Kidô senshi Z Gundam

When I first saw Zeta Gundam at Fry's I had already heard good things about it. I bought it because I'm a huge gundam fan and expected a lot from it. What I saw surpassed my expectations.

Bad stuff the is that at times it will be confusing to those who haven't seen the original gundam and have only watched Gundam SEED G Gundam, and Gundam Wing. The animations more then 20 years but who cares it still holds up. The English voice actors suck as well.

Good stuff it has a great storyline, excellent characters, awesome mecha designs, great pacing, and some of the best action sequences. The music is also very catchy. If your a long time gundam fan you should buy this series. You won't be disappointed.

Z Gundam is an excellent Gundam series, and considered among fans to be the best and most serious. Unlike Gundam Wing or G Gundam (which debuted on Cartoon Network) this one takes place in the same "universe" as the original Gundam (which was also on Cartoon Network for a time). It is 8 years after the war against Zeon, but during this time, the Earth Federation has become corrupt. In fear of other Zeon-like uprisings, they create a police force known as the Titans. However, the Titans are mere bullies, and the law doesn't apply to them (think the Nazi SS during WWII). A rebel faction, the Anti-Earth Union Group(AEUG) are the good guys in this series.

Among the AEUG is ace pilot Quatro Bagina, (who is really a disguised Char Aznable, villain from the original Gundam), and 17-year old Camille Vidan, who is the main character of this series. Camille is a powerful Newtype, and what happens to him and his family in the first few episodes will prove to you how dark this show is. Even Amuro Ray returns and plays a big role in Z Gundam. The best part? ZZ Gundam, which has a whole new set of characters and takes place one day after Z Gundam ends, begins.

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.

If you are a fan of any facet of the Gundam universe, this series is for you. If you like animation, then this series is for you. If you like good stories, this series is for you. Zeta Gundam is the dark, powerful, emotional, and completely enjoyable follow up to the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam TV series. Like it's predecessor, the show orbits around conflict between space colonies and the earth that bore them, the politics of war, and the struggles of a young man growing up in hazardous times. Unlike it's predecessor, it is a much darker, more violent and serious show.

Zeta is not the most innovative shows around, but it is certainly one of the most powerful. Some of the scenes are heartbreaking, others are uplifting, but the 'good guys' certainly have a dark cloud hanging over them the whole time. The animation is very 80s, not a bad thing, but it is pretty dated. Still, for it's time, many of the mobile suit battles come across as exciting and dynamic (more so than most of the new series), and the characters are all distinct, so there's no mixing them up because they all look so similar as in many other animes. The plot is top-notch, and will keep you interested--but not at the edge of your set--through the entire series. The last six episodes are some of the best in Gundam as a whole.

Recommended to pretty much everyone, but especially Gundam fans; Zeta Gundam may be the series finest installment.