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Anime is currently an illustrious medium that's seeing a lot of global success, especially regarding money. With merchandise, streaming or the box office, however, anime is flying higher than ever. International fans ensure that some of these titles remain popular. Unfortunately, not every anime or anime movie is a hit, especially decades ago, when the medium was much less mainstream.

Anime has had its fair share of flops and overlooked gems, with these failing to attract mainstream success. Some of them were anime movies that failed to make a splash at the box office, while others were well-received anime TV shows that simply didn't get enough viewership or home media sales. Thankfully, the present-day success of anime has allowed these previous works to find new life, especially on streaming platforms that put them in front of millions with the mere click of a button.

The First Gundam Anime Actually Wasn't...

The Gundam franchise has become one of the most important mecha series in all anime history thanks to its combination of hard-hitting series that deliver tales of war, love, and utter loss. That is because, at its very core, Gundam is not just about giant robots; it is about the people piloting them.

One of the franchise’s most notable traits is its willingness to not just show but actually embrace tragedy and shine a spotlight on the grim realities of war. From untimely sacrifices to gut-wrenching misunderstandings, Gundam is filled with tragic deaths that have left a lasting mark on its characters–and its fans.

Lalah Sune Was the Death That Started It All in Mobile Suit Gundam Streaming on: Crunchyroll

Lalah Sune’s death in the original Mobile Suit Gundam remains one of the most iconic and hard-hitting moments throughout the franchise. A Newtype with extraordinary abilities, Lalah...

The esteemed creator of the Gundam anime franchise, Yoshiyuki Tomino, has addressed why Amuro Ray became such an integral character. The veteran director revealed that the main protagonist of Mobile Suit Gundam was inspired by the depressing historical reality of Japanese child soldier recruitment during the Pacific War.

Via Mantan Web, Tomino discussed the inspiration for Amuro's creation on Nippon Broadcasting System's radio program 'Proposal for Next Stage II.' "At the end of the Pacific War, I was well aware of the existence of child soldiers," he stated. "I also knew that when you turned 16, you could go to a training school to train tankers, and in the case of the Navy, at the end of the war, there were child soldiers on board the battleship Yamato." This inspired the creator to bring attention to the subject in his anime work. "There is a question about why I...

The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has had several collaborations and tie-ins throughout its 45 years of existence. Now, the legendary mecha brand is having its tastiest representation yet, giving fans collectibles that are truly a mouthful.

The Choco Sap series is giving Gundam enthusiasts a delicious way to celebrate their fandom. Combining scrumptious chocolate spheres with Gundam figures inside, the upcoming line of confections makes the biggest mecha series into the ultimate dessert. Featuring some of the most iconic mobile suits in the franchise, the nearly 20 varieties of figures are the best part of these sweet treats.

Related Bandai Reveals "The Future of Gunpla" With Unique 40th Anniversary Gundam Release

An upcoming High Grade Gunpla model kit from Bandai recreates a unique mobile suit that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the second Gundam anime.

Choco Sap Unleashes 19 Exclusive Gundam Figurines

Combining expertly designed figures with tasty chocolates, the Choco Sap series...

In the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime, easily the two most iconic mecha were the classic Rx-78-2 and the Zaku units. Now, the latter is being reconstructed in a form that lets fans display the design in an entirely unexpected manner.

A new model set by Premium Bandai recreates Char Aznable's Zaku II through bamboo, with the puzzle model containing multiple plates and pieces. From the gun to the Heat Hawk ax, every aspect of the iconic mobile suit is represented in this impressive piece. Now available to order, the 3D puzzle offers a different shade of the Red Comet's beloved mecha.

Related Bandai Reveals Its First-Ever High Grade Gunpla Kit for New Gundam Anime

The first Gunpla model kit for the latest Mobile Suit Gundam anime is already available to pre-order, just in time for the new entry's upcoming movie.

Latest Gundam Model Kit Recreates Char's Zaku With Bamboo

As noted,...

Many model kits are still being made for the initial Mobile Suit Gundam anime shows, including the original series. Now, a recently-announced collectible does the same thing for a unique mobile suit in the series' second anime.

The Pmx-002 Bolinoak Sammahn is an upcoming High Grade model kit from Bandai. Based on a mobile suit from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, it's one of the more standout designs from that series. Standing in sharp contrast to other mechs from the series, the kit is loaded with interesting features based on the underrated mobile suit from the sequel show.

