Mobile Suit Gundam SEED CE73 STARGAZER review: What's the new appeal of the series?

"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED CE73 STARGAZER": Between the dream of space and reality

"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED CE73 STARGAZER" is a three-episode short animation that was distributed on the Bandai Channel in 2006 as part of the Gundam SEED series. This work depicts the story of people who are torn between their dreams of space and reality, and is a work that condenses the appeal of the Gundam series. Below, we will provide a detailed review and recommendation of this work.

Story and Themes

The story of "STARGAZER" begins with the tragedy of the fall of Junius Seven by ZAFT in the year 73 CE. This incident left deep scars on the Earth, forcing many people to live in fear and confusion. Meanwhile, Selene McGriff, an engineer at the Deep Space Exploration and Development Organization (DSSD), and Sven Cal Bayan, a pilot of the Earth Alliance's Phantom Pain, appear. They each look at the universe from different perspectives and search for their own future.

Selene is involved in the development of a pure white mobile suit called the GSX-401FW Stargazer, and dreams of space. Meanwhile, Sven was raised to be a ruthless fighting machine, and stands on the battlefield harboring hatred for the Coordinators. Their gazes do not overlap, and the stars are not yet in sight, but the story depicts their growth and change.

The theme of this work is "living between dreams and reality." Selene's dream of space and Sven's reality on the battlefield intersect, and the story ultimately depicts how they confront each other and grow. It also continues to depict the major theme of the Gundam SEED series, the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators, providing deep insight.

character

Each character in STARGAZER has their own unique background and struggles, which are an important element in deepening the story.

Selene McGriff

Selene is a 28-year-old woman who works as a coordinator at the DSSD Technology Development Center. She is a strong-willed woman who spares no effort and will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. However, she is also criticized for being self-centered. Her character has become even stronger since she lost her parents in a space accident, and she has such a passion for space that her current lover is described as a celestial body beyond the orbit of Mars. Sayaka Ohara's voice acting perfectly expresses Selene's strength and fragility.

Swen Karu Bayan

Sven is a 20-year-old man who is a Natural and a member of the Earth Alliance Phantom Pain. He lost his parents in an accident when he was young, and received elite training in an orphanage as a combat soldier in the Coordinator annihilation war. As a result, he has become a cold-hearted, ruthless fighting machine with a strong hatred for Coordinators. Daisuke Ono's voice acting realistically portrays Sven's ruthlessness and inner conflict.

Sol Lune Lange

Sol is a 16-year-old male who serves as a test pilot for the GSX-401FW Stargazer as a first-generation coordinator. He also lost his parents in a space accident and lives with his uncle, Edmond Duclos. He has a brother-sister relationship with Selene, and is trying to find answers by following the same path as his parents. Jun Fukuyama's voice acting brings out Sol's youth and innocence.

Edmond Duclos

Edmond is a 37-year-old man who is a Natural and serves as the Deputy Head of Security at the DSSD Technology Development Center. He served as an army officer in the Earth Alliance during the last war, and after his sister and her husband died in an accident, he took in and raised their son. He has a strong sense of responsibility and is caring, and his experience as a former professional soldier has given him a strong grudge against ZAFT. Nakata Jouji's voice acting expresses Edmond's sense of responsibility and kindness.

Mudie Holcroft

Mudie is an 18-year-old woman who serves as a Natural mobile suit pilot for the Phantom Pain. She was also orphaned at a young age and was trained in an orphanage as a soldier to fight against the Coordinators. She has an eccentric personality and is ruthless in annihilation of the enemy in battle. Rina Sato's voice acting portrays Mudie's eccentricity and the ruthlessness of her battles.

Shams Khoza

Shamus is a 19-year-old male who serves as a Natural mobile suit pilot for The Phantom Pain. He was also orphaned at a young age and was trained in an orphanage as a soldier to fight against the Coordinators. He is sarcastic and pilots a mobile suit that excels at long-range artillery combat. The voice acting of Hiroshi Kamiya and Mamoru Miyano brings out Shamus' sarcasm and combat skill.

Mechanics and battle scenes

The mechanics of "STARGAZER" are an important element that enhances the appeal of the Gundam series. In particular, the GSX-401FW Stargazer is depicted as a non-combat mobile suit equipped with an interplanetary propulsion system called the Voiture Lumiere, and its beauty and functionality stand out. The mobile suits in "The Phantom Pain" also have designs and performance that reflect the characteristics of each pilot, adding excitement to the battle scenes.

The battle scenes revolve around the conflict between Selene and Sven, depicting the realism of the battlefield from the perspectives of both characters. In particular, the battle scene between Stargazer and Strike Noir beautifully depicts technological advances and tactical maneuvers, adding depth to the story along with its visual impact.

Music and theme song

The music for "STARGAZER" was composed by Megumi Ohashi and plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the theme song "STARGAZER ~The Door to the Stars~" was written and sung by Satori Negishi, and expresses the feelings of the characters who are torn between their dreams of space and reality. With its beautiful melody and lyrics that symbolize the theme of the story, this song will resonate deeply with viewers.

Production Staff

The production staff of "STARGAZER" play an important role in supporting the quality of the Gundam series. Director Nishizawa Susumu uses meticulous direction and visual expression to depict the story's themes and character growth. Additionally, screenwriter Morita Shigeru delves deeply into the backgrounds and conflicts of the characters, constructing a story that evokes empathy in the viewer. Character designer Onuki Kenichi and mechanical designers Okawara Kunio, Yamane Kimitoshi, B-Craft, and Fujioka Kenki provide designs that bring out the appeal of each character and mechanical.

Related works and entire series

"STARGAZER" is positioned as part of the Gundam SEED series and has deep connections to other works. In particular, "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" and "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY" are important works for understanding the background of the story and the relationships between the characters. In addition, the "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED ASTRAY" series depicts the detailed settings of DSSD and The Phantom Pain, which helps to deepen understanding of "STARGAZER".

As a series, Gundam SEED centers on the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators and explores themes such as war and peace, humanity and the evolution of technology, of which STARGAZER is a part. Throughout the series, viewers can delve deeply into these themes and follow the growth and changes of the characters.

Recommendation

"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED CE73 STARGAZER" is highly recommended not only for fans of the Gundam series, but also for viewers who are interested in the story of people who live between the dreams of space and reality. Although it is a short series of only three episodes, it is packed with deep themes, fascinating characters, beautiful battle scenes and mechanics, and beautiful music.

In particular, the theme of "living between dreams and reality" depicted through the contrast between Selene and Sven will give viewers deep empathy and insight. Also, by watching it in conjunction with other works in the Gundam SEED series, you can gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment.

This work is distributed on the Bandai Channel and can be easily viewed. If you want to discover new charms of the Gundam series, or if you want to experience the story of people who are torn between their dreams of space and reality, be sure to check out "STARGAZER."