The Energon Pub

I just finished 00 last week, and before that I watched 0079, along with Char's Counterattack, and the one episode of Unicorn. Currently I'm working on Zeta, and re-watching Wing at the same time, and I was wondering, what anybody here's favorite Gundam Series was.

For me, it's hard to say, but I do believe it's really close between 0079, just for my love the the Universal Century and the original RX-78-2 Gundam, and 00 for it's awesome suits. Also, both have great character development, and when someone dies, you actually feel sad for them.

Gundam Wing has always been my favorite.

Blurrz wrote:I like the original Seed, great character development it.. Seed Destiny on the other hand is something every needs to avoid. 00 is pretty good too, waiting on the Movie to be released. Wing was pretty awesome too. I enjoyed the first episode/movie of Unicorn, looks promising. Gundam's always awesome.

I never watched Seed. I don't know what it is about it, but something turned me off on it. I'm interested, but probably will just watch the three movies they made that summarize it.

Either Zeta or 00, it's pretty hard to decide which one is my favorite between those two. 00 had nice Mobile Suits, really nice art (Thanks to HD) and probably the largest amount of characters I ever cared about in a single Gundam series. (Not something easily accomplished)

Blurrz wrote:Seed Destiny on the other hand is something every needs to avoid.

Destiny had...potential. If they hadn't focused so much on flashbacks and clip shows, and hadn't made Shinn a villain so Kira could steal back the show, it may have been a much better show.

0079 is my pick for TV show series. From start to finish, I enjoyed the show and it was rare as a story that provoked interest from me in all of the characters, not just the main cast, which was quite extensive. It didn't pull any punches and even the ending of the show was bittersweet, something that is rare in anime these days, which often ends with a neat happy ending.

As far as OVA series go, I must go with 0080. Thematically, I think it resonates just as strongly today as it did in the the late '80s, especially with the suggestion of how distorted reality can be when news media outlets tell their particular version of events and people mindlessly follow along with no questioning of the veracity of the source of information. Many Gundam stories involve the horrors of war and but 0080 has that theme at its core and presents war in a very unglamourous manner. We see the significant change in Al's perspective from the beginning of the story when he's a carefree child to the end where he is seemingly one of the few who knows the truth of the events he and his colony experienced. There's a tragic element in his character in which he's isolated by the terrible truth while the majority of his society is ignorant to what had actually happened. 0080 has a story that pulls very few punches. It's a shame many Gundam fans are more interested in flashy mecha and high octane action because it seems like many dislike 0080 because of its emphasis on character and plot development rather than robot battle scenes.

Convotron wrote:0079 is my pick for TV show series. From start to finish, I enjoyed the show and it was rare as a story that provoked interest from me in all of the characters, not just the main cast, which was quite extensive. It didn't pull any punches and even the ending of the show was bittersweet, something that is rare in anime these days, which often ends with a neat happy ending.

As far as OVA series go, I must go with 0080. Thematically, I think it resonates just as strongly today as it did in the the late '80s, especially with the suggestion of how distorted reality can be when news media outlets tell their particular version of events and people mindlessly follow along with no questioning of the veracity of the source of information. Many Gundam stories involve the horrors of war and but 0080 has that theme at its core and presents war in a very unglamourous manner. We see the significant change in Al's perspective from the beginning of the story when he's a carefree child to the end where he is seemingly one of the few who knows the truth of the events he and his colony experienced. There's a tragic element in his character in which he's isolated by the terrible truth while the majority of his society is ignorant to what had actually happened. 0080 has a story that pulls very few punches. It's a shame many Gundam fans are more interested in flashy mecha and high octane action because it seems like many dislike 0080 because of its emphasis on character and plot development rather than robot battle scenes.

I completely agree with that. 0079 did make you feel for every character in the show, both good and bad. I've still not liked a "bad guy" as much as Char. Though they have him as a "villain" in 0079, then Zeta, he seems like a good guy so far, and then in Char's counterattack he is almost Hitler like, wanting to kill off everyone on earth.
0080 was great as well, I remember watching that a while ago, so I'll have to go back and watch it again.

ChrisRiss wrote:I've still not liked a "bad guy" as much as Char. Though they have him as a "villain" in 0079, then Zeta, he seems like a good guy so far, and then in Char's counterattack he is almost Hitler like, wanting to kill off everyone on earth.

