Kidô senshi Z Gundam

After the success and popularity of the original "Mobile Suit Gundam", it was going to be a tall task to deliver a follow up that stood up to it's predecessor. I tell you not only did they create something that was as good as the original, but better in many ways.

"Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam" is the second installment in the franchise but stands alone as a more gritty, dark, and emotional experience that is rarely seen in the often shiny and bright mech genre. The gut-wrenching and horrifying realities of war was something only touched on occasionally in the original series, here it is something that dominates the landscape from start to finish. It really causes pain to watch new and old characters go through the ordeals they do in these 50 episodes. The show is, in a word, depressing.

The quality and depth of characters in this installment rivals any other Anime series while the artwork is dated, it still holds up well. The mechs featured are all pretty awesome and make up some of the best battles of the franchise, giving the viewer plenty of that sweet, sweet, 'splosion porn. The storyline is the best the franchise has offered and the voice acting is top-notch as well. Sub vs. Dub is a win/win, while the English cast is good- the Japanese cast is great with many, if not all, the previous actors reprising their roles from the first series.

The one downside of this show is it might actually be TOO dark at times. The amount of loss and pain experienced might be too much for the average mech fan. There were moments in this show that actually made me tear up. I own this entire series on DVD, but it grows dusty on my shelf because it's 50 miles of bad road and not something I am eager to experience again.

This is a must-watch for all Gundam fans, not so much for the plot points, but for the experience and ordeal you go through. If nothing else, you respect this franchise a lot more after watching Zeta. Cheers!

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.

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.

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!

After completing the epic that was mobile Suit Gundam, i had no hesitation in ordering Zeta on DVD. Having read some reviews online, i was expecting something good, what i got was something more.

OK, lets get the bad stuff out first. The main complaint is that after such brilliant characterisation of MSG 0079, there is hardly any changes in characters through the series, the characters start the series in full view, with the exception of Camille and Fa, who are the few that actually change in the series. Secondly not everyone will like the animation, but anyone whose grown up around the likes of Modern anime, and not used to 80's animation, it may seem a little out of date.

OK the good stuff. The story, unlike MSG 0079, the story clearly divides the opposing sides as to who is the good and bad guys. The story then adds some more twists with the introduction of Axis midway into the series. The action scenes are well done, and look fantastic even for its age. The music goes really well, and makes a change from the JPop that is included in modern Animes. Tomino's stroke of genius however was to include fan favourite Char (aka Quattro Baggina) as one of the lead good guys, although a failure to build of Chars budding Newtype potential from MSG did annoy me.

At the end of the day, when all the smoke has cleared, and all the dust has settled you will love this series, it is a masterclass in how Aime's should be made. You will love it for its blatant idea that it doesn't matter if your a minor or a main character, if you are in the series, your fair game.

Gundam as it should be.