Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ: A new perspective and review

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ: A new chapter in the Universal Century

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is a TV anime series that aired from 1986 to 1987, and is a work that holds a unique position among the Gundam series. This work is a direct sequel to Mobile Suit Z Gundam, and depicts the story in the year 0088 of the Universal Century. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is set in the Universal Century year 0088 and depicts the battle between AEUG and Neo Zeon. After the civil war ended with AEUG's victory, the Earth Federation government worked to rebuild, but Neo Zeon once again plotted to take control of the Earth Sphere and launched an invasion. In the midst of this, a young boy named Judau Ashta awakens as a Newtype and begins fighting alongside AEUG.

Broadcast information

• Media : TV anime series
• Original Media : Anime original
• Broadcast period : March 1, 1986 - January 31, 1987
• Broadcast time : Every Saturday from 17:30 to 18:00
• Broadcasting station : Nagoya TV
• Duration : 30 minutes
• Episode count : 47
• Original story : Original story by Hajime Yatate, Original story by Yoshiyuki Tomino
• Director : General Director/Yoshiyuki Tomino
• Produced by Nagoya TV, Sotsu Agency, Nippon Sunrise
• Copyright : © Sotsu, Sunrise

story

In the year Universal Century 0088, the battle between AEUG and Titans ended with AEUG's victory, but the damage was great and the Earth Sphere was exhausted. Meanwhile, Neo Zeon plots to take control of the Earth Sphere and launches a full-scale invasion. AEUG's remaining forces are few and an uphill battle is expected, but a young boy named Judau Ashta awakens as a Newtype and shows great courage. Thanks to his efforts, the battle is brought to a close.

Commentary

After the end of the broadcast of Mobile Suit Z Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ was broadcast in the same time slot for about a year, depicting the conclusion of the battle between AEUG and Neo Zeon. When it first began broadcasting, it made heavy use of dialogue that prominently featured gags, and to strengthen the robot anime feel, the main mecha had a combination transformation mechanism. In addition, the pilots of the main mecha were energetic children, and by eliminating the image of AEUG as a military personnel, it aimed to break away from the heavy and serious line of the previous work. However, in the second half, the number of tragic depictions increased, and the story gradually took a harder turn.

cast

• Judau Ashta/Yao Kazuki
• Bright Noah/Hirotaka Suzuoki
• Rina Ashta/Maya Okamoto
• Eno Abbab/Masami Kikuchi
• Beecha Oleg/Shingo Hiromori
• Mondo Agake/Kouzo Shioya
• El Vianno/Eriko Hara
• Lou Luca/Naoko Matsui
• Haman Karn/Ryoko Sakakibara
• Mashymre Cello/Kenyu Horiuchi
• Gotton Go / Koji Toya
• Cara Soon/Hazuki Monma
• Glemmy Toto/Tsutomu Kashiwakura
• Elpeo Ple/Honda Chieko

Main Staff

• Planning: Nippon Sunrise
• Original story/Hajime Yatate
• Original work by Yoshiyuki Tomino
• Character design: Hiroyuki Kitazume
• Mechanical base design: Makoto Kobayashi, Yutaka Izubuchi
• Mechanical design: Shindosha, Mika Akitaka (episodes 12-47)
• Design cooperation: Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Kunio Okawara, Kazumi Fujita
• Art by Shigemi Ikeda
• Mechanical animation director: Yoshihisa Uchida
• Director of photography: Akio Saito
• Edited by Yumiko Fuse (Inoue Editorial Office)
• Sound Director: Sadayoshi Fujino
• Music by Shigeaki Saegusa
• General Director: Yoshiyuki Tomino
• Producers: Toshikazu Kamiya (Nagoya TV), Mitsushige Inagaki (SOTSU Agency), Kenji Uchida (Nippon Sunrise)