Related Bandai Reveals First-Ever Gundam Figure in Nearly 30-Year-Old Action Figure Toy Line

An impressive new Gundam figure is a commemorative release that finally adds the legendary franchise to a mecha collectible action figure toy line.

The Pmx-002 Bolinoak Sammahn Gundam Lives Again In New High Grade Gunpla Model Kit

While only a High Grade model kit,...

When it comes to franchises in the West, science fiction is mostly defined in popular culture by Star Wars and Star Trek. At the same time, other properties are also big names, namely Battlestar Galactica. From the original incarnation to the modern remake in the 2000s, the franchise has continued to be an influential hit, which is why anime fans might seek out something similar.

There isn't much in the way of a 1:1 anime parallel to Battlestar Galactica, but there are some very similar shows. These science fiction anime usually involve space and humanity's encounters with other species. They can also touch upon some of the more psychological and even religious themes seen in the beloved series that introduced millions to the Cylons.

Related 10 Strongest Mecha Anime Villains, Ranked

The strongest mecha villains aren't always just good at piloting giant robots.

Mobile Suit Gundam 1979 Added Edge to the Mecha...

Mobile Suit Gundam, one of anime's most popular and iconic mecha franchises, is about to receive a brand-new tech accessory collection from CASETiFY, set to be released worldwide in time for the holidays.

Via a press release, CASETiFY has announced its latest collaboration with the Gundam franchise, featuring designs that reflect the motifs of its two most iconic mobile suits: Amuro's Rx-78-2 and Char's Ms-06S Zaku II. The waitlist for the collection, priced between $35 and $155, opened on Nov. 25 ahead of its official launch on Dec. 9. Interested fans can purchase it online, via the CASETiFY Co-Lab app and at CASETiFY Studio locations. Readers can check out images of the Gundam tech accessories and more information below.

Related Bandai's New Live-Action Gundam Movie Gets Major Production Update

The director and screenwriter of Bandai's upcoming live-action Gundam film has an extensive fantasy/sci-fi repertoire, including a hit Netflix series.

CASETiFY's...

When it comes to giant robots, franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam and Transformers are some of the biggest names in the world. Now, one of the creators behind the most iconic Gundam mecha is spelling transforming mecha another way: M-i-c-k-e-y M-o-u-s-e.

Via Oricon, having designed numerous anime robots, including the classic Rx-78-2 Gundam, Kunio Okawara has now crafted an unexpected yet epic "crossover" figure, of sorts. Seeing Disney's legendary Mickey Mouse transform into a powerful robot, this Tamashii Nations Bandai collectible is perfect for Disney lovers, mecha lovers and beyond. Called the "Super Alloy Super Transformation Mickey Mouse," the upcoming toy puts the Disney mascot in a new light -- one where he's unlikely to ever put up with anything from Pete the Cat.

Related A Classic G1 Transformers Action Figure Gets Modern Recreation in New Prototype Reveal

A third-party rendition of Metroplex from Transformers Generation 1 turns the...

While the mechs in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise are usually seen as massive weapons of war, they're sometimes portrayed in a much more lighthearted capacity. Such is the case with an upcoming release that reimagines one of the most iconic "villainous" mobile suits.

Via Gundam Kits Collection, the 1/1 Char's Zaku-kun Dx Set is part of the Gunpla-kun toy line, presenting Char Aznable's Zaku II mobile suit in a super-deformed, almost comical fashion. Coming with the Zaku's weapons and a hilariously large noggin, the kit is an adorable collectible worthy of the Red Comet himself. Set to be released next year, the upcoming toy is a very different take on the concept of a "super deformed" Gundam.

Related Bandai Reveals New Gundam Action Figure Collectibles for the Franchise's Biggest Movie to Date

New figures based on the Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom movie recreate the film's pilot suits for two...

Released 45 years ago, the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime introduced the now iconic Rx-78-2 mecha unit and began a monumental franchise. Now, the very first plastic model kit for the brand has returned in a nostalgic yet modernized way.

