Developed by Sunrise and directed by Mitsuo Fukuda, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED that aired between 2002 and 2003. It was aired in the Tokyo Broadcasting System Television and MBS TV networks, beginning a broadcast partnership with the Gundam franchise. It spawned three compilation movies and was later adapted into a manga and light novel. The series was licensed by Bandai Entertainment for broadcast in North America, and began airing in the United States and Canada in 2004.
The series was directed by Mitsuo Fukuda, with music by Toshihiko Sahashi. It is the first of the Gundam franchise set in the "Cosmic Era" in which humankind is divided between normal Earth dwelling humans, known as "Naturals", and the genetically altered super-humans known as "Coordinators". The show also inspired a spin off manga called Gundam SEED Atray.
Story wise the series use of the term Coordinator and Naturals are similar to the Newtype concept inspired by Yoshiyuki Tomino's first gundam series. Although unlike the first gundam the setting for SEED has a more futuristic “modern war” setting. I like that despite having a main cast the series also focuses on the side characters and the effect of war and death happening and effecting the other side characters as the show continues. The show focuses more on the drama aspect of the series than on the robot fights alone.
The cast of the series is surprisingly well written as we see each of the individual view points of each character and how they are effected by the plot. The series is clearly about Kira point of view but we get to see Athrun, Cagalli and all the other side characters emotional reaction with each battle and death that happened in the series. This is probably one of few gundam franchises where side characters have the same emotional impact as the main character as well due to the Gundam SEED giving enough time and care to flesh out these characters in the shows 40+ episodes. The series is clearly not just fighting robots but is also a series with character driven scenes.
Despite being made back in 2002 the series has barely showed its age in terms of quality of animation and it can still go toe to toe with the latest mech series 20 years later. The art and the mobile suit design in the series are almost timeless with the Gundam Destiny design and concept alone still making a cameo appearance of sort in the form in future gundam series like Gundam Build Divers Re: RISE very own Gundam Justice Knight. The character design are iconic and are easily identifiable when put side to side with other gundam mobile suit from other franchises.
Surprisingly this is the series is what got me back into watching gundam after a long hiatus after Gundam Wing. The story of Gundam SEED was surprisingly easier to follow for me despite the number of characters it has. Its action scenes are easier to follow. Sure the show has some serious plot armor and the dialogue between characters feels flat at times but the series still remained quite entertaining. Its not as over the top as Gundam G and yet isn’t as political driven as other earlier gundam titles.
The series has political and philosophical aspects to it but doesn’t bombard you with lengthy explanation that makes you utterly bored or gets you confused on what they are trying to show. The idea of Coordinator and naturals can be likened on how society views racist mentality yet gives it enough twist to not sound like a social propaganda and a bit more sci fi fantasy. I also like that it has some of the most memorable OP and ED theme that encapsulates the feel and emotion of the show. A feat I haven’t seen since the days of Gundam Wing.
Gundam SEED is definitely an entertaining series specially if
you are into giant robots fighting each other. It has enough story plot,
character development and political tone to make it serious without being too
dark. The action scenes are definitely well done yet still looks surprisingly
fresh despite shows age. If you are planning into getting into gundam this is a
good gateway show to get into. The series isn’t perfect but its shortcomings is
little to how much good the rest of the series it. Whether you’re a long time
gundam fan or new to the franchise this is a show that definitely you should watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment