MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00: Season 1

GUNDAM 00, Season 1 - Vol. 1
GUNDAM 00, Season 1 – Vol. 1

For a long time, when asked what distinguishes Gundam from other mecha series, my standard, only half-joking answer has been: “It’s not truly a Gundam series unless one side threatens to drop a colony onto Earth and/or someone dons the ‘Char mask.’”

While those two plot staples don’t take place during its episodes, the first season of Mobile Suit Gundam 00 changes things up in some ways that are even more significant.

Gundam 00 is a major departure from its predecessors because it is the first animated series in the Gundam franchise to be set in the real-world Anno Domini (A.D.) timeline.

It was a gutsy decision by the creative team. It required them to incorporate extrapolations of many of today’s conflicts and rivalries into its story in a much more direct way.

It also makes it more challenging for viewers, as knowledge of recent world events is both assumed and required.  In addition to the expected mobile suits, Haro units, secret identities, honorable adversaries, and Newtype-style “super soldiers,” the socio-economic ramifications of a future energy crisis set the story into motion. Centuries-old conflicts in the Middle East and Europe cast their shadows over two of the Gundam pilots’ personal histories. And terrorist attacks figure prominently in the on- and off-screen action.

Ultimately, to keep the franchise relevant, I feel this intersection between Gundam and real life had to happen at some point.

If you’re game – and aren’t expecting it to be purely escapist fare – you’ll find Gundam 00: Season 1 both entertaining and thought-provoking, whether viewed as a standalone entry or a ramp up to its 25-episode sequel season and theatrical movie. ★

More Info:

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00, Season 1
Episodes 1-25
Vintage: 2007-2009 (Japan)
© 2007-2009 SOTSU, SUNRISE, MBS

Full copyright:
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00 © 2007-2009 SOTSU, SUNRISE, MBS

North American Releases

GUNDAM 00, Season 1 - Vol. 2
GUNDAM 00, Season 1 – Vol. 2

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00, Season 1
Pt. 1 DVD
Episodes 1-9
N.A. Release: July 21, 2009
Format: DVD (Regular & Special Editions)
Bandai Entertainment

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00, Season 1
Pt. 2 DVD
Episodes 10-17
N.A. Release: Sept. 29, 2009
Format: DVD (Regular & Special Editions)
Bandai Entertainment

 

GUNDAM 00, Season 1 - Vol. 3
GUNDAM 00, Season 1 – Vol. 3

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00, Season 1
Pt. 3 DVD
Episodes 18-25
N.A. Release: Dec. 1, 2009
Format: DVD (Regular & Special Editions)
Bandai Entertainment