The "Best Mecha Collection 1/144 Rx-78-2 Gundam (Revival Ver.)" model kit is the perfect way to celebrate the brand's history, with the figure striking the right balance of modernity and classic styling. While it's heavily reminiscent of the first Gundam model kit, it also features several elements that reflect modern toy design. Now available to purchase via Bandai at an affordable price, the toy is a must-have for enthusiasts of the Real Robot franchise.

Related Netflix's New Gundam Series Gets a High Grade Gunpla Model Kit for Its Unique Take on the Zaku

In honor of the new Netflix Gundam anime, fans can now pre-order a Gunpla model kit...

Fans of Mobile Suit Gundam are used to showcasing their love of the Real Robot brand through Gundam plastic model kits and other forms of merchandise. Now, they can wear their fandom while looking as stylish as Char Aznable with a snazzy new watch.

The newest G-shock x Gundam watch is styled after the iconic Zaku mobile suits, which are perhaps the most recognizable "grunt" mobile suits in the Gundam franchise. The second such collaboration between the franchise and Casio, it's part of a new lottery available through the Gundam Fan Club. Available now until almost the end of October, the application period for this fashion statement will last only about as long as a Zaku does in battle.

Related New Gundam Seed Freedom Release Sees Its Mechas Dolled Up as Russian Matryoshka Collectibles

In honor of the success of Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom, collectible company Movic is releasing...

Thanks to the popularity of the Gunpla model kits in the Gundam franchise, fans have been able to create some exciting custom figures. Now, one Instagram account is taking that to a tasty new level with an unofficial branding collaboration.

Showcased on the Gundam Hobby Shop Instagram account, an incredible custom Gunpla figure portrays the Rx-78-2 decked out as a fast food delivery driver. Holding food and sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken, the video of the toy is sure to make fans hungry. While it might not be made from the iconic 11 herbs and spices, it's certainly a feast for the eyes.

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 Hobby Shop Serves Up a Kentucky Fried Gunpla View this post...

Yoshiyuki Tomino, the acclaimed writer-director of Mobile Suit Gundam and the creator of the anime franchise as a whole, has revealed the movie actresses he's in love with, adding about one French actress, "She turns me on so much!"

In a new interview with Full Frontal, Tomino discussed Gundam, his illustrious career, favorite films and the "scary" process of making the acclaimed science-fiction film Ideon, where, "I went so far in considering humans passions and psychology that I thought Id want to kill myself." This was before he was asked about French films, leading him to reveal his deep love for actress Jeanne Moreau. "I haven't seen a lot of Godard [French director]," he says, "I just absolutely love his first film, Breathless. I recognize Godards special talent, so it would be hard to say I wasnt influenced [by French film] But the fact is that I dont really like the overall direction of the Nouvelle Vague.

The iconic original Gundam movie trilogy, seen by many as superior to the original show that premiered in 1979, has received a limited-time streaming release for free, with seven different language options for subtitles.

Via Fandom Post, the official Gundam YouTube channel has made the entire original Mobile Suit Gundam movie trilogy available online to international viewers for a limited time. Mobile Suit Gundam I, II (Soldiers of Sorrow) and III (Encounters in Space) can be streamed in Japanese, with subtitles available in English, Chinese, Cantonese (Hong Kong), Taiwanese, Korean, French and German. Readers can watch the first installment here.

Related Gundam Creator Delivers Putin Criticism That No Leader Wants to Hear: Surrounded by Yes-Men

Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino states in a new interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have gone to war if he had more imagination.

Mobile Suit Gundam's First Film Trilogy Is Often Considered Better...

Following a public scandal of prominent voice actor Toru Furuya, Bandai has announced that it is "carefully considering" re-casting his role as Amuro Ray in Mobile Suit Gundam. The actor has already resigned from his roles as Sabo in One Piece and Furuya Rei (aka Tooru Amuro) in Detective Conan.

After the 70-year-old voice actor made a public statement admitting to physically assaulting a fan 37 years his junior who hed been having an extramarital affair with, Furuya stepped down from two of his major roles in One Piece and Detective Conan, leading fans to wonder if he would do the same for his role as the protagonist in Mobile Suit Gundam. Per Yahoo News, Bandai Namco responded to a question regarding a role change for Amuro Ray considering Furuyas scandal.

Related New Mobile Suit Gundam Zaku II Release Challenges Fans With 300-Piece Puzzle Figures

Arts and crafts meet Gunpla in...