To access the private drive just open Google Group and join the Google Group, ignore the rest. After that, Enjoy.
Download Gundam series
Introduction
The Gundam series is one of the most popular and important series in the anime world. It’s a four-decade legacy that has captivated audiences with an intricate story, highly developed characters and, of course, giant mechs called Mobile Suits. Designed by Yoshiyuki Tomino and produced by Sunrise, the Gundam series revolutionized the mech genre by showcasing realistic and brutal combat and its consequences. This blog explores the history, influences, and key elements of the Gundam series, from its origins to its lasting impact on anime and popular culture.
The birth of the Gundam
The Gundam franchise began with “Mobile Suit Gundam“, first announced in 1979. Unlike traditional mecha anime that focuses on robot heroes fighting evil forces, “Mobile Suit Gundam” presented a comprehensive and serious story. Set during the Universal Century, the series featured a war between the Earth Federation and the Zeon Empire, both sides using giant robots called Mobile Suits. The story follows Amuro Ray, a young pilot who becomes the center of controversy after he accidentally takes over the World Federation’s Mobile Suit, the RX-78-2 Gundam.
“Mobile Suit Gundam” initially faced low ratings and was almost canceled, but its popularity increased due to reviews and model kits, which led to a resurgence that cemented its place in the history of anime. The success of the series gave way to many sequels, spin-offs, and timelines, making Gundam a cornerstone of the mecha genre.
Universal Century: The Core Timeline
The Universal Century (UC) is the most well-known and extensively developed timeline in the Gundam franchise. It serves as the foundation for the original series and many of its sequels and spin-offs. The timeline is marked by intense political and military conflicts, with recurring themes of war, the human cost of violence, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved.
- Mobile Suit Gundam (1979): The original series that started it all, depicting the One Year War between the Earth Federation and Zeon. It introduced many of the franchise’s key elements, including Newtypes, enhanced humans with heightened spatial awareness.
- Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985): A direct sequel set several years after the original series, exploring the rise of the Titans, a rogue Earth Federation faction, and the resistance group known as the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG). It is known for its darker tone and complex character dynamics.
- Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (1986): Following directly from Zeta, this series adds a more light-hearted approach before delving into serious conflicts later in the story. It follows the AEUG’s continued fight against Neo Zeon.
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack (1988): A feature film that serves as the climax of the rivalry between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, two of the most iconic characters in the franchise. The film concludes the main story arc of the original series and its sequels.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2010): A modern entry in the UC timeline, this OVA series explores the conflict surrounding the mysterious Laplace’s Box and its potential to change the course of history. It revisits many of the themes and characters from the earlier UC series.
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway (2021): A recent addition to the UC timeline, this film series follows Hathaway Noa, the son of a prominent Earth Federation officer, as he becomes entangled in a new conflict between the Earth Federation and a group of anti-government rebels.
Alternate Timelines and Spin-Offs
In addition to the Universal Century, the Gundam franchise has expanded into numerous alternate timelines, each with its unique setting, characters, and themes. These alternate universes allow the creators to explore different aspects of the Gundam formula, offering fresh takes on the series’ core concepts.
- Mobile Fighter G Gundam (1994): Set in the Future Century timeline, this series diverges from the traditional war-focused narrative, instead featuring a tournament-style format where countries settle their disputes through one-on-one Mobile Suit battles. It’s known for its over-the-top action and unique Mobile Suit designs.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995): Set in the After Colony timeline, Gundam Wing became one of the most popular Gundam series in the West. It focuses on five young pilots sent to Earth to fight against the oppressive Earth Sphere Alliance, exploring themes of rebellion, peace, and political intrigue.
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002): Set in the Cosmic Era timeline, Gundam SEED reimagines the original series’ conflict between genetically enhanced Coordinators and ordinary Naturals. It became a major hit and introduced a new generation of fans to the Gundam franchise.
- Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007): Set in the Anno Domini timeline, Gundam 00 is the first series to take place in the 24th century of our real-world calendar. It follows a paramilitary group, Celestial Being, as they intervene in global conflicts using advanced Mobile Suits. The series tackles issues like terrorism, global politics, and the quest for world peace.
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015): Set in the Post Disaster timeline, this series focuses on a group of child soldiers who rise up against their oppressors in a war-torn world. It’s known for its gritty tone, morally complex characters, and exploration of themes like family, loyalty, and the consequences of war.
Theme
The Gundam series is known for exploring complex themes and is more than just a show about giant robots. At the heart of the series is the horror of war and its impact on soldiers and civilians. Gundam often portrays both sides of the war in an ambiguous manner, avoiding both heroes and villains. This approach encourages viewers to think critically about the nature of war, the methods of technology, and the impact of violence.
Another new concept is the concept of the modern man, which has become quite accurate as representing the next phase of human evolution. New people are shown to have a deeper understanding and love for others, thus suggesting that the future of humanity lies in winning battles.
The series has had a huge impact on anime and pop culture. Gundam helped establish the “real robot” genre, where mecha are considered advanced military machines rather than superheroes.
Gundam Model Kits (Gundam Models)
One of the most enduring features of the Gundam series is Gunpla, short for Gundam plastic model kits. Since their introduction in the 1980s, Gundam models have become universal, with millions of kits sold worldwide. These model kits allow fans to create and customize their own mobile clothing, a direct way to interact with the series. Gundam modeling is fun in itself, with tournaments, unique heroes, and a growing community of creators.
Visual Effects and Animation
The Gundam series is known for its detailed and dynamic animation, especially its depiction of mobile suit combat. The mobile suit design is very popular, with the RX-78-2 Gundam, Zaku II, and many more becoming the hallmarks of the series. The quality of animation has continued to improve over the decades, with new series such as Unicorn Gundam and Iron-Blooded Orphans featuring stunning visuals that bring out the power of battle and the beauty of it. of the Gundam world to life.
Sound and Music
Music plays an important role in the Gundam series, with each entry featuring memorable opening and ending themes, and powerful soundtracks that enhance the impact of the story. From Mobile Suit Gundam’s classic theme to Gundam SEED’s iconic soundtrack and Gundam Unicorn’s soundtrack, Gundam’s music is as much a part of its legacy as Mobile Suit itself.
Review
The Gundam series is a major achievement in the world of anime, offering rich stories that explore the complexities of war, politics, and human nature. His ability to reinvent himself in different timelines while staying true to his core values has kept him influential and loved by fans for over 40 years. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, the Gundam series has something for everyone – from gripping space-world war dramas to creative parallel worlds that push the boundaries of the mecha genre.
