Anime Review #1: G Gundam Episode 1

G Gundam Episode 1: Gundam Fight Begins! The Gundam That Fell to Earth

I have decided to go back into the annals of the Gundam series in order to find a show that I felt would be interesting to review. After recently finishing Build Fighters Try (which you should definitely watch),  Mobile Fighter G Gundam seemed like a good idea.

G Gundam served as a reboot of sorts for the Gundam franchise as it strayed from the previously established "Universal Century" timeline, and created its own "Future Century" timeline. This incarnation of the Gundam series brought big changes to the 'formula' of the show.

In this Future Century, we see that Earth has basically become a battlefield and playground for the rich and affluent who live in space. In this universe, there exists tournaments where each country sends their representative to fight in Gundam suits. The purpose of this tournament is to decide who rules space.

As the episode opens, we learn that all of the Gundam fighters are supposed to be in their own country, but a mobile suit lands in the dilapidated streets of Neo Italy. Then we see all of the citizens begin to evacuate the city. After the people left, we see a man on a balcony laughing at the sight of the Gundam lying in the streets. Later we learn this to be the Gundam Fighter of Neo Italy, Michelo Chariot, the infamous mafia boss.

In an empty bar in the town, we are introduced to a mysterious cloaked stranger. In this bar he orders a drink, but also asks the bartender if he has seen the man that is in the picture he has.

the picture

In the same bar, the man meets three children who are scavenging around town. This man saves the children from people from Chariot's gang, who were trying to steal the jewels and money that the children had found. After this happens, the man is taken by the remaining police who had stayed behind. Here we find out that the man is a tourist from Neo Japan, named Domon Kasshu. During his short stay in prison, he is interrogated by a police inspector named Belcino, who seems to especially despise Gundam Fighters. After a short session, Kasshu is bailed out by his travelling partner and Gundam mechanic, Rain Mikamura. While walking, Rain returns Domon's passport to him, which he goes on to rip. This part interested me as it showed to me that he does not want to have ties to his country, or that he wants to travel free without being associated with anything else.

While walking, the pair spot the children from earlier. The little girl who Domon saved, Sophia, give him a baguette as thanks. Rain comments on how they are alone and should go back to their parents, the children respond that their parents had passed away in the previous Fighter tournament. Once hearing this, Rain says that the children should stay with them for the night. 

The group then reach an abandoned hotel where everything seems fine until the arm of the Neo Italian Neros Gundam busts through the wall and takes the young Sophia. Michelo says to Domon that if he wants the girl to be safe he has to fight him alone. He then attacks the group with the Neros Gundam. 

Domon then goes to fight Chariot. When Kasshu arrives, Chariot sends out his goons, who Domon quickly take care of. Then Domon Kasshu finally goes into his own Gundam suit to fight the Neros Gundam and Michelo Chariot. What happens next is something that I really enjoy, the transformation scene that Domon has is very... interesting to say the least. It almost looks like he is wrapped in either spandex, cling wrap or some sort of putty. Visually, it is a very interesting scene to say the least.

... yea

Transformations aside, I really enjoyed the Gundam fight. The Shining Gundam was very cool to watch. Kasshu's style really reminded me of Sekai Kamiki from Build Fighters Try. His (Domon) martial arts style is a very different way of fighting than the laser gun, laser sword, or far distance style of fighting. In the end, Domon defeated Michelo. He also managed to win the heart of the Gundam hating Belcino by sacrificing himself to protect the investigator. 

Shining versus Neros

This episode was an ok introduction to the world of the 'Future Century'. I personally enjoyed the ride that this show took me on. There were many sub plots and questions that were laid into the groundwork, such as the man in Domon's picture, the Gundam Tournaments, and also why the people in space moved there, and make decisions with the tournament.

My Rating: 7 shining hands out of 10