Kidô senshi Gundam ZZ

Please ignore the naysayers; 'Gundam ZZ' stands out as one of the best entries in the entire saga. Following the intense and dark conclusion of 'Gundam Zeta,' 'ZZ' takes a surprisingly lighthearted approach at first, offering a refreshing change of pace. This tonal shift might catch some off guard, but it's an enjoyable transition that eventually gives way to one of the most gripping and dramatic narratives in the Gundam series.

The new characters introduced are compelling and quickly become central to the story. Their development is handled so well that you'll hardly miss the absence of iconic figures like Amuro and Char. The series evolves steadily, weaving humor, action, and drama into a cohesive experience that is both entertaining and emotionally impactful. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the saga, 'Gundam ZZ' is a must-watch that delivers on all fronts.

Last but not least, 'ZZ' offers a proper ending to the plot previously started by 'Z'. It was much needed.

Tone and Structure ZZ Gundam begins with a much lighter tone than its predecessor, Zeta Gundam. After the dark, tragic ending of Zeta, ZZ Gundam takes a breath with more lighthearted moments and comedic elements, especially in its early episodes. This shift is often surprising for fans, but it provides essential levity and sets the stage for more serious themes later on. By blending humor and tragedy, the series creates a well-rounded journey that captures the complexity of war and recovery.

Character Development and Growth The protagonist, Judau Ashta, stands out as a unique Gundam lead. Unlike previous protagonists like Amuro or Kamille, Judau is a scrappy, streetwise teenager who initially joins the fight with selfish goals. However, as he faces the horrors of war, Judau matures into a caring, responsible leader. His arc from a self-interested junker to a compassionate warrior is one of the series' best aspects.

The cast surrounding Judau is also diverse and compelling. Characters like Roux Louka, Elle Vianno, and Beecha Oleg add personality and depth to the group, and the interactions among them bring a sense of camaraderie and realism. Additionally, returning characters like Haman Karn add gravitas to the story, creating continuity and deepening the stakes. Judau's rivalry with Haman, in particular, is one of the highlights of the series.

Mecha Design and Animation The Double Zeta (ZZ) Gundam itself is a powerhouse with a unique design that emphasizes strength and resilience, contrasting with the sleeker Zeta Gundam. The transformation feature of the ZZ Gundam adds a new dynamic to the action scenes, allowing for creative and exciting battle choreography. The fights in ZZ Gundam are consistently well-animated, showcasing the power of the mobile suits and adding to the series' tension as Judau and his team face off against Neo Zeon.

Themes of War, Trauma, and Hope As ZZ Gundam progresses, the tone becomes darker and more in line with its predecessors, particularly in the second half. The show explores the ongoing effects of war on civilians, especially children, highlighting the cyclical nature of conflict. Judau's interactions with those affected by the war emphasize his growth from a carefree scavenger to a mature, empathetic character who understands the weight of fighting.

One of ZZ Gundam's most powerful themes is the resilience of youth and the hope they bring to a war-torn world. Through Judau and his friends, the series suggests that the younger generation can bring change and break the cycle of violence. This message adds a unique optimism that contrasts with the darker themes in Zeta and Mobile Suit Gundam, making ZZ a memorable entry in the Universal Century timeline.

Conclusion Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ deserves a 10/10 for its bold tonal shifts, memorable character arcs, inventive mecha designs, and a story that balances humor with the harsh realities of war. While it's often overlooked, ZZ Gundam is a fantastic continuation of the Universal Century saga, offering a fresh perspective on war, growth, and hope for the future. It's a must-watch for fans looking for a unique, rewarding addition to the Gundam universe.

This series takes up where Zeta leaves off, and has some big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, that never happens. Apparently the idea was to make a Gundam series that didn't take itself too seriously. Unlike say, G Gundam, this never really works since ZZ is picking up after one of the most serious Gundam series ever.

The first half is generally regarded as a failure, and is not considered to be worth watching. Suffice it to say, the characters are unlikeable and one-dimensional, particularly the antagonists. The action and writing also feel extremely forced, for example, the first five or six battles are fought with both side's mobile suit chests open, exposing the pilots. This is explained by malfunctions and pilot ineptitude, but comes across as a bizarre way of making the suits more personal.

As far as the one-dimensionality of the characters goes, the bad guys - even the ones from Zeta such as Yazan and Haman - are turned into morons. Captain Bright seems to be fine with allowing a kid to steal his mobile suit. The main opponent of Judau's at the beginning of the series is a campy sort of Zeonic tuxedo mask, obsessed with flowers.

But that's the first half...the second half becomes darker, but has to work with what was served in the first half. If the entire series had been written this way, it would be worth watching. Unfortunately, the damage is done and the characters are unlikeable and the overall plot is convoluted and forced. It doesn't feel like anything in this series really matters in the end, and that may actually be the case: The new Zeta movie, by leaving Kamille alive and well at the end, essentially retcons all of Double Zeta.

If you value your time, don't watch ZZ. If you can handle a really campy, horribly written series, go for it. It is a Gundam show, after all. If you think you have to watch ZZ before watching Char's Counterattack, don't worry. There isn't much to miss.

ZZ Gundam picks up right after the final battle of Zeta Gundam where the former ace pilot Kamiyu Bidan is turned retarded by the evil Paptimus Scirocco before he died. The story's main character is Judau Ashita, a young orphan who happened to just stumble upon the Argama (under repairs in a colony) and pilots the Zeta Gundam when the Neo-Zeon forces attack the Argama. The ZZ Storyline is much more happy-go-lucky than Zeta Gundam, and most audiences will love the happy ending (unlike Zeta). The "crew" of the ZZ Gundam series include Judau's girlfriend, Roux Rouka, Beecha Oleg, and a bunch of other kids. The two main sides of ZZ Gundam are the AEUG (which allies with the Federation later on) VS. the Neo-Zeon (formerly known as Axis, led by Hamaan Khan). The major Neo-Zeon villains include, Hamaan Khan, Mashmar Serro (almost an equivilent to Jerrid Messa in Zeta), Gremie Toto and others. The new MS designs are great, especially the ZZ Gundam and the different variations of Quebueley. Overall a great series.

When the introductory episode sees a summary re-hash of Gundam and Gundam Z with some kids explaining how gundams are cool whoa they're awesome etc. you know you're going to experience some REALLY bad moments. Not gonna waste the time of 47 episodes for this, I'll go directly to Char's counterattack instead.