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.

It's hard for any anime to pick up the mantle of the masterpiece 'Z Gundam', but ZZ Gundam does a fine job doing so. In Universal Century 0088 the AEUG, weakened after their victory over the Titans, has to deal not only with the rising power of Axis Zeon, but of the loss of Camille Bidan, their greatest pilot. Their flagship the Argama docks at Side 1's Shangri-la colony, where new pilots such as the spirited Judau Ashita, Elle Viano, and Lu Luka pilot the AEUG's new mobile suits, including the powerful ZZ Gundam. Haman Khan returns from Z Gundam as the regent of Axis, and new villains such as knight-wannabe Mashmyre Cello and Glemmie Toto, one of Gundam's best developed characters, also prove to be interesting additions.

The show itself can be split into two distinct halves. The first half is rather campy and has plenty of comedy, none of it subtle. This has given it an unsavory reputation among purists as totally lacking depth and merely a kiddy pleaser. Yet as the story progresses the mood begins to seriously darken, and the issues the series takes up include ones rarely seen in the franchise, such as racism. When the show gets to space, the action intensifies, all building up to the final, climactic duel between Haman and Judau.

This show, relatively unknown in America, shows that Z Gundam level depression is best taken in moderation. The lightheartedness makes for an enjoyable viewing experience, and the later seriousness makes for a meaningful one. As shows such as Gundam SEED DESTINY continue to dominate the markets, it's good to know one can always turn to the roots with an anime like this.

So Gundam ZZ was the most poorly received Gundam after Zeta Gundam and in the whole entire series. But really really you have to try it. You'll laugh and you'll cry.

STORY GUNDAM ZZ is about a young teenage boy who lives on a one of the oldest colonies in the solar system. Shangra Lai . His name? Judah Ashtau. Judah is a smart allacy teen with a loving family and friends. YEARS after Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam war against the Titans Yazan tries to resurrect Neo Zeon. He is murderous and torturous and relentless. To fight off Neo Zeon and the Titans, Judau gets into a morphing combining Mobile Suit Gundam Double Zeta a long with his friends and the AEUG.

There are a lot of comedy elements to MSG ZZ. Funny characters like Judah, Puru who is a plucky little hyper girl, Lady Chara with her big breasts and 80's rocker hair, amongst other things. Glemmy who always carries a Rose and Riox a funny girl.

And then those who are vengeful. Haman Kahn who wants to take over the Earth and destroy the Feddies .She is an absolutely beautiful evil Vixen. Kamille has been turned into a vegetable with his girlfriend taking care of him ,Fa.

Be prepared for a ton of death though but not as much as last time.

You have a very lively cast of characters and yet the pacing of ZZ is very slow. It doesn't pick up until after the Moon Moon arc. Which really ruined the world building of Gundam that made it feel so real. How can a group of people live like Mayans in space? I do not understand.

ANIMATION The art style is very exaggerated here on character designs. They are more anime than the last with bigger eyes and chins that jut. Somewhat dirty backdrops. The animations is a lot more cartoony than it was in Zeta or the original MSG. But still I love these mecha designs. Everything here is decidedly 80's and won't get fluid until the final act.

SOUND Decidedly 80's. With lots of canned crashing noises and swinging noises. Lots of Funk, classical, fusion, Rock and synth. Not as good as ZZ though. Much more lighthearted and modern.

Overall if you have the patients

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.