I was surprised at how entertaining Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin was. I am hooked now on the saga. Now I am revisiting the whole Mobile Suit Gundam series. So why is Mobile Suit Gundam worth watching?
Epic Anime Drama.
The story starts in the year Universal Century 0079. It is the start of a horrific war, primarily between the Principality of Zeon, and The Federation of Earth. The Principality of Zeon represents the space colonist. The federation of Earth wants total control in the universe, but so does the Zabi family. The Zabi family controls the Principality of Zeon.
The story follows the origin of Char Aznable, born Casval Rem Deikun the son of the late Zeon Zum Deikun.
Zeon Zum Deikun.
Zeon Zum Deikun is the catalyst of the conflict. He was the leader of the spacenoids and was thought to have been assassinated but his death was never fully explained. Degwin Sodo Zabi claimed to be Deikun’s successor and changed the Republic of Zeon to the Principality of Zeon. Zeon’s name gathers sympathy from the people who want freedom for the colonies from the Federation of Earth
The Hero – Ramba Ral
Ramba Ral’s backstory is a good part of what makes Mobile Suit Gundam:The Origin worth watching. This is because he shows real courage and character. He cares for Casval and Artesia Deikun. Ramba does all he can to protect the children from the Zabi family; who do not want them to live. Standing up to Doxie Zabi, he shows real guts when it comes to saving civilian lives and he doesn’t mind a real fight.
Ramba Ral shows a softer side of his character when he rescues Artesia’s pet cat “Lucifer”; which gets his face scratched up in a comical scene.
The Red Comet.
“A steel knife just ready to kill you,” is how Edouard Mass, (Casval Rem Delkin) is described. His strong drive for vengeance will lead him. And his natural ability for combat of all kinds cause him to become “The Red Comet.” He takes the identity of Char Aznable.
The real Char Aznable mistaken for Edouard Mass, (Casval Rem Deiken) is killed in a bombing assassination.
Eventually Char is promoted because of his victory in the Battle of Loum and granted the title of “The Red Comet,” and given the rank of a commander.
Sayla Mass.
Sayla Mass, originally named Artesia Som Deikun, is Casval Rem Delkun’s sister. In hiding, Sayla identity as Zeon Zum Daikun’s daughter is hidden. Her personality is the polar opposite of Casval. She seeks peace. Eventually she pursues a career as a doctor. Her story is melodramatic as she is isolated from everyone she loves. First, her father and then mother and her favorite pet a cat named Lucifer, and finally her brother.
Is Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin worth watching? It is full of power struggles and war.
This Manga offers a very complex story and layered political intrigue; unlike western animated series. The prequel story relies more on the plot; instead of just Gundam battles.
Garma Zabi.
Char Aznable befriends Garma Zabi. But secretly his plans are for gaining power and using his influence. He gains notoriety with the help of the cadets and Zabi family. Unlike Aznable, Garma lacks the killer instinct and tough military aptitude. Char Aznable uses Garma to instigate a revolt at the academy against the Federation of Earth.
Dozie Zabi the Space Attack Force Commander.
Dozie Zabi is the total warrior but tends to have a heart. He has compassion for his sister and his younger brother. Later after his child’s birth he shows remorse for all the death and destruction he has dealt out. He’s a huge hulking brute who is comfortable in battle.
Is Mobile Suit Gundam: the Origin worth watching? It is a great backstory.
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko is the writer. He did a great job luring me into the Gundam universe, with this story. The backstory of the conflicts in The Gundam Saga is legit. For long-time fans of The Mobile Gundam Series, this is old news. But as a new fan of The Gundam Universe, I am now eager to watch all the series.
North American creators of animated series do not have the patience to make such a long-drawn-out story. Because Hollywood is expected to produce very concise stories where there is a clear distinction between the good guys and the bad guys.
The Antagonist is the main character.
Interstingly because he was an antagonist in the early Gundam Series, Char Aznable’s backstory is compelling. He’s cold calculating and highly capable and the story seems to center around him. He’s not innocent but ruthlessly eliminates his enemies and threats.
The Evolution of Warfare.
Because, The Mobile Suit Gundam: the Origins is the story of how it evolved into the most powerful military weapon. Dozie Zabi and Char Aznable both are involved in the research of the Mobile Suit weapon.
The music sets the tone.
Firstly, because Takayuki Hattori does a masterful job setting up an emotional music score. The music embodied the emotions of each scene. It reminded me of how Final Fantasy 7 was such great score for a video game. The epic music of The Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin made watching it even more enjoyable. I think the music matters.
If you like Military Sci-Fi check this out.
I wrote a review of Decision at Thunder Rift. It’s a classic BattleTech Novel with giant BattleMechs. Battle Mechs are similar to Mobile Suit Gundams.
2 thoughts on “Is Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin worth watching?”