I figure after his whole revenge plot in 0079, everything he did was just to soften Earth up for his eventual attempt to blow it up. Why he decided Ghiren was right all along is beyond me, though.

But remember, in Gundam, the difference between "Hero" and "Villain" is a matter of perspective.

Shadowman wrote:

ChrisRiss wrote:I've still not liked a "bad guy" as much as Char. Though they have him as a "villain" in 0079, then Zeta, he seems like a good guy so far, and then in Char's counterattack he is almost Hitler like, wanting to kill off everyone on earth.

I figure after his whole revenge plot in 0079, everything he did was just to soften Earth up for his eventual attempt to blow it up. Why he decided Ghiren was right all along is beyond me, though.

But remember, in Gundam, the difference between "Hero" and "Villain" is a matter of perspective.

Usually that's how it has been every time. At least there is always a character that is the perspective type villain, on top of the main villain. Usually it's the Char Clone too, like Zechs Marquise/Milliardo Peacecraft in Wing. To be honest, he's so close to Char it's crazy, except in the movie he actually helps out instead of trying to destroy everything.

Although it isn't a true series, by favorite Gundam story is Gundam Sentinel. This was the most realistic a story about giant mechs ever. It focused on small scale engagements, instead of the over the top, world changing battles in most other Gundam series. High importance was put on the technical side of the mobile suits and military tactics and political strategies. Also, this was one of Katoki's first projects with Gundam.

Favorite OVA would be 0083. Loved the idea and all of the mobile weapons designs!

Best series:

Zeta Gundam
Victory Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam

Worst Series:

ZZ Gundam
Seed Destiny
Gundam Wing and G Gundam tie here

Best ova's and movies:

Char's Counterattack
The 08th MS Team
Gundam 0080

Worst ova's and movies:

G-Savior
Gundam 0083
Gundam F91

pt206 wrote:Best series:

Zeta Gundam
Victory Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam

Why Zeta? I'm finding it hard to watch. There's something about it that makes it harder to watch. Maybe it's the main character that I just don't like, I don't know.

I think the only series I didn't like was Seed Destiny. Gundam X was a little so-so too, but I never watched much of it.

My favorite? Might have to say 0079, but Victory and Zeta come very close. And as for OVA's, 08th MS Team and 0080 are excellent.

But in general, I love Gundam.

My fave is...Doozybots!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8um1N78AhY

Just kidding, just kidding!!! But if anyone hasn't seen it, well, just, yeah. As an aside, I have several SD Gundam Kits, and I love 'em.

But on a serious topic, I haven't seen Gundam for a long time, but I've seen a lot of it. I like the UC series, mostly cause it's one very big interconnected story. Original Gundam is good, though technically I've never seen the series, only the "Movies". Those however are very, very well done. I have the original U.S. dub, and from my understanding, I'm not missing much from the original series. I should track it down someday though...

Zeta was pretty good, though it was just a little overhyped. There's nothing "wrong" with it, but it does have a bit of a slower pace, both in narrative and action at times.

Char's Counterattack is ok, but I preferred F-91.

Fave OVA? 08th MS Team, hands down. It has good action, character development, animation, music, etc. It's also really nice that it focuses on a small platoon that doesn't really change the war, and gives you that perspective. And if I was in the Gundam Universe, I would probably be most like McKell(I know I spelled that wrong).

0080 has grown on me, and 0083 has Unit 3, which I found awsome back in the day. I have the SD kit of it, and it's cool.

Gundam Wing was my first Gundam, so I have a bit of nostalgia for it. I did rewatch it some years back, and I suppose it hasn't aged as well as some of the others...

G-Gundam I really like if only for it's absurdity. I'll concur, it's not a traditional Gundam series, and shouldn't be measured against any other Gundam series. But as a Super Robot show, I like it. It's got a good plot, good characters, interesting fights, very good premise(I like the Tournament idea), and the mecha designs range from really cool to really out there. I suppose it is a little racist/sterotypical, but that never really bugged me. All in all, a good show if you take it as it is.

Seed I enjoyed very much, and though the first half IS the Original Gundam revisited, it really comes into it's own during the second half.

Destiny I've only seen half of, and it's been a long time.

Finally, who else has seen G-Savior? It's not the worst movie ever made, and the CG has aged well for what it is, but it's not a very Gundam-y movie.

So overall, I'm realizing that I am WAY behind in my Gundam watching. I need to get some official DVD's and relive some of these series.

ChrisRiss wrote:

pt206 wrote:Best series:

Zeta Gundam
Victory Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam

Why Zeta? I'm finding it hard to watch. There's something about it that makes it harder to watch. Maybe it's the main character that I just don't like, I don't know.

Kamille is hard to like in the beginning of the series. He's immature and angry at the world. He matures some throughout the series, but his personality never really changes. I think he's one of Tomino's best characters. Unlike Amuro, Kamille never falls in line with the image of a soldier. He is the ace pilot of the AEUG, a rebel group, and his personality fits that role perfectly. I think it's important to note you don't have to like the lead for the series to be good.

Zeta has the most diverse collection of mobile suits ever seen in a Gundam series. It was the mid 80's and the transforming robot craze was used brilliantly in this series. A large portion of the mobile suits have mobile armor modes which should appeal to some transformer fans.

This is, in my opinion, Tomino's best series of his career. Character development is fantastic. The pacing of combat is well done. Most importantly, we don't have a Gundam of utter destruction in this series. Every character and every suit is vulnerable. Trying not to give spoilers, but this series lends to Tomino's nickname "kill em all."

Mobile Suit Gundam The Movies trilogy (20th anniversary English dub)

The 08th MS Team

Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counter Attack

Zeta Gundam: A New Translation The Movie trilogy

Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz

Gundam Wing

Gotta say I enjoyed Double O it brought me back to wing without actually being wing each of the Gundam pilots (primary) got there moments to shine. Setsuna could hold his own against Heero any day of the week.

08th MS Team was Great OVA.


and for pure humore SD Gundam Force Talk about shining fist...I adored Captain...lol sorry...

Wing was my favorite, but 00 is hands down one of the best things I've seen. I just loved it.

OldStyle wrote:Wing was my favorite, but 00 is hands down one of the best things I've seen. I just loved it.

I always liked Wing, when I was a kid I was really into it, and now that I watched 00, I am getting back into it. I like the multi-gundam aspect of the whole thing.

ChrisRiss wrote:

OldStyle wrote:Wing was my favorite, but 00 is hands down one of the best things I've seen. I just loved it.

I always liked Wing, when I was a kid I was really into it, and now that I watched 00, I am getting back into it. I like the multi-gundam aspect of the whole thing.

I think the scope and writing of 00 is just brilliant. Wing also had some brilliant points, but not like 00.

Since 00 is on most peoples favorite list, I'm going to have to go back and rewatch the series. I absolutely loved it when it was airing, but I figured that was just the hype surrounding it. I'm curious to see how it will stand up after a few years...

either 0079 or 00. wasnt to big a fan of Wing but anything with giant robots will keep me entertained.... even gunhead

I guess there's a new Gundam Game coming out on PS3 pretty soon, and there's a short intro OVA of it on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BYezFrlRms

Basically, it's a grunts perspective from the battle of Aboua-Quu. Yes, I'm sure that's spelled wrong. Pretty neat, and it has a GM being effective! GM Command, but still....

I've always loved the GM, but outside of 0083 they get ripped to shreds.

Oh, and I guess Bandai has licensed Turn A Gundam for U.S. release! Cool! Isn't that supposed to be a good series?

Also, was playing some Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam this morning for the heck of it. I still think it's a great game, what with all the mobile suits in it. What's the best Gundam Game ever made anyway?

Duke of Luns wrote:
Also, was playing some Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam this morning for the heck of it. I still think it's a great game, what with all the mobile suits in it. What's the best Gundam Game ever made anyway?

I love Gundam Vs. Zeta Gundam! Clumbsy controls, but there was just something about it!

Duke of Luns wrote:Aboua-Quu. Yes, I'm sure that's spelled wrong.

I can't blame you, I couldn't even pronounce it until I saw the English dub.

Jesterhead wrote:

Duke of Luns wrote:
Also, was playing some Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam this morning for the heck of it. I still think it's a great game, what with all the mobile suits in it. What's the best Gundam Game ever made anyway?

I love Gundam Vs. Zeta Gundam! Clumbsy controls, but there was just something about it!

Me too. I don't even know what made it so good, but it was.