...actually, on a second of introspection, I realize why you might not.
after like 20 second things get really complicated.
Let me show you my Gundams, My Gundams, Let me show you them...
Before I delve into my favorite Gundam Series and why you common plebs should all Hail ZION.
I should explain.
Gundam launched in April 7, 1979, in Japan. Heralded by the godfather of anti-war, Nuvo mecha, psudo- LSD enthusiast Yoshiyuki Tomino. He launched a brand under the collective pseudonym of Hajime Yatate. There where about 5 other artists involved in the pseudonym I don't remember.
What YOU need to know is Mobile Suit Gundam defined multiple generations.
Every mecha anime you see today is almost infallibly influenced by MSG.
It also set the trend for being a story about war that was explicitly ANTI-war.
confusing for American audiences but, deep and brilliant to date.
Gundam is best explained as being a story about a {tank} using said {tank }as a plot device to focus the story on the drivers of said {tank}.
Gundam is endlessly reusable as a conveyance method as it's backdrop is war. Drivin by one side having a superior weapon, the Gundam {tank} and how this affects the lives of many people on both sides and sometimes people on neither side of the conflict. Exploring the political aspects of each side and the ramifications of individuals actions within each side. Let alone the other side.
If that hasn't already garnered your interest you might think "I get it, its a anime about war"
You are only scratching the surface.
I could explain Amuro Ray's story. The first Hero of Gundam but it's meaningless as ever hero in Gundam replays a similar scenario but with different and more nuanced conflicts.
The gist is a hero is thrust into a situation he is against, but forced to be part of {war} to protect someone he cares about {platoicly or non platoiclay} setting up a moral scenario where our hero must constantly evolve his concepts about good and evil about protecting and saving the people he cares for over the lives of the enemy. Rationalizing ending the lives of someone to save the lives of other people.
Gundam is full of these complex morality plays. Making sure your "hero" is no better than the villain. Creating a moral grey area where you sympathize with almost all members on a battlefield. Questioning the morality of the hero at times in his actions to carry out his mission. LEaving a lingering question as to whether the "villains" of this story might, in fact, be correct? And our hero my, in fact, be wrong? This is the essence of Gundam. They want you to question your own concepts of good and evil, just and unjust, Hero and villain.
Gundam is the perfect anti-War propaganda. and in many ways the perfect Pro-war propaganda?
As it plays on the heartstrings of everyone involved.
It showcases the pain of the solder carrying out their mission.
The suffering the those caught on the battlefield.
The human aspect of the enemy following orders.
The nature of bureaucracy and its shortcomings when human life is on the line.
The nature of the military industrial complex in opposition to the value of human life.
Gundam is an ageless story. An "Endless Waltz" if you will. Retelling the history of war.
And how if we don't learn from the past we will be indentured to repeated the failures in the future.
So if this interests you, I invite you to join me in dissecting the gundam series in a retrospective I will be posting monthly. {As there is a lot of gundam} looking at each series, Chronologically, in-depth discussing its meanings, references to our current culture and ascetical aspects.
cause Gundam is awesome and if you dont agree you're just a bitter Linkin park fan that's probably mad that DBZ retconned brolly to not suck as hard as your wet dreams.
Much to my chagrin, the first episode of this series will be my least favorite...
Mobile Suit Gundam. the first Gundam and probably...the best.
I can't stand it's lead Amuro Rey, but I LOVE its antagonist Char Aznable.
This will start next month, February, cause I love you.
I hope to see you then. Until then. I hope all is well
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