Mobile Suit SD Gundam: Papal's Dawn review: A fascinating story and deep character exploration

Mobile Suit SD Gundam: Papal's Dawn

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

August 22, 1991

■Release and sales

Bandai Visual

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Director

Kiyoshi Egami

■Works

© Sotsu, Sunrise

■Explanation

"Papal's Dawn Episode 103: The Bride of Suginam" In March of the 91st year of the Avanda calendar, King Dozul Pantalone of Papal is assassinated. The 300-year history of the Papal dynasty comes to an end. Princess Artesia Som Pantalone sets out on a journey with Gazuel and Gazual to avenge her father's enemies. During the journey, in the town of Suginam, Princess Artesia hears rumors of a giant man named Ji O who has a scar on his shoulder just like her father's enemy!

■ Main staff

"Papal's Dawn Episode 103: Suginamu's Bride"
Director and scriptwriter: Kiyoshi Egami Character design and animation director: Masayuki Hiraoka

■ Related works

・[MVA] 91.03.16 Warrior, Knight, Commando SD Gundam Emergency Deployment ・[MVA] 89.07.15 Mobile Suit SD Gundam Strikes Back: Storming School Festival ・[MVA] 93.03.01 SD Gundam Gaiden: The Story of the Holy Machine Soldier

Detailed evaluation and recommendation

Background and overview of the work

Mobile Suit SD Gundam: Papal's Dawn is an original animation video (OVA) released by Bandai Visual in 1991, and was produced as part of the SD Gundam series. SD Gundam is known for its cute designs that use deformed characters from the Gundam series, and is especially popular with children. This work is an original story for the anime, and is directed by Kiyoshi Egami, with character design and animation direction by Masayuki Hiraoka.

The story begins with the assassination of King Dozul Pantalone of Papal in March of the 91st year of the Avanda calendar. This assassination marks the end of the 300-year history of the Papal dynasty. Princess Artesia Som Pantalone sets out on a journey with Gazuel and Gazal to avenge her father's enemies. During the journey, in the town of Suginam, Artesia hears rumors of a large man named Ji Oh who has the same scar on his shoulder as her father's enemy. This episode is titled "Papal's Dawn Episode 103: Suginam's Bride" and is full of tension and adventure.

Characters and story

The protagonist of this work, Princess Artesia Som Pantalone, is a strong female character who overcomes the tragedy of her father's assassination and sets out on a journey of revenge. Her journey is accompanied by two loyal companions, Ghazuel and Ghazual. While Ghazuel has a calm and strategic mind, Ghazual is portrayed as a hot-blooded and skilled character in battle. The relationship and growth of these three characters is the central theme of the story.

The presence of the giant Ji Oh is also an important element that gives the story a sense of mystery and tension. The scar on his shoulder may be related to the assassin who murdered Artesia's father, further fueling her desire for revenge. Ji Oh's character draws the viewer in as his true purpose and background are revealed as the story progresses.

Visuals and animation

The SD Gundam series' distinctive deformed characters are also in full swing in this work. Character designer Masayuki Hiraoka has created designs that combine cuteness and strength, providing visual enjoyment. In particular, the dynamic movements and effects unique to SD Gundam are impressive in the battle scenes, making for visuals that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Masayuki Hiraoka's skill as animation director shows his attention to detail in the characters' expressions and movements, enriching the emotional expression of the story, while his careful depiction of the backgrounds and environments helps to immerse the viewer in the story's world.

Music and Sound

The music in this work is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the SD Gundam series. The background music expresses adventure and tension, and plays a role in enhancing the emotions of the viewer. In addition, powerful music is used in the battle scenes, and combined with the visual effects, it enhances the sense of realism.

The sound effects are also carefully designed to make the character movements and battle scenes feel more realistic. The sounds of SD Gundam's weapons and units in particular are an important element in linking with the visual information to heighten the excitement of the viewer.

From the perspective of the director and staff

Director Kiyoshi Egami has worked on many SD Gundam fan-favorite works, and from his perspective, "Papal's Dawn" is a work that respects the traditions of the series while attempting new challenges. Kiyoshi Egami's skill as a director is brilliantly reflected in the development of the story and the growth of the characters, providing viewers with excitement and emotion.

Additionally, Masayuki Hiraoka, who participated as one of the main staff members, played an important role in improving the quality of the work as a character designer and animation director. His skills and sensibilities bring out the best in SD Gundam.

Related works and the overall position of the series

"Mobile Suit SD Gundam: Papal's Dawn" is a work produced as part of the SD Gundam series, and is closely related to other related works. In particular, "Musha, Knight, Commando: SD Gundam Emergency Sortie," "Mobile Suit SD Gundam's Counterattack: Storm Calling School Festival," and "SD Gundam Gaiden: The Story of the Sacred Machine Soldier" have influenced the background and character settings of this work. By watching these works, you will be able to understand the story of "Papal's Dawn" more deeply.

As for the SD Gundam series as a whole, "Papal's Dawn" is an important work that continues the history and tradition of the series while introducing new storylines and characters. It is a must-watch episode for fans of the series.

Recommendations and ratings

"Mobile Suit SD Gundam: The Dawn of Papal" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the SD Gundam series, but also to viewers experiencing the Gundam series for the first time. In particular, the story centered on the themes of adventure and revenge will provide viewers with excitement and emotion. In addition, the deformed characters and dynamic battle scenes provide visual enjoyment, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

The film's reputation can be attributed to the fact that all elements are of a high standard, including the development of the story, character growth, the quality of the visuals and animation, the music and sound effects, etc. In particular, the techniques and sensibilities of director Kiyoshi Egami and character designer and animation director Masayuki Hiraoka are noteworthy for bringing out the best in the film.

Overall, Mobile Suit SD Gundam: The Dawn of Papal is a must-see for fans of the SD Gundam series, and will be a great entry point for viewers new to the Gundam series. We hope you'll give it a watch and enjoy the world of SD Gundam.