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The mecha-focused Mobile SuitGundam franchise has been an anime staple since the first series launched in 1979. However, the massive sci-fi series didn't just make its mark on the anime genre; it has also evolved into one of the largest brands of plastic model kits in existence, with Gundam Plastic Models, or Gunpla, having sold absurd amounts of models over the years since they launched in 1980.

As with any major hobby, Gunpla fans have taken the models to extreme heights well beyond just buying the kits and putting them together. Customization of the various models goes deep, covering everything from panel lining, which involves using paint or ink to outline various grooves on the model to make the colors and shapes really stand out, to kitbashing multiple model kits together to create something wholly new. Some talented Gunpla fans even go as far as creating their own custom parts to create...

While Voltron and the Power Rangers' Megazord certainly have their fans, this all pales in comparison to Japan's sweeping Gundam franchise. Gundam has been a steady presence since launching in 1979, branching into numerous forms of multimedia and merchandising while retaining the awesome concept of giant, human-piloted robots battling each other. But at its core, Gundam thrives by reinventing itself through the numerous anime television series that have carried the franchise through the decades. There are dozens of Gundam anime series, many featuring their own standalone continuities or alternate timelines, and each with their own set of memorable characters.

Whether it's the classic shows that formed the franchise's foundation or the tonal and narrative departures that started in the '90s, there is a Gundam series for everyone. The great thing about trying to jump into this fandom is, given the lack of a singular narrative, there are plenty of great starting points.

Getting spin-off material is nothing new for a large anime franchise like Dragon Ball or the Fate series. These spin-offs can be fun for fans who want to see different perspectives on the same world. A spin-off could also allow for some fun comedic moments where the cast can relax and not have to deal with world-ending apocalypses. But a truly great spin-off anime can stand on its own and introduce new people into anime.

These spin-off titles match and even surpass the quality of their source material. A new spin on the status quo of an anime could bring in a legion of new fans who wouldn't be interested otherwise. The best spin-offs are so good that viewers will likely forget that they're based on another anime altogether. That's exactly what these titles accomplish, and they do it with flying colors.

Gundam Build Fighters Doesn't Take Itself Seriously, But...

Thanks to the popularity of series like Gundam and Code Geass, when fans think of mecha anime they tend to think of war. Over the decades, mecha has become a great vehicle for exploring how war affects society, with giant robots being a metaphor for increasingly powerful real-life weaponry. Still, mecha is far more than just a bunch of series about two human nations, or even humans and aliens, battling over their own empires.

Just like every other genre of anime, mecha anime can be used to tell all manner of stories. It's capable of working within the world of magical girls just as much as it is detective noir. Best of all, no matter what, viewers will still get some of the most quality anime series the medium has to offer.

Magic Knight Rayearth Asks a Group of Magical Girls to Recover a Princess Stream Magic Knight Rayearth on...

Numerous spinoffs of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise have become fan favorites over the years. Now, one of these shows is returning to streaming in honor of the sub-series' latest game release.

Gundam Breaker Battlogue is an original net animation (Ona) that was originally released in 2021. Similar to works such as Gundam Build Fighters, it celebrates one of the most popular aspects of the franchise: Gunpla plastic model kits. The sub-series has grown so popular that the fourth video game entry is now set to be released on modern consoles.

Related Mobile Suit Gundam and Seed Freedom's New Apparel Collection Gets International Release

New shirts, hoodies and other merchandise will soon be released in a collaboration celebrating the original Gundam anime and Gundam Seed Freedom.

Gundam Breaker Battlogue Can Now Be Watched on YouTube Streaming on GundamInfo:Gundam Breaker Battlogue - Episode 1~3 https://t.co/2nTWHwVgcV Wtk (@Wtk) August 8, 2024

The...

Battle shonen and seinen anime can be some of the most entertaining genres to consume. These stories are often really fast-paced, making them exciting from beginning to end. The battles are often grandiose, with great stakes at hand. It's common to see the hero of the story break their limits to overcome a truly overwhelming force.

In doing so, they save the day and rescue those in danger. Even an anime about epic battles needs to have some manner of story. Fortunately, some of the best action-oriented stories also have compelling characters and amazing worldbuilding to keep viewers locked in.

Updated by Louis Kemner on December 19th, 2023: Series based around combat have been some of the most popular anime dating back to the '80s. These shows pull viewers in like nothing else, encouraging studios to keep making new ones, meaning there are plenty for fans to enjoy. This...