Sunrise

Synopsis: Universal Century 0079 sees an all-out war between the Earth Federation and the seceding Duchy of Zeon from the outer space colonies.  The war has been raging for months and both sides have suffered catastrophic defeats.  Mobile suit technology has changed the landscape of war and the Zeons have been particularly effective in developing powerful war machines.  The Federation has built suits of their own and one particular suit called the Gundam is single-handedly turning the tide of war.

A member of the Zeon Cyclops Team pilots a Hy-Gogg

On the neutral colony Side Six the war has not touched the lives of the colonists yet, but that is about to change.  The Zeon learn of a new Gundam being developed and dispatch a covert special forces unit called the Cyclops Team to find it.  New to the team is Bernie Wiseman, a rookie pilot shot down in the first skirmish within the colony.

Al daydreams at school about mobile suits and war

He befriends a young boy named Al who is interested in war and wants to have adventures to escape from his miserable home life where his father is constantly away.  Al's next door neighbor is a pretty girl named Christina (aka Chris) who happens to be a Federation test pilot for the new Gundam.  Al tags along with Bernie to help him spy on the Federation base, but things take a serious turn when the Cyclops Team must launch their mission to destroy the Gundam.  If they fail the Zeons will nuke the colony and kill everyone on it!

Bernie and Al spend time looking for the secret Federation base

Pros: Very nice animation (especially for a 1989 OVA), excellent mecha designs by Yutaka Izubuchi (updating the original Mobile Suit Gundam mecha designs like the GM, Guncannon, Zaku along with adding new entries like the RX-78NT1 "Alex" and MS-18E Kampfer), good story with a deep underlying anti-war message, writer Hiroyuki Yamaga crafts a heartwrenching tale with realistic characters, loved the character designs by Haruhiko Mikimoto (famous for SDF Macross aka Robotech in the US), decent music too

Bernie meets Al's next door neighbor the lovely Chris

Cons: An older show without the fancy CG assistance we have today, some plot holes (like how does that Zaku remain undiscovered on the space colony for so long?, how did Al get a spacesuit in his exact size?)

Bernie crash lands his Zaku after being shot down and Al finds him

Mike Tells It Straight: This is a classic mecha show and a worthwhile entry into the Gundam saga.  Instead of dealing with Newtypes (psychically gifted humans) like the first Mobile Suit Gundam this show focuses on regular people dealing with the tragedy of war.  It's a gut-wrenching story with an incredibly bitter ending.  Possessing mature subject matter and message despite half the show being spent following an immature kid running around.

Bernie does his best Char impression at the spaceport

The contrast of Al's naivete and desire to have childish adventures against a backdrop of deadly consequences was perfect.  Awesome story buildup with a genuinely good ending (tragic, yes, but also good).  The mecha battles were awesome and top notch robot designs.  I particularly liked the Cyclops Team's underwater mobile suits - the Z'Gok E and Hy-Gogg; the Kampfer was pretty killer too.

The cockpit seat of a Zeon pilot after a failed mission

Characterization in this show was the strongest point.  Al's father is away working (or his parents are separated) and Al acts out at school then behaves miserably at home.  You can tell he's suffering without both of his parents and his relationship with Bernie fills that big brother/father figure role.  Each of the Cyclops Team members has something unique about their personalities.  Chris and her doting parents are genuine.  You get to see the human side of these soldiers and then have it all ripped away by war.

A Zaku takes on the Gundam RX-78NT1 with a heat hawk

I really liked this short Gundam story based on human relationships, honor, frailty, and trying to do the right thing even when it means hurting someone.  It's an older show and was a great example to prove to people (parents, disbelieving friends, older family members, whoever thought cartoons were kid stuff) that these goofy robot cartoons from Japan could deliver a serious message.  I heartily recommend it if you're looking for something a bit more grown up (but with all the cool robot fights you really love).  You'll truly enjoy it if you can suspend enough disbelief in the science fiction story and focus on the people.


TO BUY and Recommendations:
 

Witch Hunter Robin Anime Review

Witch Hunter Robin

Bandai Entertainment – Anime Legends

Complete Collection – 26 episodes

650 mins. – 6 discs

$149.98 Limited Edition w/pin set (2004) $49.98 (2006)

ISBN 1594097216
English/Japanese Audio – English Subtitles
Director – Shuko Murase
Studio - Sunrise
TO BUY: Witch Hunter Robin

Synopsis: Witches are real and have phenomenal psychic powers which explode into existence based on pre-determined genetic dispositions. They’ve been hiding within humanity for hundreds of years and are a part of modern history (Salem witch trials). A clandestine organization called Solomon operates throughout the world hunting witches. Backed by Solomon the STN-J is an investigative unit in Japan actively finding witches and incarcerating them at The Factory.

Robin is a fifteen-year-old girl who has incredible pyrokinetic powers and is just trying to belong somewhere. She’s been trained to hunt witches and is assigned to the STN-J by Solomon. She has a secret which could destroy her new life, but worse yet, her secret is just the tip of the iceberg. Another secret uncovered by a Solomon researcher many years ago threatens to change the face of humanity.

Pros: High production values, somewhat original story, good character/tech designs, awesome backgrounds, gothic techno punk, not your average monster-of-the-week show, mildly spooky beginning with a crime drama middle and action packed ending

Cons: Story progresses pretty slowly throughout the entire show, no nudity :), Robin herself is a rather drab character and spends a lot of time soul-searching

Mike Tells It Straight: A gothic mystery series for the Matrix generation and highly popular when it first aired. Good quality although it takes awhile to get going this show is worth viewing. It’s perfect to watch if you have kids since there’s no nudity and very subdued violence. Not a lot of replay value once all the secrets are revealed along with the slow story build-up.

TO BUY and Recommendations: Fullmetal Alchemist Season One Fullmetal Alchemist Season Two