subtitle

• Episode 1/Prelude ZZ
• Episode 2: The Boy from Shangri-La
• Episode 3: The Knight of Endora
• Episode 4: Hot-blooded Mashymre
• Episode 5: Judau's Determination
• Episode 6: The Threat of Zusa
• Episode 7: Storm in Gaza
• Episode 8: The Requiem Bell Rings Twice
• Episode 9: Judau in Space
• Episode 10: Goodbye Fa
• Episode 11: Start! Double Zeta
• Episode 12: Lina has disappeared
• Episode 13: Little Sister!
• Episode 14: The Phantom Colony (Part 1)
• Episode 15: The Phantom Colony (Part 2)
• Episode 16: Argama's Hand-to-Hand Combat
• Episode 17: Recapture the Core Top!
• Episode 18: Haman's Dark Shadow
• Episode 19: Puru and Axis
• Episode 20: Crybaby Cecilia (Part 1)
• Episode 21: Crybaby Cecilia (Part 2)
• Episode 22: Judau sets out!!
• Episode 23: Burning Earth
• Episode 24: Brotherly Love Blooms in the South Seas
• Episode 25: Rommel's Face
• Episode 26: The Masai Spirit
• Episode 27: Lina's Blood (Part 1)
• Episode 28: Lina's Blood (Part 2)
• Episode 29: Lou's Escape
• Episode 30: Blue Squad (Part 1)
• Episode 31: Blue Force (Part 2)
• Episode 32: Beyond the Salt Lake
• Episode 33: Dublin Afternoon
• Episode 34 / Kamille's Voice
• Episode 35: The Fallen Sky
• Episode 36: Puru Two Under Gravity
• Episode 37: Nahel Argama
• Episode 38: Jamul Finn, the Iron Wall
• Episode 39: Sarasa Returns
• Episode 40: Tiger Baum's Dream
• Episode 41: Lasara's Life
• Episode 42: The Girl from Core 3 (Part 1)
• Episode 43: The Girl from Core 3 (Part 2)
• Episode 44: Emery's Fall
• Episode 45: Battle of Axis
• Episode 46: Vibration
• Episode 47: The Warrior Returns...

Evaluation and Impressions

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is one of the Gundam series that has received particularly mixed reviews. The early comedy elements and the exploits of children may seem strange to traditional Gundam fans. However, this work had a major impact on subsequent Gundam series. In particular, the story of Judau Ashta's growth and the deepening of the concept of Newtypes have been carried over to later works. Also, characters such as Haman Karn and Mashymre Cello are very popular among fans.

The serious developments in the second half will satisfy fans of the previous work, "Z Gundam." In particular, the confrontation scene between Judau and Haman is remembered as one of the most impressive scenes in the Gundam series. In addition, the wonderful music by Shigeaki Saegusa adds excitement to the story and captures the hearts of viewers.

Recommended points

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is recommended not only for fans of the Gundam series, but also for those who like robot anime and science fiction anime. Here are some recommended points:

• Judau Ashta's coming-of-age story : Judau's journey from boy to warrior is inspiring to viewers. His awakening as a Newtype and the change in his fighting style are emblematic of the themes of the Gundam series.
• The charm of Haman Karn : Haman Karn, the leader of Neo Zeon, is a cold-hearted leader, but also a character with human appeal. Her presence enhances the entire story.
• Evolution of Mecha Design : The mecha designs, including the Double Zeta Gundam, are a step forward from the traditional Gundam series and provide a visual treat.
• Wonderful music : Shigeaki Saegusa's music not only enhances the storyline, but also leaves a deep impression on viewers. The ending theme "Silent Voice" in particular is loved by many fans.
• The serious developments in the second half : The serious developments in the second half, which are a complete change from the gag elements in the early part, have the power to draw the viewer in. In particular, the confrontation scene between Judau and Haman is a must-see.

Related works and viewing order

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is a direct sequel to Mobile Suit Z Gundam, so we recommend watching Z Gundam first. The sequel, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack, is also an important related work. Watching these works in order will give you a deeper understanding of the Universal Century story.

summary

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is a unique work in the Gundam series, with a variety of appeals, from the comedy elements of the early period to the serious developments of the latter half. Judau Ashta's growth story, the charm of Haman Karn, and the wonderful mecha design and music will deeply move viewers. This work is recommended not only for fans of the Gundam series, but also for those who like robot anime and science fiction anime. Please watch this work and experience a new chapter in the Universal Century.