Mobile Fighter G Gundam

Writer: Yasuhiro Imagawa
Director: Yasuhiro Imagawa
Production House: Sunrise
Review Type: Anime
Status: Completed
Genre: Mecha

Synopsis

In F.C. 60, the 13th Gundam Fight begins. Domon Kasshu pilots the Shining Gundam as the representative of Neo-Japan, the Japanese space colony. Along with his crew member Rain Mikamura, he battles the other countries' representatives in order to earn the right to rule Earth and the colonies for four years for Neo-Japan. However, Domon seems to be more concerned with finding his brother and the stolen Devil Gundam.

Chibi's Shining Comments

After Mobile Suit Victory Gundam (V Gundam) finished airing in Japan in early 1994, Bandai (and Sunrise) celebrated Gundam's 15th anniversary by trying something new, by releasing a Gundam series that is totally different from the Universal Century storyline (the original series, Z Gundam, ZZ Gundam, V Gundam, and at least 3 spin-off OAVs), ultimately creating the first Gundam series that is in an alternate universe. Over the years this trend continued in the form of Gundam X, Gundam Seed + Seed Destiny, and most recently the Gundam 00 franchise. Premiering in 1994, G Gundam was the first alternate universe series, and perhaps one of the most controversial. The backdrop of this series' alternate timeline is dubbed the 'Future Century'. Instead of having wars between the colonies and the Earth, a fighting tournament is held to determine the ruler of the colonies, and the tournament is held on Earth itself, where the participants are the countries all over the world. This aforementioned tournament is named the Gundam Fight, and is held once every four years by the United Colonies Federation. Each country has its own representative Gundam (you've got to check out Malaysia's Gundam, like seriously), and the Gundams fight in various locations on Earth until only one is left. G Gundam follows Neo Japan's representative Domon Kasshu, who is in the fight as much to win as well as fulfill his own mission of tracking down his brother who had stolen a mysterious Gundam, the Devil Gundam, from the Neo-Japan government.



The series takes a really drastic turn from the rest of the franchise. It has a number of Shonen elements to it, for instance characters possessing superhuman-speed and strength simply through martial arts training, and this can also be seen in the behavior of the main cast. Most of the Gundams in the series feature elements of super robots, such as heroic robot designs and voice activated special attacks, but there are still some that stay within the normal robot boundaries. It is through these changes coupled with the series' alternate universe setting that made G Gundam such a controversial addition to the franchise. Critics were quick to rip into the series, citing corny and melodramatic action scenes, and repeated sequences like the Shining Gundam's finishing move, to name a few.



Chibi's Shining Review

In spite of all the negative press and so many differences from all the other Gundam series that i was so used to, I decided to give this anime a shot. The result was pleasantly surprising, as this stands as one of my favourite Gundams after sitting through all 49 of its episodes. It might have been the kid in me, or i might just be biased to all things Gundam, but i honestly confess that despite it's flaws, this addition to the Gundam family has huge fun written all over it. What's not to like? A whole load of Gundams coming up with special moves while duking it out? Check. Cool looking Gundams and pilots? Check. Dark brooding hero types? Check. Finishing moves galore? Double Check. I must admit, every single criticism on this Gundam installation aren't baseless, in fact it's right on the money, but this series is what I'd like to call the best in cheesiness. If I had to watch an anime with various cliches on it, it'd be this one.




Domon Kasshu himself is a very likable character. As the brooding tortured hero, the trials and tests that he endures throughout the anime would leave the viewer wanting and asking, does Domon ever find his brother and even if he wins the Gundamn fight. The character looks so appealing in design, you just cannot help but like this guy, think Alucard from Hellsing or Vash the Stampede. Look out for the sermon he gives before finishing off the enemy and erupts into an echoing, "SHINING FINGER!!!" (Voltron anybody?). It might not be some people's cup of tea but that move gets me every time. You might think that this might get repetitive if it goes on for 49 episodes, but it's actually just the tip of the iceberg of the anime. What makes up for this is the great character development of the entire cast of the series, where each pilot has his own story to tell, or reasons to ally themselves with rival pilots, to even a greater plot unfolding in the latter stages of the series. There's even elements of a love story thrown in for good measure. In short this Gundam series does not takes itself too seriously, and would rather focus on the combination of the good aspect of Shonen animes and Gundam animes, and watch to see what happens. If you're looking for a more straightforward and lighthearted Gundam series, this one's for you. Trust me, it's a lot of fun.

Mobile Fighter G Gundam is a Japanese animated television series directed by Yasuhiro Imagawa (Giant Robo, Getter Robo Armageddon). Mobile Fighter G Gundam aired from April 1, 1994 to March 31, 1995, totaling 49 episodes. The English language version aired on the American Cartoon Network from August 5, 2002 to October 16 of the same year. Please note that the names of various mobile suits were changed for the American release.


Chibi's Review



Storyline: 3/5
Character Development: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Originality: 4/5