Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

7 years have passed since the events of the original MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM and the battles lines have shifted once again. Yesterdays heroes are today's oppressors as the once heroic Earth Federation has degenerated into a nearly fascist ruling party whose iron law is upheld by the "Titans", an elite task-force created to quell any form of possible insurrection. Opposing them is "A.E.U.G", formed by a number of ex-ZEON members including the legendary Char Aznable, a secret group of freedom fighters slowly gaining support and power among the colonies. Enter the brash and hot headed Kamille Bidan who, during the events of an A.E.U.G attempt to capture some experimental mobile suits, lands up piloting the newly developed Gundam MK2. A series of tragedies occur which forces Kamille, who already harbors a dislike for the Titans and the Federation, and his friends to join up with the A.E.U.G as they make their way to earth.

What struck me about this series was how the various players in the war were portrayed. Instead of going for a morally ambiguous stand and make each side seem "good" in their own way, this show is quick to bring out the "ugly face" of each side, ally or enemy; it is either you root for the devil or the demon. Even the heroes do some morally questionable things over the course of the story, but it all plays into some very well thought out character development.

This series focuses more strongly on its main character of Kamille Bidan,his point-of-view and how me meets the various different characters as the story advances. Kamille starts off as, quite honestly, a self-centered brat with an identity crisis and a dysfunctional family relationship. But his development over the course of the series is heart warming and emotionally engaging as he matures and is given a crash course in "growing up" and being a responsible soldier. I would not spoil anything here, but let us just say that the poor kid experiences quite a good number of deaths, especially involving some people close to him.

How the characters react to their situations are realistically logical, in a style that one would expect from any real life person thrust into that situation, and lead up well into their subsequent actions, be it a subtle change of attitude or even defecting to the other side. From the inner turmoil of Kamille Bidan, to the crazed obsession of Jared Messa. to Quattro Bajena's loss of faith in his leadership capabilities. All of them are equally compelling.

The story moves along at an excellent pace with enough twists to keep you coming back for more. It may start off a little slow for the first few episodes, mainly just to get all our main cast into place, but manages to pick up after that. The episodes never seem to drag and the intrigue just keeps building especially after the introduction of the cyber newtypes and "Axis Zeon".

Created in 1985, Zeta Gundam's animation is actually quite good for its time. It can hold up to many anime series up to those in the late 1990s thanks to its detailed artwork. The director does use a number of stock footage and repeated scenes especially in battles, but he does it in such a way that it is never really obvious the scenes are re-used. Little things like using a stock footage in mirror-image or re-coloring the background of a stock footage or even playing with the speed of the animation all helps to "mask" the re-used scenes and animation. A very shrewd bit of directing there that allows the animation to look great while saving on cost. In fact, one can argue that the style of the art and animation here lends a very "gritty" look to the show that goes well with its darker storyline. Thanks to that, the action in Zeta Gundam is intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Some psycho-babble about newtypes and psychic powers near the latest parts of the series may tend to seem "far removed" from the otherwise realistic feel of Gundam, but that is my only gripe here.

Personally I enjoyed MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM very much. With animation beyond its time, a dark but highly engaging story and an emotionally identifiable cast with strong characterization, it is no wonder many long time Gundam fans regard MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM as the best Gundam series ever. Totally Beats the crud out of any other modern Gundam series.

Zeta Gundam is what true Mecha Anime should be. Drama and politcal intrigue in a futuristic setting done just the right way. The characters are very real and human. Camille, Emma, and Quatro(Char) are three of my all time favorite anime characters. Each of them fighting for thier own reasons in the sad and harsh war around them. And Bask Om and Paptiums Scirroco are two of best villians as well. Bask is a evil and cruel Tyrant with Jamitov and Paptimus is a clever and intriguing genius of a character. The story is very sad, but also has some of best action and character development in a mecha show ever. There so many times when an event happened that I was put into shock. Tomino's nick name "Kill-em All!" truly shines through in Zeta Gundam.

