

#REALISTIC GUNDAM COCKPIT SERIES#
This analysis never takes the foreground of any series of Gundam, but remains a steady undercurrent that helps to flesh characters out further, deal with real-world issues, and empowers the plots presented.įor example, in the world of the original series, Mobile Suit Gundam, as well as its direct sequels such as Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, space exploration has led to a slight divergence in the evolutionary paths of humans. In addition to the technological changes brought about by the transition to outer space, characters in Gundam must often deal with changes to human interactions, society, or physiology in response to the changed environment. However, the Gundam series analyzes the implications of living in space in a unique and powerful way. With roots deep in the science fiction genre, it comes as no surprise to hear of the prominence of space exploration and colonization. Space Colonization as Socio-Cultural Critique When humans moved en masse to the stars, the migration wrought many changes on society. Believable technology is only a side-effect of great story writing, and not a centerpiece to the work. However, it must be noted that while Mobile Fighter G Gundam and other exceptions may include technology, such as the motion sensitive, virtual-reality controls of the eponymous Gundam, that couldn’t exist in reality, that technology will always be internally consistent to the anime, keeping with the two tenants described above. Some notable exceptions exist to this rule, such as the Gundam designs of Mobile Fighter G Gundam, where the control scheme of each Gundam diverges sharply from the cockpit-style of previous entries. There is a caveat to this particular note which must be explored further. As such, technology tends only to be capable of so much, and the characters of the show must compensate, either by creating something better or finding a non-technological solution. The anime wishes to dissect and examine the ability of individual characters to grow and overcome impossible odds for the betterment of all. This plot device is useful in its own right for furthering the story, but plays into the second, larger point of realistic technology: the focus of the show is on the ability of humans, and not on the capacity of technology. When the protagonist realizes that his Gundam is almost out of fuel, the audience knows there isn’t likely to be a miraculous reserve tank or other intervention. Firstly, technological limitations are meant to prevent Deus Ex Machina moments and create tension. This is no happenstance gimmick, and is an important part of the Gundam themes for two reasons. In fact, much of Gundam technology is borrowed or adapted from the work of contemporary scientists, such as the O’Neill Cylinder, a integral part of space-faring technology in several series of Gundam. A careful observer of the anime can learn the precise locations of controls in the cockpit while watching an episode of Gundam, or look into understanding the complex Minovsky physics referenced several times as the centerpiece of most Gundam technology. Most core Gundam entries are set in detailed universes with precise technological limitations and expectations. Believable Technology An example of Gundam controls in Mobile Suit Gundam 00, as shown in the anime.

As such, no matter which series one chooses to begin with, here are some things a new viewer can expect in nearly every iteration of the franchise… 10. However, for all of the innovation that each new series brings to the tried-and-true Mecha anime style, Gundam still holds some true-to-form and long standing tropes and traits, and each new series holds closely the promises of the original series, connecting with the struggles of a young adult coming into a troubled world.
#REALISTIC GUNDAM COCKPIT TV#
Now, thirty-six years later, as Gundam Build Fighters Try rounds out another in a steady stream of promising, powerful space epics, any newcomers to the franchise may feel intimidated by the overwhelming amount of content, from the dozens of TV Series, to the additional supporting movies and universe-expanding OVAs, to the mangas and novel that detail events more clearly. Mobile Suit Gundam began its run as an anime in the distant year of 1979, bringing the stinging political examination and touching coming-of-age story of Yoshiyuki Tomino to a beautiful hand-drawn animation style. Gundam for Newcomers: Traits To Look Forward To
