Gundam: The Origin Compilation Films – A New Look at a Classic Story
Image Credit: Gundam.info
It’s 2024, and Gundam is still going strong. Even after over four decades, the story of giant mechas and political space drama continues to capture imaginations. Now, with the release of the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin compilation films, both old-school fans and newcomers are in for a treat.
But why should you care about this? Well, if you’re into epic sagas of war, ambition, and deeply human motivations, Gundam has all of that – plus mechs. A lot of mechs.
Char Aznable: The Real Star of the Show
If you’ve ever dabbled in Gundam, you’ve probably heard of Char Aznable. He’s basically the Darth Vader of the Gundam universe. His story is one of transformation – from Casval Rem Deikun, the son of a revolutionary leader, to the legendary masked “Red Comet.” And this Gundam: The Origin series? It’s all about that journey.
Char’s development isn’t just some space-age drama; it’s a deep dive into the psyche of a man molded by tragedy, loss, and revenge. If you're like me and enjoy watching a character evolve (and maybe spiral into morally grey territory), then these films promise to deliver that intensity without all the filler episodes.
Why Compilation Films?
Here’s the thing – Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin originally aired as a six-part OVA series. But now, we’re getting the streamlined, cliff-notes version in these compilation films. Think of it as a highlight reel of the best moments, carefully curated to give you the essentials, minus the fluff. Whether you missed the OVAs or just want to re-experience the rise of Char Aznable in a more digestible format, this is your chance.
It’s perfect if you’re new to Gundam but don’t want to wade through the ocean of content the franchise has accumulated over the years. These films take the complexity of the One Year War and Char’s origin story, wrapping it into something you can binge-watch in a single weekend.
What’s the Buzz?
Fans are excited, and for good reason. The Origin storyline dives deep into the political machinations that shaped the Universal Century timeline, which is the timeline in the Gundam universe. Plus, there’s a lot of emotional weight here. You don’t just watch mobile suits clashing in space; you watch characters struggling with personal and political conflicts.
Char’s rise is set against the backdrop of Zeon’s rebellion and the creation of mobile suits like the Zaku, which ultimately changed the tide of warfare. It’s a story that mixes the personal with the grandiose, making you care just as much about character arcs as the space battles.
A Modern Look for a Classic Story
The compilation films also serve as a modernization of the original story. While the OVA already looked fantastic, these films are another opportunity to see the Gundam universe in updated animation, with sharper visuals and refined storytelling. It’s like watching a classic rock band perform a remastered version of your favorite song – familiar, yet fresh.
So, if you’ve never explored the world of Gundam or you’re looking for a reason to re-engage, the Gundam: The Origin compilation films might be the perfect gateway. You’ll get to experience the political drama, the emotional stakes, and of course, the jaw-dropping mecha battles that have made Gundam a cornerstone of anime for decades.
The Gundam: The Origin compilation films are scheduled to release starting on September 13, 2024. These films will condense the original six-part OVA series, which aired from 2015 to 2018, into a more streamlined format. While specific dates for subsequent films after September 13 haven't been disclosed in full yet, the first release kicks off this month, and others are likely to follow soon after in 2024.