Forget those mediorce overly melo-dramatic Gundam shows Seed and Wing. Zeta Gundam is where the true namesake lies!

In Z Gundam, which is a major sequel to the original Gundam, tells the story of the conflict between A.E.U.G.(the rebels) and the corrupted and ruthless Titans (a special branch of the Earth Federation). The story focuses on a young boy named Kamiyu Vidan (around 17), who, by accident, was pulled into the war between A.E.U.G. and Titans. Kamiyu turns out to be a natural ace pilot, and so under Quattro Bajina of the A.E.U.G (whose real name is Char Aznable) he changes from an average civilian boy to a seasoned soldier. In the course of the story, he is joined by Titan-turned-AEUG pilot Emma Sheen, his beautiful and tragic girlfriend Four Murasame, his childhood friend Fa Yuiri, the ace pilot Amuro Ray, battleship captain Bright Noah, and many other characters from the First Gundam will also make cameo appearances in Z Gundam.

When I first saw Zeta Gundam at Fry's I had already heard good things about it. I bought it because I'm a huge gundam fan and expected a lot from it. What I saw surpassed my expectations.

Bad stuff the is that at times it will be confusing to those who haven't seen the original gundam and have only watched Gundam SEED G Gundam, and Gundam Wing. The animations more then 20 years but who cares it still holds up. The English voice actors suck as well.

Good stuff it has a great storyline, excellent characters, awesome mecha designs, great pacing, and some of the best action sequences. The music is also very catchy. If your a long time gundam fan you should buy this series. You won't be disappointed.

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985) is nothing short of a masterpiece in the mecha genre and one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the Gundam franchise. Directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it is a powerful continuation of the original Mobile Suit Gundam, yet it establishes its own identity through a more mature, complex narrative and a deeper focus on character development.

The story is set in the aftermath of the One Year War and follows Kamille Bidan, a young and passionate pilot who gets caught in the conflict between the Earth Federation and the anti-Federation group, the AEUG. Zeta Gundam introduces a more political and morally gray world, where allegiances shift, and the true cost of war becomes painfully clear. Tomino's sharp storytelling and ability to tackle themes of trauma, betrayal, and idealism resonate deeply throughout the series. It's a war story that feels genuinely consequential, with each decision and action weighed with emotional and political gravity.

The characters are another highlight, especially Kamille, who undergoes significant development over the series. Unlike many typical anime protagonists, Kamille's evolution is far from linear, filled with doubt, anger, and loss. His character arc is one of the most compelling and nuanced in all of Gundam. The supporting cast is equally rich, from the strong-willed pilot Fa Yuiry to the enigmatic and morally complex characters like Quattro Bajeena (an alias for Char Aznable), who continues to play a central role in the series. Each character's journey is thoughtfully explored, making the series feel grounded and relatable despite its fantastical setting.

Visually, Zeta Gundam holds up remarkably well. The animation, while not as polished as some modern entries, stands out with its distinct art style and dynamic battle scenes. The mecha designs are iconic, with the titular Zeta Gundam's transforming capabilities showcasing the series' technical creativity. The fluidity and intensity of the combat, both in space and on Earth, are incredibly well executed, making each battle feel impactful.

The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Kenji Kawai, is another standout feature. It complements the series' tone perfectly, with hauntingly beautiful tracks and energetic battle music that heightens the emotional stakes. The music in Zeta Gundam feels timeless, setting the mood for every pivotal moment.

The series' darker tone and mature themes might make it a challenging watch for younger audiences, but for those looking for a Gundam series with true emotional depth and philosophical exploration, Zeta Gundam is unmatched. The exploration of war, idealism versus realism, and the psychological toll on its characters are handled with remarkable subtlety, making it not just a great mecha series, but a profound narrative on the human condition.

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam stands as a landmark in anime history, offering an unmatched combination of character-driven storytelling, action, and thematic depth. With its outstanding character arcs, impactful battles, and unforgettable music, it earns a perfect 10/10.